PennsylvaniaPop. 125,976Mid-size cities
Is Allentown a Good Place to Live? Allentown, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Allentown ranks #762 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #127 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($206,600, #35 of 256), and trails on low household income ($55,494, #230 of 256) and high poverty (21%, #221 of 256).
Allentown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Allentown's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Allentown?
Allentown's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,317/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $317,498, 9% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Allentown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100#644 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $317,498#426 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,710/mo#518 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $206,600#247 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,317/mo#547 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.5%#1211 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Allentown housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Allentown is in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Allentown safe?
Allentown recorded 264 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 17% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #490 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Allentown Police Department. Property crime runs 1,432 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Allentown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 264#490 of 1,085 | 227 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,432#440 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Allentown?
The median household in Allentown earns $55,494, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Allentown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $55,494#1145 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21%#1146 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Allentown?
The median resident of Allentown is 33.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1190 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Allentown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 19.1%#1190 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Allentown's schools and health?
Allentown's 29 public schools graduate 84.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $17,664 spent per pupil. 38.9% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Allentown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 84.8%#729 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,664#363 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 38.9%#1061 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 18.3%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 21,895 students are enrolled in Allentown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Allentown?
The average commute in Allentown is 24.6 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 3.3% of workers take transit and 9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Allentown scores 15.8 of 20 (most walkable), #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.4°F and winters 32.5°F, with 47.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Allentown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.6 min#743 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.7%#800 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 69.7% | 68.5% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.7% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9% | 13.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 15.8#7 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.4 | 21.8 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 41.6 | 23.2 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 50.8 | 30.5 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 63.4 | 40.3 | 3.7 |
| May | 73.5 | 50.6 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 59.9 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 64.7 | 5.3 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 62.8 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 77.4 | 55.2 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 43.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 34.1 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 43.1 | 26.8 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Allentown Lehigh Vly International Airport.
| Measure | Allentown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 73.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Allentown Lehigh Vly International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Allentown?
Lehigh County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lehigh County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Allentown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#262 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lehigh County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lehigh County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0076% | 72% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.004% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.078% | 45% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0013% | 38% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0026% | 26% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Allentown compare with similar-size cities?
Allentown is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #127 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 125,976.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #406 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 | 27.1 min |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #728 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 | 17.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Allentown compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Allentown ranks #11 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 53.9 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 28% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Allentown's score calculated?
Allentown scores 53.9 out of 100, #762 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Allentown. Similar-size median 52.9.
36.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Allentown's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
79.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Allentown. Similar-size median 53.8.
38.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Allentown's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
61.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Allentown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Allentown. Similar-size median 51.2.
25.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Allentown. Similar-size median 42.1.
38.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Allentown. Similar-size median 50.1.
48.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Allentown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
77.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
70.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Allentown's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Allentown has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Allentown
Is Allentown, PA a good place to live?
Allentown ranks #762 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #127 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($206,600, #35 of 256), and trails on low household income ($55,494, #230 of 256) and high poverty (21%, #221 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Allentown?
Allentown's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,317/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $317,498, 9% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Allentown?
Allentown recorded 264 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 17% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #490 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #87 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Allentown Police Department. Property crime runs 1,432 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Allentown?
The median household in Allentown earns $55,494, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Allentown?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,317/mo (Census), #547 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,710/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Allentown?
The typical home value in Allentown is $317,498, up 3.9% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $206,600.
How are the public schools in Allentown?
Allentown's 29 public schools graduate 84.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $17,664 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Allentown?
The average commute is 24.6 minutes, #743 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 6.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Allentown?
Allentown averages 53.1°F over the year, 73.4°F in summer and 32.5°F in winter, with 47.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Allentown walkable?
Allentown scores 15.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Allentown at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lehigh County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Allentown?
Lehigh County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Allentown?
Allentown has 125,976 residents. The median resident of Allentown is 33.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1190 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Allentown compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Allentown ranks #11 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 53.9 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 28% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Allentown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Allentown's population of 125,976 are Norman, OK (#683 overall), Columbia, MO (#516 overall), Athens, GA (#746 overall), Topeka, KS (#973 overall), and Simi Valley, CA (#406 overall). Allentown is #762.