Description of Indicator
This indicator measures occupied and vacant housing units in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties alongside the Commonwealth as a whole.
Why is it Important?
Understanding housing availability enhances understanding surrounding housing demand and population change. To foster health quality of life, a region must have sufficient housing stock to accommodate its residents – particularly if the population is growing. Conversely, consistent vacancy rates may point to potential for blight.
How is the region performing?
Eighty-eight percent of Lackawanna County’s housing units were occupied as of 2022. The occupancy rate increased slightly by 0.6 percent from 2021 to 2022 and by 4.2 percent from 1990 to 2022.
In Luzerne County, 87.9 percent of housing units are occupied. The occupancy rate has slightly increased by 0.5 percent from 2021 to 2022 and decreased by 4.7 percent from 1990 to 2022.
Nearly 62.0 percent of Wayne County’s housing units are occupied. The occupancy rate has increased slightly by one percent from 2021 to 2022 and by 10.1 percent from 1990 to 2022.
Ninety-one percent of Pennsylvania’s housing units are occupied. The occupancy rate has increased slightly by 1.1 percent from 2021 to 2022, and 2022 values match rates seen in both 1990 and 2000.