PennsylvaniaPop. 35,893Small cities
Is Norristown a Good Place to Live? Norristown, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norristown ranks #697 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (76%, #174 of 191) and high living costs (102.6, #179 of 208).
Norristown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norristown'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 Norristown?
Norristown's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,422/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $335,907, 16% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Norristown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $335,907#484 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,752/mo#551 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $213,900#274 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,422/mo#655 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 25.6%#1058 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Norristown 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. Norristown is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Norristown safe?
Norristown recorded 487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #825 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #140 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norristown Police Department. Property crime runs 1,811 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Norristown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 487#825 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,811#628 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Norristown?
The median household in Norristown earns $66,701, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Norristown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $66,701#889 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 18.5%#1061 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Norristown?
The median resident of Norristown is 33.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1044 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norristown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 23.5%#1044 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 42.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Norristown's schools and health?
Norristown's 7 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $18,785 spent per pupil. 40.8% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Norristown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76%#968 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.8#154 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,785#280 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 40.8%#1155 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 15.1%#1085 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,207 students are enrolled in Norristown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norristown?
The average commute in Norristown is 26.9 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 6.1% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norristown scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.5°F and winters 34.5°F, with 50.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norristown | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 26.9 min#922 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 60.8% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 6.1% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.1% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.9#46 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 41.7 | 22.6 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 43.5 | 24.7 | 3 |
| Mar | 52.1 | 31.6 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 64.8 | 41.5 | 3.9 |
| May | 74.8 | 52.1 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 84 | 62 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 88.8 | 66.6 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 86.5 | 65.2 | 5 |
| Sep | 80 | 57.6 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 68.4 | 44.6 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 56.8 | 35.1 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 46.3 | 28.3 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norristown.
| Measure | Norristown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 50.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norristown.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norristown?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 73% 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 Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Norristown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#182 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Montgomery County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Montgomery County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0048% | 65% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0038% | 32% 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 Norristown compare with similar-size cities?
Norristown is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #126 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 35,893.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #697 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 | 26.9 min |
| Winchester, NVPop. 37,081 | #1285 | 39.0 | $50,120 | $1,220/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Muskogee, OKPop. 36,758 | #1279 | 39.6 | $50,213 | $858/mo | 846 | 19.3 min |
| Benton, ARPop. 36,595 | #594 | 56.8 | $72,876 | $1,072/mo | 445 | 24.2 min |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #464 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 | 21.4 min |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #409 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 | 25 min |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #330 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data | 27.6 min |
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #494 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data | 31.9 min |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #654 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data | 16.9 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 Norristown compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Norristown ranks #9 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 55 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 14% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 Norristown's score calculated?
Norristown scores 55 out of 100, #697 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 Norristown. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norristown's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
62.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norristown. Similar-size median 52.2.
38.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norristown's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
59.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norristown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
70.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norristown. Similar-size median 46.7.
35.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norristown. Similar-size median 44.2.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norristown. Similar-size median 47.3.
55.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norristown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
73.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
73.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Norristown's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Norristown 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 Norristown
Is Norristown, PA a good place to live?
Norristown ranks #697 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (76%, #174 of 191) and high living costs (102.6, #179 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Norristown?
Norristown's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,422/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $335,907, 16% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Norristown?
Norristown recorded 487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #825 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #140 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norristown Police Department. Property crime runs 1,811 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Norristown?
The median household in Norristown earns $66,701, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Norristown?
Median rent in Norristown is $1,422/mo (Census), #655 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,752/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norristown?
The typical home value in Norristown is $335,907, up 2.3% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $213,900.
How are the public schools in Norristown?
Norristown's 7 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $18,785 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norristown?
The average commute is 26.9 minutes, #922 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norristown?
Norristown averages 55°F over the year, 75.5°F in summer and 34.5°F in winter, with 50.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norristown walkable?
Norristown scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 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 Norristown at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Norristown?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Norristown?
Norristown has 35,893 residents. The median resident of Norristown is 33.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1044 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norristown compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Norristown ranks #9 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 55 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 14% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Norristown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norristown's population of 35,893 are Winchester, NV (#1285 overall), Muskogee, OK (#1279 overall), Benton, AR (#594 overall), Redmond, OR (#464 overall), and Torrington, CT (#409 overall). Norristown is #697.