Potter County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Potter County, Pennsylvania is 16,276 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $59,840, the median home value is $146,200, and the median age is 48.2.
The population of Potter County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (17,451 → 15,993), a -0.62% annualized rate.
16,276
Population
-0.62%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$59,840
Median Income
$146,200
Median Home Value
Potter County covers 1,081 sq mi of land at 15.1 people per square mile.
About Potter County, PA
Potter County skews on age — the median resident is 48.2, older than the national median. With 16,276 residents, Potter County is a county in Pennsylvania.
The typical household here earns about $59,840, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $146,200, with typical rent around $767.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 9.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Potter County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Potter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Potter County had a population of 17,451 in 2010 and 15,993 in 2024, a -8.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,556 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.
15,993
Population (2024)
17,451
Population (2010)
17,556
Peak (2012)
-0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,451 |
| 2011 | 17,448 |
| 2012 | 17,556 |
| 2013 | 17,446 |
| 2014 | 17,183 |
| 2015 | 17,078 |
| 2016 | 16,953 |
| 2017 | 16,839 |
| 2018 | 16,626 |
| 2019 | 16,545 |
| 2020 | 16,387 |
| 2021 | 16,318 |
| 2022 | 16,203 |
| 2023 | 16,040 |
| 2024 | 15,993 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.2
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
25.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 25.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,840$-16,241 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,947 |
| Per-capita income | $31,841 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Potter County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
6.7%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
24.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,200$-94,300 vs state
Median home value
$767
Median rent
80.2%
Homeownership rate
12,375
Total housing units
54.6%
Occupied
45.4%
Vacant
19.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
28.0%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
17.8%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
17.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Potter County, Pennsylvania has a population of 16,276 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Potter County has declined 8.4% since 2010 (17,451 → 15,993), a -0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Potter County, Pennsylvania is $59,840, with mean (average) household income of $74,947 and per-capita income of $31,841. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Potter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Potter County, Pennsylvania is 48.2 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Potter County is $146,200 and median monthly rent is $767. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,375 total housing units, 45.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Potter County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Potter County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
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Statewide data for Pennsylvania
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Pennsylvania
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.