Elk County, Pennsylvania Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Elk County is located in Pennsylvania with a total population of 30,703. It is the 59th most populous county out of 67 in Pennsylvania. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Elk County is 48.5 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 40.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Elk County is $64,103. This is 16% lower than the state median of $76,081. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%. This is 23% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. The unemployment rate is 6.2%. This is 18% higher than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $128,600. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $240,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Elk County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Elk County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.0%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 10.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 8.4%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.7%.

Education

19.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 34.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.5%.