| Statistic | Wilkes-Barre | Pennsylvania | National |
| Population | 40,805 | 12,801,989 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 5,958 | 287 | 91 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 40.6 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 43% | 56% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 47% | 40% | 43% |
| Speak English | 76% | 89% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 20% | 5% | 13% |
The demographics of Wilkes-Barre offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 40,805, Wilkes-Barre exhibits a population density of 5,958 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 34.1, with 43% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 47% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Wilkes-Barre, 31% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 6% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Wilkes-Barre racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown could be indispensable tools for recognizing and rectifying systemic inequities, fostering social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities. In Wilkes-Barre, the racial breakdown reveals 65.4% White, 13.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and 0.2% Native Hawaiian, with 26.6% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 75.6% reported speaking English only, while 20% reported speaking Spanish only. Moreover, 12.9% of residents were classified as foreign-born.
Areas with a high population density tend to support a wide range of amenities and services within walking distance or a short commute. Residents tend to have convenient access to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, cultural venues, restaurants, shops and public transportation options, enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being. The Wilkes-Barre population density is 5,958 people per square mile, which is well-above the national average of 91 and is considered one of the most densely populated cities in the country.
Urban Development: Wilkes-Barre demographic statistics are invaluable for urban planners in designing and developing areas that cater to residents' needs, encompassing housing, transportation, and public services, all while fostering sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Shifts in demographics can influence gentrification and neighborhood transformation, whether in urban or rural settings. As neighborhoods attract new residents with varying income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may increase, potentially displacing long-term residents and altering the neighborhood's character. Analyzing population density, age distribution, household size, and income levels is crucial for guiding decisions regarding zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing expansion and public amenities. Utilizing Wilkes-Barre demographic data in planning and executing affordable housing initiatives can serve as a preventive measure against displacement.
Education Allocation: Wilkes-Barre demographic data can help guide education planning by identifying student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs, helping schools and policymakers allocate resources and develop effective educational programs. It can be an essential tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among different demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, or students with disabilities. By disaggregating data by demographic factors, education planners can identify areas of inequity and develop targeted interventions to improve access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. Overall, Wilkes-Barre demographic data is invaluable in education for promoting equity, supporting student success, and fostering inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all students.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Wilkes-Barre has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
| Race | Wilkes-Barre | Pennsylvania | National |
| White | 65.38% | 81.37% | 73.35% |
| Black | 13.66% | 11.03% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 2.76% | 3.14% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.30% | 0.20% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.17% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.68% | 2.24% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 11.04% | 1.98% | 4.75% |
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