Indicators 2025: Demographic trends in Northeast Pennsylvania
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, said this week that although all three counties — Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wayne — reported population dips in 2021, they have since rebounded.
"The region collectively gained nearly 5,700 residents between 2013 and 2023," Avery-Stoss said. "Notably, migration patterns shifted post-2020, with all three counties reporting net migration gains, especially in 2020 — 2021. These trends reflect broader national movements away from high-cost urban areas."
According to Avery-Stoss, the stability of the population has relied on in-migration rather than births. She said birth rates across the region have been declining steadily for decades. This trend mirrors national patterns and is influenced by younger generations opting for fewer or no children.
"In-migration refers to the relocation of people to the region, from other communities within the Commonwealth, from other states, and from other countries," Avery-Stoss said. "It enhances diversity in the area. The Hispanic/Latino population has grown significantly, especially in Luzerne County. Increases were also recorded among Asian Americans, African Americans, and multiracial individuals."
Avery-Stoss said diversity is an asset because it fosters economic growth and resiliency — it offers new perspectives and greater exposure to various cultures.
"It is essential to the workforce, small business development and overall community vitality," Avery-Stoss said. "Research suggests that, for these reasons, diverse populations are best equipped to withstand complex challenges."
Avery-Stoss said NEPA is also known to have an aging population — a sizable proportion of residents are over the age of 65. In 2023, Avery-Stoss said more than 20% of residents in the studied counties were seniors, and less than 11% were under age 10, highlighting potential future labor shortages and high demand for health care and support services.
Additionally, Avery-Stoss said the number of older adults living alone has grown, with the region adding nearly 1,000 such individuals from 2020 to 2023.
"This trend aligns with the desire of older adults to 'age in place' — ideally residing in the safety and comfort of their own homes rather than entering long-term care facilities," Avery-Stoss said.
Despite these population shifts, Avery-Stoss said average household sizes in the region have remained stable. There has been an increase in single-parent households, however — particularly those led by women — in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
At the same time, Avery-Stoss said there has been a slight decline in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren. In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren decreased between 2020 and 2023 (by 123 and 6, respectively). During the same period, Wayne County's number rose by 73.
"Northeastern Pennsylvania is experiencing gradual, but important, demographic changes," said Avery-Stoss. "The population is aging, birth rates are declining, and diversity is increasing. Monitoring these demographic indicators should help shape policies and design public services that meet the unique needs of the community."
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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