Erie, PA Census Data
The 5th largest city in Pennsylvania by population · 10 cities ranked
Erie is the 5th largest city in Pennsylvania by population and ranks 10th of 10 for median household income. With 94,156 residents, its poverty rate of 24.6% ranks among the higher rates in Pennsylvania. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
94,156
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
34.9
3.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$43,397
$35,141 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.3%
12.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.8%
Poverty Rate
24.6%
12.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.9%
Broadband Access
90.8%
1.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$108,200
Median rent: $836 · 53% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
Labor force participation: 54.1%
Per Capita Income
$30,795
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.5%
Disability rate: 17.9%
How Erie Compares to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Rankings among all 10 Pennsylvania cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 5th of 10 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 8th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Erie, PA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Erie, PA?
The population of Erie, PA is 94,156 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.9 years.
What is the median household income in Erie?
The median household income in Erie, PA is $43,397, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $30,795.
What is the poverty rate in Erie?
The poverty rate in Erie, PA is 24.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Erie residents have a college degree?
22.3% of adults (25+) in Erie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Erie?
The median home value in Erie, PA is $108,200. Median rent is $836 per month, with 53% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Erie?
Erie's population is 68.8% White, 16.1% Black, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Erie rank among Pennsylvania cities?
Erie is the 5th largest city in Pennsylvania by population, the 10th highest for median household income, the 8th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 10 ranked Pennsylvania cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Erie?
The unemployment rate in Erie, PA is 7.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.1%. Per capita income is $30,795.
Cities Similar to Erie
Other Pennsylvania cities with comparable population and income levels.