If you’re looking for the latest data on the Bensalem, PA population, the 2026 census estimates paint a picture of a community that is stable, dense, and increasingly diverse. As of early 2026, Bensalem Township is home to approximately 63,000 residents, making it the largest municipality in Bucks County and the ninth-most populated municipality in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
But the raw number only tells half the story. Behind these statistics lies a dynamic suburban-urban hybrid that defies traditional expectations of what a “Philadelphia suburb” looks like.
Quick Facts: Bensalem, PA Population 2026
At a Glance:
- Total Population: 63,000-63,320 (2026 estimates)
- County Rank: #1 in Bucks County
- State Rank: #9 in Pennsylvania
- Population Density: 3,156 people per square mile
- Growth Rate: +0.19% annually (stable/plateau phase)
- Land Area: 19.9 square miles
- Median Age: 41.8 years
- Diversity: 36-37% minority population
Communities Included: Andalusia, Bensalem, Bridgewater, Cornwells Heights, Eddington, Flushing, Oakford, Siles, Trappe, and Trevose
1. Population Size: Bucks County’s Giant
The Numbers in Context
With an estimated population between 63,000 and 63,320 residents, Bensalem Township stands as a demographic powerhouse in the region. To understand what this means:
Regional Comparison:
- Larger than: All other Bucks County municipalities combined can’t match Bensalem’s single-township population
- Comparable to: Mid-sized Pennsylvania cities like Bethlehem (58,349) and Erie (92,940)
- State Ranking: 9th largest municipality out of 2,570 in Pennsylvania
Growth Trends: The Plateau Phase
Unlike the explosive suburban growth seen in the 1950s-1990s, Bensalem’s population has entered what demographers call a “saturation phase”:
- 2020 Census: 62,707 residents
- 2026 Estimate: 63,000-63,320 residents
- Growth Rate: Approximately 0.19% annually
- Total Growth Since 2020: Only 0.65-0.84%
What This Means: Bensalem is a fully built-out suburb. With only 19.9 square miles of land and limited undeveloped parcels, future growth will come from intensification (redevelopment, denser housing) rather than outward expansion.
2. Population Density: Not Your Average Suburb
Bensalem is often called a “suburb,” but the data suggests it functions more like a small city.
The Density Reality
- Bensalem Township: ~3,156 people per square mile
- Bucks County Average: ~1,070 people per square mile
- Pennsylvania Average: ~290 people per square mile
- Philadelphia: ~11,960 people per square mile
The Comparison: Bensalem is three times denser than the typical Bucks County community and ten times denser than the Pennsylvania average. This density places Bensalem in a unique category demographers call “dense suburban” – not quite urban like Philadelphia, but far beyond the semi-rural character of Upper Bucks County.
Why Density Matters
This population concentration has real-world implications:
Urban-Style Services Required:
- 100+ officer police force (not volunteer)
- Career fire rescue operations
- Professional public works department
- Extensive stormwater management systems
- 144 miles of roads to maintain
- 1,400 acres of parkland
Infrastructure Clustering: The density isn’t uniform across Bensalem. Population concentrates along major corridors:
- Street Road (Route 132): Multi-family housing, apartments, commercial
- Bristol Pike (Route 13): Mixed residential and retail
- Northern Sections: Lower-density single-family neighborhoods
This creates distinct “neighborhood characters” within one township – some areas feel urban and walkable, while others maintain a traditional suburban feel.
3. Age Distribution: A Workforce-Heavy Population
The Bensalem, PA population’s age structure reveals a community in its prime working years.
Age Breakdown
- Median Age: 41.8 years
- Bucks County median: 44.1 years
- Pennsylvania median: 40.9 years
- National median: 38.8 years
Age Cohorts:
- Under 18 (Youth): 19.08% (~12,000 residents)
- 18-64 (Working Age): ~63% (~39,700 residents)
- 65+ (Seniors): 16-18% (~10,080-11,340 residents)
What the Age Data Reveals
Younger Than the County, Older Than the Nation: Bensalem sits in the middle – slightly younger than affluent Upper Bucks communities where retirees settle, but older than fast-growing exurbs attracting young families.
Below-Average Youth Population: At 19.08%, Bensalem’s youth cohort is lower than the national average of 22.5%. This signals:
- Fewer families with young children are moving in compared to newer suburbs
- Lower birth rate (fertility rate: ~4.8% among women 15-50)
- Potential long-term challenges for school enrollment
Significant Senior Presence: With 16-18% seniors, Bensalem has a substantial but not overwhelming elderly population. The township offers expanded senior tax rebates (up to $1,050) and maintains robust senior programs to support this demographic.
Workforce Core: The 63% working-age population is the economic backbone, supporting the local tax base through employment in healthcare, retail, logistics, and education sectors.
4. Race & Ethnicity: The Diversity Engine of Bucks County
The most significant trend in the Bensalem, PA population is its rapidly evolving diversity. While Bucks County remains largely homogeneous (over 82% white), Bensalem has become the region’s multicultural anchor.
Racial & Ethnic Composition (2026 Estimates)
| Demographic Group | Bensalem | Bucks County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 63.3-68.4% | 82.4% | -14% to -19% |
| Asian | 13.1-13.3% | 4.9% | +8.4% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 11.0-12.6% | 6.1% | +6.5% |
| Black/African American | 7.3-8.1% | 3.8% | +4.3% |
| Two or More Races | 5.75% | Lower | Higher |
Language Diversity: 26.5% of Bensalem residents speak a language other than English at home, compared to much lower county averages.
The Asian Community: A Statistical Anomaly
The 13.1-13.3% Asian population is Bensalem’s most striking demographic feature. This concentration is statistically anomalous for Pennsylvania suburbs outside Philadelphia’s immediate orbit.
What This Means:
- Cultural Infrastructure: Specialized commercial districts, temples, mosques, Asian grocery stores, restaurants
- Multigenerational Households: Asian households often include extended family, contributing to higher household incomes
- Educational Achievement: High educational attainment and multiple earners per household
- Economic Impact: Asian households in Bensalem contribute significantly to the $81,616 median household income
Bensalem as Regional Hub: The township serves as the primary center of Asian culture and commerce in Bucks County, with infrastructure and businesses serving the entire region.
Hispanic Growth: National Trends at the Local Level
At 11.0-12.6%, Bensalem’s Hispanic/Latino community mirrors national trends in “inner-ring suburbanization” – the movement of Hispanic families from urban cores to first-ring suburbs offering affordability and opportunity.
The Black Middle Class
A growing Black middle class (7.3-8.1%) is establishing roots in Bensalem, attracted by:
- More affordable housing than Philadelphia
- Good school district
- Employment opportunities
- Proximity to urban amenities
Approaching “Majority-Minority” Status
Data indicates Bensalem is approaching “majority-minority” status in its younger age cohorts. Among children and teenagers, minority populations already make up close to 40-45%, signaling a permanent demographic shift.
5. Housing: The Renter vs. Owner Split
Unlike the “white picket fence” stereotype of the suburbs, Bensalem has a unique housing ecosystem that defines much of its character.
The Tenure Split
- Homeownership Rate: 60.4%
- Renter Rate: 39.6%
Context: In typical American suburbs, homeownership rates frequently exceed 75%. A 40% rental rate is substantial and aligns Bensalem more closely with urban neighborhoods than pastoral Bucks County.
Why So Many Renters?
Housing Stock Composition:
- Large apartment complexes along Street Road
- Townhome communities with rental units
- Multi-family buildings in commercial corridors
Market Position: Bensalem serves as “workforce housing” for the region – teachers, police officers, healthcare staff, and logistics workers who power the economy but may be priced out of luxury markets in Newtown or Doylestown.
Stability Despite Renting
Despite the high rental rate, Bensalem’s population is not transient:
- 89.3% of residents lived in the same house one year ago
- This high stability rate suggests “permanent renters” who treat apartments as long-term homes
- Many are locked out of ownership due to market conditions or personal preference
Home Values & Affordability
- Median Home Value: $344,400
- Bucks County Median: $421,700
- Difference: Bensalem is ~$77,000 more affordable
What This Means: Bensalem serves as the “entry point” for first-time homebuyers in Bucks County. However, a $344K home still requires a household income of roughly $100K to finance comfortably at 2026 interest rates – a stretch for the median earner ($81,616).
Rent Costs
- Median Gross Rent: $1,536-$1,860 per month
- As Percentage of Income: 22-27% for median income households (considered affordable)
- For Low-Income Residents: Those in poverty (11%) likely face a severe cost burden (50%+ of income on rent)
Digital Connectivity
- 93.4% of households have broadband internet
- 96.1% own a computer
Despite a lower income relative to the county, the “digital divide” is not a primary barrier in Bensalem – residents are well-connected for modern workforce demands.
6. Economic Profile: The Middle-Class “Trap”
The financial data reveals that Bensalem is a solid working-class community that faces an “income gap” compared to its wealthier neighbors.
Income Analysis
- Median Household Income: $81,616
- Pennsylvania Median: $76,081 (+7% above state)
- Bucks County Median: $111,951 (-27% below county)
- Per Capita Income: $43,522 (nearly identical to PA average: $43,104)
The Wealth Gap: While Bensalem’s median income is respectable and above the state average, it lags Bucks County by roughly $30,000. This classifies Bensalem as a “workforce housing” market.
What Drives the Income Gap?
Educational Attainment:
- High School Completion: 88.8%
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 30.9%
- Bucks County Bachelor’s Rate: 43.9%
The Education-Income Connection: Bensalem’s 13% deficit in college degrees is the root cause of the income disparity. The workforce is skilled but credentialed primarily for trades, logistics, and administrative support rather than high-salary “knowledge economy” roles.
Industry Composition:
- Retail Trade: 12.8% of county workforce (concentrated in Bensalem due to Neshaminy Mall)
- Healthcare & Social Assistance: Major employer sector
- Logistics & Warehousing: Growing due to strategic location
- Casino/Entertainment: Parx Casino provides volume employment but service-level wages
Labor Force Participation
Despite the income gap, Bensalem residents are highly industrious:
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 67.5%
- Bucks County Average: 66.2%
- Pennsylvania Average: 62.7%
Female Participation: At 64.5%, female labor force participation is exceptionally strong, facilitated by local jobs in healthcare, education, and retail.
Unemployment Rate: ~4.0% (historically low, indicating a tight labor market)
Poverty Rate
- Bensalem: 11.2%
- Bucks County: 6.7%
- Pennsylvania: 11.6%
The Nuance: Bensalem’s poverty rate nearly doubles the county average. Vulnerable populations include:
- Females aged 55-64 and 75+ (the “feminization of poverty”)
- Single-parent households
- Children (with child poverty rates tracking higher than the overall rate)
7. Why Bensalem’s Population Matters Regionally
Strategic Location
Bensalem functions as a critical demographic and economic transition zone:
- Border: Northeast Philadelphia to the west and south
- Distance to Center City Philadelphia: 17 miles
- Distance to Trenton, NJ: 20 miles
This position makes Bensalem a “demographic reservoir” – absorbing population outflows from Philadelphia while serving as a commercial and residential anchor for Lower Bucks County.
Employment Engine, Not Just Bedroom Community
Bensalem doesn’t just house workers – it employs them:
- Parx Casino & Racing: Major anchor employer
- Neshaminy Mall & Retail Corridor: Thousands of retail jobs
- Healthcare Facilities: Proximity to medical centers
- Bucks County Enterprise Zone: Attracts industrial and manufacturing tenants
- School District: Major public employer
Civic Engagement & Political Significance
The demographic shift is transforming the political landscape:
- The New Pennsylvania Project opened its first Bucks County office in Bensalem specifically because of the township’s “proportionately larger demographic of people of color”
- Voter Registration Gap: 35.8% of eligible Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color are not registered to vote (vs. 4.6% of white residents)
- Future Implications: As Bensalem goes, so may go Bucks County politically and socially
8. What the Future Holds for Bensalem’s Population
Short-Term Outlook (2026-2030)
Continued Stability: Expect population to remain in the 63,000-64,000 range with minimal growth. The township is built-out with limited capacity for major new residential development.
Increasing Diversity: The trend toward “majority-minority” status will continue, particularly in younger cohorts. By 2030, school-age children will likely be majority-minority.
Intensification Over Expansion: Growth will come from:
- Redevelopment of aging strip malls into mixed-use
- Conversion of industrial sites to residential
- Increased density in existing neighborhoods
Long-Term Challenges
- Aging Infrastructure: Maintaining 144 miles of roads and aging water/sewer systems in a mature suburb
- School Enrollment: Below-average youth population could strain school district budgets as enrollment declines
- Income Stagnation: Attracting higher-wage employers to diversify beyond the retail/service economy
- Civic Integration: Engaging the growing Hispanic and Asian communities in local governance
Long-Term Opportunities
- Missing Middle Housing: Bensalem is well-positioned to lead in duplexes, townhomes, and live-work units
- Transit-Oriented Development: Dense corridors along Street Road and Bristol Pike are ideal for walkable, mixed-use redevelopment
- Economic Diversification: Enterprise Zone offers a mechanism to attract advanced manufacturing and biotech logistics
- Cultural Assets: Leverage diversity as a strength for regional tourism and cultural programming
Conclusion: Bensalem’s Population Defines Its Future
The Bensalem PA population in 2026 is defined by stability and transformation. With growth plateauing at around 63,000 residents, the township has moved from a phase of “expansion” to “intensification.” It is no longer just a bedroom community for Philadelphia; it is a diverse, dense economic engine in its own right.
Key Takeaways:
- Size: 63,000 residents make Bensalem the largest municipality in Bucks County (#9 in PA)
- Density: 3,156 people per square mile = urban-style service demands
- Diversity: 13.1% Asian, 12.6% Hispanic, 8.1% Black – the multicultural hub of Bucks County
- Housing: 40% renters create a unique suburban-urban hybrid
- Economy: Median income of $81,616 positions Bensalem as workforce housing for the region
- Future: Approaching majority-minority status signals a permanent demographic shift
As Bucks County becomes increasingly diverse and dense in the coming decades, it will look more like Bensalem. Understanding the Bensalem, PA population today is understanding the future of suburban Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current population of Bensalem, PA?
A: As of 2026, Bensalem Township has an estimated population of approximately 63,000-63,320 residents, making it the largest municipality in Bucks County.
Q: Is Bensalem’s population growing or declining?
A: Bensalem’s population is stable with slow growth of about 0.19% annually. The township is in a “plateau phase” with limited room for expansion.
Q: How diverse is Bensalem compared to the rest of Bucks County?
A: Bensalem is significantly more diverse than Bucks County overall. It has 13.1% Asian residents (vs. 4.9% county-wide), 12.6% Hispanic (vs. 6.1%), and 8.1% Black (vs. 3.8%). About 36-37% of Bensalem residents are minorities compared to ~18% county-wide.
Q: What is the population density of Bensalem?
A: Bensalem has a population density of approximately 3,156 people per square mile, which is three times denser than the Bucks County average and ten times denser than Pennsylvania’s average.
Q: How many people rent vs. own homes in Bensalem?
A: About 60% of Bensalem residents own their homes, while 40% rent – a significantly higher rental rate than typical suburbs.
Q: What is the median age in Bensalem?
A: The median age is 41.8 years, slightly younger than Bucks County (44.1) but older than Pennsylvania overall (40.9).
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
- U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Decennial Census
- Proprietary Bensalem Township Demographic Analysis (2026)
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
- Bucks County Planning Commission
Last Updated: January 20, 2026
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