PennsylvaniaPop. 304,759Big cities
Is Pittsburgh a Good Place to Live? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pittsburgh ranks #364 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #8 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($205,800, #9 of 53), and trails on high poverty (20.1%, #45 of 53) and low graduation rates (76.6%, #37 of 47).
Pittsburgh by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pittsburgh'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 Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,261/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $239,865, 17% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Pittsburgh | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 94.7#427 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $239,865#223 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,545/mo#375 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $205,800#244 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,261/mo#497 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23%#777 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Pittsburgh 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. Pittsburgh is in the Pittsburgh, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Pittsburgh safe?
Pittsburgh recorded 468 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #803 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Property crime runs 2,370 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pittsburgh | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 468#803 of 1,085 | 227 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,370#824 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Pittsburgh?
The median household in Pittsburgh earns $65,742, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pittsburgh | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $65,742#912 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 20.1%#1112 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Pittsburgh?
The median resident of Pittsburgh is 33.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 49.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #279 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pittsburgh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.6 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 49.1%#279 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 47.7% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Pittsburgh's schools and health?
Pittsburgh's 67 public schools graduate 76.6% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $23,738 spent per pupil. 31.8% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Pittsburgh | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 76.6%#963 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 11.6#61 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $23,738#80 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7%#256 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 24,063 students are enrolled in Pittsburgh's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pittsburgh?
The average commute in Pittsburgh is 22.7 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 11.5% of workers take transit and 22.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pittsburgh scores 14.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.7°F and winters 32°F, with 41.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pittsburgh | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.7 min#565 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 47.5% | 68.5% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 11.5% | 4.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 9.6% | 3.4% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1.2% | 0.5% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 22.4% | 13.8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.8#57 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 36.6 | 22.3 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 39.9 | 24.3 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 49.4 | 31.3 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 41.8 | 3.4 |
| May | 71.9 | 51.8 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 79.1 | 59.9 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 83 | 64.1 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 81.3 | 62.8 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 55.9 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 45.1 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 51.1 | 35.3 | 3 |
| Dec | 41 | 27.7 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pittsburgh Allegheny Co Airport.
| Measure | Pittsburgh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 52.4°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 71.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 32°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 41.3 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pittsburgh Allegheny Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pittsburgh?
Allegheny County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Allegheny County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Pittsburgh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#341 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Allegheny County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Allegheny County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 22% 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 Pittsburgh compare with similar-size cities?
Pittsburgh is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #8 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 304,759.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #239 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 | 24.7 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #1019 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 | 21.7 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 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 Pittsburgh compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh ranks #5 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 60.7 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 15% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Pittsburgh's score calculated?
Pittsburgh scores 60.7 out of 100, #364 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Pittsburgh. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pittsburgh's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
60.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pittsburgh. Similar-size median 54.8.
58.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pittsburgh's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
71.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pittsburgh's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
76.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pittsburgh. Similar-size median 47.2.
31.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pittsburgh. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pittsburgh. Similar-size median 53.7.
82.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
72.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
56.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pittsburgh's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live?
Pittsburgh ranks #364 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #8 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($205,800, #9 of 53), and trails on high poverty (20.1%, #45 of 53) and low graduation rates (76.6%, #37 of 47).
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,261/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $239,865, 17% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh recorded 468 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #803 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #23 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Property crime runs 2,370 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pittsburgh?
The median household in Pittsburgh earns $65,742, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,261/mo (Census), #497 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,545/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pittsburgh?
The typical home value in Pittsburgh is $239,865, down 1% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $205,800.
How are the public schools in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's 67 public schools graduate 76.6% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $23,738 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pittsburgh?
The average commute is 22.7 minutes, #565 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh averages 52.4°F over the year, 71.7°F in summer and 32°F in winter, with 41.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pittsburgh walkable?
Pittsburgh scores 14.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #57 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 Pittsburgh at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Allegheny County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pittsburgh?
Allegheny County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has 304,759 residents. The median resident of Pittsburgh is 33.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 49.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #279 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pittsburgh compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh ranks #5 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 60.7 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 15% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Pittsburgh?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pittsburgh's population of 304,759 are Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), Irvine, CA (#239 overall), Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall), and Newark, NJ (#1109 overall). Pittsburgh is #364.