Description of Indicator
This indicator measures occupied and vacant housing units in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties alongside the Commonwealth.
Why is it Important?
Understanding housing availability enhances understanding surrounding housing demand and population change. To foster a healthy 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?
As of 2022, 88.3 percent of Lackawanna County’s housing units were occupied. The occupancy rate increased slightly by 0.3 percent from 2022 to 2023, but this rate has decreased since 1990. Similarly, 88.4 percent of Luzerne County housing units were occupied as of 2022, and that rate increased by 0.5 percent from 2022 to 2023. This rate has also decreased since 1990.
Over 60.0 percent of Wayne County’s housing units were occupied as of 2023. The occupancy rate increased slightly by 1.7 percent from 2022 to 2023 and by 12.0 percent from 1990 to 2022.
Nearly 91.0 percent of Pennsylvania’s housing units were occupied as of 2023. This rate decreased slightly by 0.4 percent from the prior year.