Description of Indicator
This indicator measures occupied and vacant housing units in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming 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 2024, 88.1 percent of Lackawanna County’s housing units were occupied decreasing slightly from the prior year and this rate has decreased since 1990. In Luzerne County, 89.3 percent of housing units were occupied showing a slight increase over the prior year. This rate has also decreased since 1990.
Nearly 65.0 percent of Wayne County’s housing units were occupied as of 2024, showing a slight increase from the prior year, and a major increase from 1990 to 2024. Conversely, Wyoming County experienced a slight decline in occupied units, however, it is still higher than those recorded in 1990. At the state level, nearly 91.0 percent of Pennsylvania’s housing units were occupied as of 2024. This rate increased slightly from the prior year.