Demographic Information

Demographics are one of the key pieces of information about a region, providing data and insight about it inhabitants and economy.  Some relevant information about Indiana County demographics is listed below.

Population Statistics
Population by Ethnicity and Race
Age and Gender Characteristics
Income Highlights
Educational Attainment
 

Population Statistics

Although there has been a slow rate of decline since 1980, the population of Indiana County has increased overall in the past 50 years by about 18%. A significant contraction in the coal industry and the subsequent job layoffs in the 1980s and 1990s accounted for much of the population decline.  The resulting economic downturn was a prolonged one, and many families were forced to relocate elsewhere to find employment.  This was a trend consistent throughout much of western Pennsylvania through the latter part of the 20th century, with many of the sunbelt states reflecting offsetting gains.

The 2010 population statistics also revealed a modest decline from 2000 data; however a recent population forecast prepared for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission in 2011 projects population increases for Indiana County averaging about 5% each decade through 2040. 

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Population by Ethnicity and Race

Indiana County’s residents are 94.9% Caucasian, 2.7% African-American, and 2.3% Asian and other races, according to the 2010 Decennial Census.  Approximately 1.1% of residents are of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity.  

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Age and Gender Characteristics

According to Census 2010 data, the median age in Indiana County is 36.2 years, which is lower than the state’s median age of 38 years but slightly higher than the national median age of 35.3 years.   The presence of some 14,000 students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania contributes substantially to the County’s age demographics and represents a wealth of talent for the County’s workforce.

Males and females are almost evenly distributed.  Females slightly outnumber males in Indiana County by 50.2% to 49.8%.

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Income Highlights

The most widely used Census income statistic is median household income (MHI).  In 2006-2010, the median household income for Indiana County was $40,255. This was lower than the State median of $50,398. 

The median family income for Indiana County, a somewhat difference statistic that is not impacted by the student population, was $51,227 for the 2006-2010 period. This was lower than State median household income of $63,364 for the same period.

Current income estimates, prepared by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, offer an updated view of recent changes. These estimates report the median family income for the County is currently $44,850, an increase of over 16 percent from 1999. Though not as authoritative as the US Census, these reports are consistent with recent per capita income data and are indicative of improving economic conditions within the County.

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Educational Attainment

Educational attainment data for 2006-2010 shows that nearly 19 percent of Indiana County residents age 25 and older never finished high school. Among the Amish, schooling is typically offered only through Grade 8.  However, this figure is still lower than educational attainment data for rural Pennsylvania, showing an overall figure of 22 percent who never finished high school.

The most common level of schooling for Indiana County residents is a high school diploma or equivalent at 46 percent. Many residents have attained higher education, with 13 percent having some college but no degree, 4.5 percent having an associate’s degree, 9.3 percent having a bachelor’s degree, and 7.7 percent having a graduate or professional degree.

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