| ZIP Code | 18656 |
|---|---|
| City | Sweet Valley |
| State | Pennsylvania (PA) |
| County | Luzerne County |
| Area Code | 272/570 |
| Elevation | 1,417 ft |
| Latitude | 41.332543 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.185438 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 42079 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 48.4 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.42 |
| Below Poverty | 5.2% ▼ 48% below avg |
| College Grads | 37.4% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 4.2% ▼ 15% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 28 (1.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 550 (37.2%) |
| Some College | 203 (13.7%) |
| Associates | 143 (9.7%) |
| Bachelors | 212 (14.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 341 (23.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $74,764 ≈ Avg ↑ 34% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $207,100 ▼ 26% below avg ↑ 34% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $927/mo ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,060 |
| Vacant Units | 181 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.42 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,060 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 181 |
| Owner Occupied | 93.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 6.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.42 |
ZIP code 18656 is located in Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania, within Luzerne County. With a population of 2,128, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 48.4 years. Economically, 18656 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $74,764 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 18656 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $207,100 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $927 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 93.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 34% since 2019.
The population of 18656 is primarily White (95.68%). Residents are moderately educated — 37.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 5.2%. Household income has grown by 34% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 18656 stands at 4.2%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 86%.
Overall, ZIP code 18656 in Sweet Valley, PA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,128 residents, a median household income of $74,764, and a median home value of $207,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Pennsylvania.