Description of Indicator
Housing density is defined as number of housing 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 but slightly increased in all three counties. Housing density for the state followed a similar trend, except for a slight decrease (1.2 percent) in 2023. Although Luzerne County has the highest number of housing units among the three counties, Lackawanna County is the densest, with 215.1 units per square mile. Wayne County is the least dense, with 42.7 units per square mile.