Metro areas in Pennsylvania: income, rent and home values
Pennsylvania has 16 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Philadelphia, PA with 6.3 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Philadelphia, PA ($95,683). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Johnstown, PA (26.0%) and the largest in Reading, PA (34.7%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Harrisburg, PA (+3.5%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 6,329,118 | $95,683 | $1,638 | $395,900 | 30.6% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2,421,992 | $78,172 | $1,150 | $240,000 | 29.0% |
| Allentown, PA | 887,615 | $90,147 | $1,542 | $353,900 | 31.1% |
| Harrisburg, PA | 617,427 | $86,837 | $1,349 | $285,100 | 28.2% |
| Scranton, PA | 574,418 | $67,492 | $1,149 | $225,600 | 29.7% |
| Lancaster, PA | 563,159 | $87,505 | $1,456 | $351,900 | 27.9% |
| York, PA | 473,197 | $93,337 | $1,351 | $289,500 | 29.0% |
| Reading, PA | 440,072 | $82,220 | $1,376 | $307,100 | 34.7% |
| Erie, PA | 265,832 | $59,684 | $1,000 | $192,700 | 28.7% |
| Chambersburg, PA | 160,652 | $76,449 | $1,085 | $294,800 | 30.3% |
| State College, PA | 157,393 | $74,675 | $1,284 | $364,000 | 34.0% |
| Lebanon, PA | 146,380 | $82,607 | $1,260 | $305,400 | 27.6% |
| Johnstown, PA | 128,968 | $57,518 | $736 | $140,100 | 26.0% |
| Altoona, PA | 119,541 | $70,074 | $792 | $178,100 | 27.3% |
| Williamsport, PA | 112,587 | $67,193 | $924 | $220,500 | 27.7% |
| Gettysburg, PA | 107,594 | $85,915 | $1,196 | $312,700 | 28.4% |
Includes 2 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Pennsylvania at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Pennsylvania for renters?+
Johnstown, PA, where renters spend a median 26.0% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Pennsylvania has the highest income?+
Philadelphia, PA, with a median household income of $95,683 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Pennsylvania?+
16 metropolitan statistical areas in Pennsylvania have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.