PennsylvaniaPop. 1,579,706Large cities
Is Philadelphia a Good Place to Live? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Philadelphia ranks #1102 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #30 of 37 large cities and #17 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.7 min, #35 of 37) and high poverty (21.4%, #34 of 37).
Philadelphia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia?
Philadelphia'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 $1,397/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,728, 20% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Philadelphia | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $233,728#208 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,768/mo#562 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $243,100#373 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,397/mo#638 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 27.1%#1149 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Philadelphia 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. Philadelphia is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Philadelphia safe?
Philadelphia recorded 830 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.7 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #1014 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Philadelphia Police Department. Property crime runs 4,354 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Philadelphia | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 830#1014 of 1,085 | 227 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 4,354#1062 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Philadelphia?
The median household in Philadelphia earns $61,953, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Philadelphia | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $61,953#1004 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 21.4%#1161 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Philadelphia?
The median resident of Philadelphia is 35.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 35.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Philadelphia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.3 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 35.4%#599 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 51.8% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Philadelphia's schools and health?
Philadelphia's 293 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $18,383 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Philadelphia | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 74.8%#986 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $18,383#313 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10.6%#729 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 172,084 students are enrolled in Philadelphia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Philadelphia?
The average commute in Philadelphia is 31.7 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 16.7% of workers take transit and 18.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Philadelphia scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 36.5°F, with 45 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Philadelphia | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 31.7 min#1191 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 12%#1147 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 46% | 68.5% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 16.7% | 4.2% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 7.1% | 3.4% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.8% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.4% | 13.8% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.9#46 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 41.8 | 26.6 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 44.9 | 28.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 53.1 | 34.7 | 4 |
| Apr | 65.2 | 44.2 | 3.8 |
| May | 74.5 | 54.1 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 63.9 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 88.2 | 69.4 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 86.1 | 67.7 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 79.3 | 60.3 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 67.5 | 48.3 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 56.6 | 38.4 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 31.2 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ne Phila Airport.
| Measure | Philadelphia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 56.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 76.4°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 36.5°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 45 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ne Phila Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Philadelphia County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 73% of US counties.
| Measure | Philadelphia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#397 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Philadelphia County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Philadelphia County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0085% | 77% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.004% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.09% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0023% | 24% 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 Philadelphia compare with similar-size cities?
Philadelphia is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #30 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 1,579,706.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #460 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 | 33.1 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| San Antonio, TXPop. 1,479,835 | #1010 | 49.8 | $65,056 | $1,324/mo | 532 | 24.5 min |
| San Diego, CAPop. 1,389,526 | #567 | 57.0 | $108,077 | $2,313/mo | 374 | 23.5 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 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 Philadelphia compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia ranks #17 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 20% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 3.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 20% 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 Philadelphia's score calculated?
Philadelphia scores 47.8 out of 100, #1102 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Philadelphia. Similar-size median 50.4.
39.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Philadelphia's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
22.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Philadelphia. Similar-size median 52.4.
46.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Philadelphia's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
55.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Philadelphia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
69.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Philadelphia. Similar-size median 43.4.
27.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Philadelphia. Similar-size median 40.4.
37.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Philadelphia. Similar-size median 56.6.
70.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
73.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
56.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Philadelphia's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Is Philadelphia, PA a good place to live?
Philadelphia ranks #1102 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #30 of 37 large cities and #17 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.7 min, #35 of 37) and high poverty (21.4%, #34 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia'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 $1,397/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,728, 20% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia recorded 830 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 3.7 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #1014 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #27 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Philadelphia Police Department. Property crime runs 4,354 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Philadelphia?
The median household in Philadelphia earns $61,953, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Philadelphia?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,397/mo (Census), #638 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,768/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Philadelphia?
The typical home value in Philadelphia is $233,728, up 0.1% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $243,100.
How are the public schools in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia's 293 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $18,383 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Philadelphia?
The average commute is 31.7 minutes, #1191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 12% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia averages 56.4°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 36.5°F in winter, with 45 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Philadelphia walkable?
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Philadelphia County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 73% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has 1,579,706 residents. The median resident of Philadelphia is 35.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 35.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Philadelphia compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia ranks #17 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 47.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 20% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 3.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 20% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Philadelphia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Philadelphia's population of 1,579,706 are Chicago, IL (#460 overall), Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), San Antonio, TX (#1010 overall), San Diego, CA (#567 overall), and Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall). Philadelphia is #1102.