Lake Ariel ZIP Code List — Wayne County, PA

There is one unique ZIP code in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania and it is 18436. Area code: 570/272.

ZIP codes

98.85

sq mi land

4.62

sq mi water

570/272

area code

Lake Ariel, PA ZIP code map

About Lake Ariel, PA

Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, is a picturesque community nestled in Wayne County, known for its scenic landscapes and tranquil environment. The area is well-regarded for its rich natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. With a single ZIP code of 18436, Lake Ariel offers a close-knit atmosphere while providing access to the amenities of nearby towns.

Location & geography

Located in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, Lake Ariel is approximately 20 miles northeast of Scranton and 30 miles southwest of Carbondale. The city covers a total land area of 98.85 square miles, with an additional 4.62 square miles of water, contributing to its beautiful terrain and numerous lakes. The region's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and waterways, offering a serene backdrop for recreational activities.

Community & economy

Lake Ariel is known for its friendly and welcoming community, where outdoor recreation is a significant part of daily life. The local economy primarily revolves around tourism and small businesses, with many residents engaged in industries that support the area’s outdoor lifestyle. The charm of Lake Ariel is evident in its community events and the strong sense of pride residents have in their picturesque town.

Transportation

The primary highways serving Lake Ariel include Pennsylvania Route 191 and Pennsylvania Route 590, which connect the community to surrounding areas. The nearest major airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, located approximately 30 miles away, providing regional access for travelers. Local transit options are limited, but residents typically rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Lake Ariel was founded in the late 19th century and has a history intertwined with the development of nearby mining and lumber industries. As the area transitioned, tourism became a significant part of Lake Ariel’s economic fabric, drawing visitors to its lakes and recreational opportunities. Notable growth and development occurred throughout the 20th century, as more people discovered the area’s natural beauty.

Did you know?

One interesting fact about Lake Ariel is that it has a vibrant community of artists and artisans who draw inspiration from the picturesque landscape. Additionally, the area is home to several seasonal festivals that celebrate the rich culture and traditions of the region.

ZIP codes for Lake Ariel, PA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
18436	Lake Ariel	Wayne	View map

Demographics & statistics

12,839

Population

50.5

Median age

$71,830

Median household income

$35,455

Per capita income

$210,900

Median home value

$847

Median monthly rent

88.4%

Home ownership

8.1%

Poverty rate

8.3%

Unemployment

9,085

Housing units

21.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

279

Under 5

274

285

5–9

279

10–14

275

354

15–19

348

412

20–24

404

635

25–34

623

610

35–44

600

743

45–54

729

601

55–59

591

642

60–64

631

888

65–74

872

506

75–84

498

243

85+

238

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	2,107	16.4%
18 and over	10,732	83.6%
65 and over	3,245	25.3%
Median age	50.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.7%

Two or more races 2.2%

Hispanic or Latino 0.7%

Black or African American 0.7%

Other race 0.4%

Asian 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	12,376	95.7%
Two or more races	289	2.2%
Hispanic or Latino	90	0.7%
Black or African American	87	0.7%
Other race	56	0.4%
Asian	31	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 4.0%

$10k–$15k 3.6%

$15k–$25k 7.9%

$25k–$35k 9.1%

$35k–$50k 10.9%

$50k–$75k 16.0%

$75k–$100k 15.4%

$100k–$150k 21.6%

$150k–$200k 6.7%

$200k+ 4.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.0%
$10k–$15k	3.6%
$15k–$25k	7.9%
$25k–$35k	9.1%
$35k–$50k	10.9%
$50k–$75k	16.0%
$75k–$100k	15.4%
$100k–$150k	21.6%
$150k–$200k	6.7%
$200k+	4.8%
Median income	$71,830

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 3.3%

$50k–$100k 9.5%

$100k–$150k 10.7%

$150k–$200k 22.1%

$200k–$300k 33.7%

$300k–$500k 13.3%

$500k–$1M 7.3%

$1M+ 0.1%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$210,900
Median rent / month	$847
Owner occupied	88.4%
Renter occupied	11.6%
Vacant	49.4%
Single-family detached	93.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.3%
Mobile homes	4.1%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.58

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.1%
2010–2019	3.6%
2000–2009	13.1%
1990–1999	13.5%
1980–1989	30.1%
1970–1979	19.6%
1960–1969	7.6%
1950–1959	2.9%
1940–1949	2.2%
1939 or earlier	7.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.1%
1 bedroom	3.6%
2 bedrooms	15.3%
3 bedrooms	54.3%
4 bedrooms	23.0%
5+ bedrooms	3.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.8%
1 vehicle	28.0%
2 vehicles	45.2%
3 or more	24.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	3.3%
Electricity	36.4%
Propane / LP gas	24.4%
Fuel oil	24.6%
Wood	7.9%
Solar	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	3,037	62.2%
Cohabiting couple	258	5.3%
Male householder, no spouse	878	18.0%
Female householder, no spouse	709	14.5%
Households with children under 18	1,065	21.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	2,053	42.1%
Average household size	2.60

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.2%	25.3%
Married	58.7%	58.5%
Separated	1.0%	0.6%
Widowed	6.1%	7.5%
Divorced	7.0%	8.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.5%

Some HS, no diploma 6.1%

HS graduate 45.5%

Some college, no degree 14.0%

Associate's degree 10.0%

Bachelor's degree 14.0%

Graduate / professional 7.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.4%
Bachelor's or higher	21.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	85	4.1%
Kindergarten	92	4.4%
Elementary school	919	44.1%
High school	496	23.8%
College / grad school	493	23.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 19.2%

Construction 12.9%

Retail trade 12.5%

Professional & management 9.1%

Manufacturing 8.7%

Other services 8.6%

Finance & real estate 7.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.9%

Public administration 5.9%

Transportation & utilities 4.9%

Information 1.7%

Agriculture & mining 1.2%

Wholesale trade 1.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	33.7%
Service	13.2%
Sales & office	19.6%
Natural resources & construction	15.1%
Production & transportation	18.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	84.7%
Government	10.8%
Self-employed	4.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.0%
Carpool	10.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.7%
Other means	0.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	31.3

Poverty

All people 8.1%

Under 18 years 12.4%

18 and over 7.3%

Married-couple families 3.6%

Female-led households 24.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	52.9%
Retirement income	33.2%
Supplemental Security	5.0%
Cash public assistance	4.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	35.5%
High cholesterol	36.4%
Heart disease	7.9%
Stroke	3.4%
Asthma	9.7%
Arthritis	32.1%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	8.4%
Cancer	8.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	17.4%
No physical activity	24.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	35.0%
Fair or poor health	14.8%
Poor mental health	14.5%
Poor physical health	11.4%
No health insurance	9.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.7%
Visited dentist	65.2%
Cholesterol screening	91.4%
Teeth loss	13.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,166	10.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.2%
Under 18	1.0%
18–64 years	13.8%
65 and over	24.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.7%
Public insurance	43.6%
Uninsured under 19	1.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	12,286	95.7%
Spanish	175	1.4%
Other Indo-European	21	0.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	152	1.2%
Other languages	2	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	12,356	96.2%
Born in same state	12,310	95.9%
Born in different state	8,200	63.9%
Foreign born	46	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	483	3.8%
Not a US citizen	275	56.9%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	2,926	22.8%
Arab	1,285	10%
French	900	7%
English	292	2.3%
Norwegian	124	1%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	55	0.4%
Irish	54	0.4%
Polish	34	0.3%
Dutch	14	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	38.0%
Internet access	86.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Lake Ariel, PA?

Lake Ariel, PA has one ZIP code: 18436.

What is the main ZIP code for Lake Ariel, PA?

The primary ZIP code for Lake Ariel, PA is 18436. The city uses area code 570 or 272 for phone service.

What county is Lake Ariel, PA in?

Lake Ariel is located in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

How many ZIP codes are in Lake Ariel, PA?

Lake Ariel, PA has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for the Lake Ariel community in Wayne County, Pennsylvania?

Lake Ariel is located in ZIP code 18436, which covers this residential community in Wayne County.

If I'm mailing a letter to a resident at Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania near the lake community center, which ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 18436 for all mail addressed to Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania.