PennsylvaniaPop. 93,850Smaller cities
Is Erie a Good Place to Live? Erie, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Erie ranks #850 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #359 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($870/mo, #5 of 524) and affordable homes ($115,200, #9 of 524), and trails on low household income ($46,113, #514 of 524) and low graduation rates (71.1%, #422 of 437).
Erie by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Erie'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 Erie?
Erie's cost of living index is 91, 9% below the US level of 100 and #244 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $870/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $208,111, 28% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Erie | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91#244 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $208,111#134 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,103/mo#57 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $115,200#22 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $870/mo#64 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.6%#737 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Erie 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. Erie is in the Erie, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Erie safe?
Erie recorded 315 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4% below the US rate of 328 and 39% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #580 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #257 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Erie Police Department. Property crime runs 2,056 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Erie | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 315#580 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,056#728 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Erie?
The median household in Erie earns $46,113, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Erie | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $46,113#1273 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 23.3%#1200 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Erie?
The median resident of Erie is 34.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1057 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Erie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.1%#1057 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Erie's schools and health?
Erie's 17 public schools graduate 71.1% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13 students per teacher and $17,876 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Erie | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 71.1%#1030 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13#169 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,876#350 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.1%#669 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,530 students are enrolled in Erie's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Erie?
The average commute in Erie is 18.3 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 2.3% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Erie scores 14.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.8°F and winters 30.4°F, with 43 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Erie | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.3 min#211 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.3% | 68.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.1% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.9% | 13.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.3#113 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 35.2 | 21.3 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 36.5 | 21.4 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 44.3 | 27.9 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 56.8 | 38 | 3.5 |
| May | 68.3 | 49.3 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 77.1 | 59.4 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 81.1 | 64.2 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 79.9 | 63.2 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 73.7 | 56.7 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 46.3 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 50.5 | 36.7 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 40.2 | 28 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Erie International Airport.
| Measure | Erie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Erie International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Erie?
Erie County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Erie County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Erie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#93 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Erie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Erie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.002% | 51% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% 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 Erie compare with similar-size cities?
Erie is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #359 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 93,850.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #850 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 | 18.3 min |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #902 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 | 18.2 min |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #350 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 | 22.7 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #225 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #201 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 | 24.3 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #771 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 | 18.1 min |
| Redding, CAPop. 93,409 | #994 | 50.2 | $70,466 | $1,379/mo | 735 | 16.7 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 Erie compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Erie ranks #13 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 41% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below 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 Erie's score calculated?
Erie scores 52.5 out of 100, #850 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 Erie. Similar-size median 55.5.
36.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Erie's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
72.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Erie. Similar-size median 58.9.
36.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Erie's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Erie's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Erie. Similar-size median 56.1.
17.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Erie. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Erie. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Erie's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
83.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Erie's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Erie 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 Erie
Is Erie, PA a good place to live?
Erie ranks #850 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #359 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($870/mo, #5 of 524) and affordable homes ($115,200, #9 of 524), and trails on low household income ($46,113, #514 of 524) and low graduation rates (71.1%, #422 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Erie?
Erie's cost of living index is 91, 9% below the US level of 100 and #244 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $870/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $208,111, 28% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Erie?
Erie recorded 315 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4% below the US rate of 328 and 39% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #580 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #257 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Erie Police Department. Property crime runs 2,056 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Erie?
The median household in Erie earns $46,113, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Erie?
Median rent in Erie is $870/mo (Census), #64 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,103/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Erie?
The typical home value in Erie is $208,111, up 5.2% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $115,200.
How are the public schools in Erie?
Erie's 17 public schools graduate 71.1% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13 students per teacher and $17,876 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Erie?
The average commute is 18.3 minutes, #211 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Erie?
Erie averages 50.8°F over the year, 70.8°F in summer and 30.4°F in winter, with 43 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Erie walkable?
Erie scores 14.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #113 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 Erie at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Erie County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Erie?
Erie County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Erie?
Erie has 93,850 residents. The median resident of Erie is 34.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1057 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Erie compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Erie ranks #13 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 41% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Erie?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Erie's population of 93,850 are Asheville, NC (#902 overall), Sandy, UT (#350 overall), Fall River, MA (#1084 overall), Mount Pleasant, SC (#225 overall), and Livonia, MI (#201 overall). Erie is #850.