Description of the Indicator
Housing density is the number of units per square mile within a given area.
Why is it important?
Housing density reflects land usage and sprawl patterns in a particular area. This information is helpful when considering the need for new development.
How is the region performing?
Since 1990, housing density has steadily increased in all four counties in most years. Housing density for the state followed a similar trend, except for a slight decrease (0.2 percent) in 2021. Although Luzerne County has the highest number of housing units among the four counties, Lackawanna County has the densest housing stock, with 218.3 units per square mile. In contrast, Wyoming County is the least dense, with 32.5 units per square mile.