City profile
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County · Population 44,423
Wilkes-Barre is a town in Luzerne County, PA with about 44,423 residents and a typical home value near $117,000. It is 86 miles from Harrisburg, PA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
28°F
Summer avg
75°F
Sunny days / yr
190
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$117,200
Typical monthly housing
$772
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
74
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.39%
- State income tax (top)
- 3.07%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.34%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate · county score 92/100
Top hazards: Winter weather, Lightning, Riverine flooding
Nearest major airport
97 mi to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 40% Democratic / 59% Republican
Community
Population
44,423
Black population
11.3%
County
Luzerne County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: flooding
Highlights
- About 44,423 residents
- Typical home value about $117,000
- 86 miles from Harrisburg, PA
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.