Pennsylvania
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Pennsylvania vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Pennsylvania
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethlehem | A+ | 63.3 | 75,781 | $69,070 | 287 | 84 |
| 2 | Allentown | A | 59.1 | 126,092 | $80,988 | 383 | 87 |
| 3 | Scranton | B+ | 58.8 | 76,328 | $64,387 | 371 | 97 |
| 4 | Reading | B | 58.7 | 95,112 | $86,220 | 378 | 95 |
| 5 | Philadelphia | B | 57.7 | 1,603,797 | $63,446 | 281 | 86 |
| 6 | Erie | C+ | 57.6 | 94,831 | $87,352 | 219 | 84 |
| 7 | State College | C | 54.5 | 42,034 | $80,716 | 375 | 87 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh | C | 54.2 | 302,971 | $81,536 | 374 | 109 |
| 9 | Harrisburg | D | 52.4 | 50,099 | $78,871 | 357 | 86 |
| 10 | Lancaster | F | 50.0 | 63,542 | $70,449 | 360 | 96 |
More Northeast States
Pennsylvania Rankings Overview
Pennsylvania earns an overall grade of B with a composite score of 56.2 out of 100, ranking #23 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (80/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (35/100).
Economy & Employment in Pennsylvania
With an unemployment rate of 4.1% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Pennsylvania performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $73,823, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's violent crime rate of 313 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks #26 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #11 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennsylvania's overall ranking?
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states with a composite score of 56.2/100 and a grade of B.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Pennsylvania scores 56.2/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Pennsylvania?
The violent crime rate in Pennsylvania is 313 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Pennsylvania's economy compare?
Pennsylvania's median household income is $73,823 with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Pennsylvania?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Pennsylvania are Bethlehem, Allentown, and Scranton.