West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania has a total population of 5,156, the 262nd largest city in Pennsylvania, with a median household income of $46,968, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x.
- Unemployment rate of 8.5% is notably above the national average.
West Hazleton borough Quick Facts
How West Hazleton borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 43 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Hazleton borough Rankings in Pennsylvania
Explore Pennsylvania Rankings
Other Cities in Luzerne County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre city | 44,217 | $47,970 | 21.1% | $108,000 |
| Hazleton city | 29,886 | $43,379 | 27.0% | $129,000 |
| Kingston borough | 13,333 | $53,885 | 19.3% | $164,200 |
| Nanticoke city | 10,610 | $60,340 | 17.7% | $103,800 |
| Pittston city | 7,618 | $47,525 | 22.7% | $114,900 |
| Plymouth borough | 5,761 | $42,348 | 21.4% | $85,400 |
| Exeter borough | 5,514 | $49,432 | 12.8% | $132,500 |
| Duryea borough | 5,054 | $64,028 | 21.4% | $142,900 |
| Swoyersville borough | 5,014 | $67,558 | 9.7% | $137,000 |
| Edwardsville borough | 4,917 | $50,046 | 24.0% | $114,200 |
Cities Similar to West Hazleton borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California borough | 5,046 | $49,500 | $142,600 | 29.6% | 27.2% |
| Turtle Creek borough | 5,046 | $44,449 | $85,900 | 11.1% | 23.5% |
| Vandergrift borough | 5,028 | $50,351 | $91,500 | 15.4% | 24.9% |
| Lewisburg borough | 5,247 | $51,674 | $234,100 | 43.3% | 19.5% |
| Duquesne city | 5,186 | $41,208 | $57,500 | 11.0% | 29.4% |
Population Overview
West Hazleton borough is a small city located in Pennsylvania, within Luzerne County. The total population is 5,156. It ranks as the 262nd most populous out of 1,993 cities and towns in Pennsylvania.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Hazleton borough is 30.7 years. This is 25% lower than the state median of 40.9 years. With 33.8% of the population under 18, West Hazleton borough has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Hazleton borough is $46,968. This is 38% lower than the state median of $76,081. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.4%. This is 107% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.5%. This is 62% higher than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $108,800. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $240,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, West Hazleton borough is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 60.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% lower than the state average of 69.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Hazleton borough is Hispanic or Latino, making up 65.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 23.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (23.2%) is well below the state average of 73.8%. The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 10.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (65.6% vs 8.4%).
Education
17.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 49% 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 78.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Pennsylvania state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,993 Census-designated places in Pennsylvania. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania?
West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania has a population of 5,156 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Hazleton borough, PA?
The median household income in West Hazleton borough is $46,968, which is 40% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in West Hazleton borough, PA?
The poverty rate in West Hazleton borough is 24.4%. This means approximately 1,232 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania?
West Hazleton borough's population is 23.2% White, 2.2% Black, 65.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Hazleton borough, PA?
The median home value in West Hazleton borough is $108,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x.
How educated is West Hazleton borough, Pennsylvania?
17.5% of adults (25+) in West Hazleton borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.