PennsylvaniaPop. 76,033Smaller cities
Is Scranton a Good Place to Live? Scranton, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Scranton ranks #800 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #341 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($158,100, #32 of 524) and low rents ($1,048/mo, #62 of 524), and trails on low household income ($50,739, #503 of 524) and high poverty (23%, #483 of 524).
Scranton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Scranton'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 Scranton?
Scranton's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,048/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $201,486, 31% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Scranton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.6#403 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $201,486#115 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 | $1,354/mo#211 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $158,100#100 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,048/mo#262 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.8%#980 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.
Scranton 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. Scranton is in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Scranton safe?
Scranton recorded 327 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, in line with the US rate of 328 and 44% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #597 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #265 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Scranton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,321 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Scranton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 327#597 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,321#369 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 Scranton?
The median household in Scranton earns $50,739, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 23% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Scranton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $50,739#1220 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 23%#1189 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Scranton?
The median resident of Scranton is 37.2 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). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Scranton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.2 | 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% | 49.9% | 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 Scranton's schools and health?
Scranton's 16 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $17,195 spent per pupil. 34.6% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Scranton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,195#395 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.6%#744 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.9%#764 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. 9,531 students are enrolled in Scranton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Scranton?
The average commute in Scranton is 19.3 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 1.2% of workers take transit and 9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Scranton scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 30.5°F, with 38.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Scranton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.3 min#287 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.6% | 68.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.8% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9% | 13.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.4#763 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 | 35.7 | 20.3 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 38.8 | 21.9 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 28.9 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 61.1 | 39.3 | 3.3 |
| May | 72.2 | 49.6 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 79.9 | 58.1 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 84.6 | 62.7 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 61.1 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 75.1 | 54 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 63.1 | 43.3 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 51.2 | 34.3 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 40.3 | 26.3 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
| Measure | Scranton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 38.7 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 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Scranton?
Lackawanna County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lackawanna County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Scranton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#516 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 Lackawanna County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lackawanna County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0041% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0016% | 37% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 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 Scranton compare with similar-size cities?
Scranton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #341 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,033.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 min |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 min |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #51 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 | 27.7 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 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 Scranton compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Scranton ranks #12 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 35% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 44% above the statewide rate. Homes are 31% 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 Scranton's score calculated?
Scranton scores 53.3 out of 100, #800 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 Scranton. Similar-size median 55.5.
38.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Scranton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
76.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Scranton. Similar-size median 58.9.
47.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Scranton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
64.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Scranton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
82.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Scranton. Similar-size median 56.1.
19.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Scranton. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Scranton. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Scranton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Scranton'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 Scranton 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 Scranton
Is Scranton, PA a good place to live?
Scranton ranks #800 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #341 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($158,100, #32 of 524) and low rents ($1,048/mo, #62 of 524), and trails on low household income ($50,739, #503 of 524) and high poverty (23%, #483 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Scranton?
Scranton's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,048/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $201,486, 31% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Scranton?
Scranton recorded 327 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, in line with the US rate of 328 and 44% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #597 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #265 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Scranton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,321 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Scranton?
The median household in Scranton earns $50,739, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 35% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 23% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Scranton?
Median rent in Scranton is $1,048/mo (Census), #262 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,354/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Scranton?
The typical home value in Scranton is $201,486, down 2.5% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $158,100.
How are the public schools in Scranton?
Scranton's 16 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $17,195 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Scranton?
The average commute is 19.3 minutes, #287 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Scranton?
Scranton averages 51.3°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 30.5°F in winter, with 38.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Scranton walkable?
Scranton scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 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 Scranton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lackawanna County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Scranton?
Lackawanna County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Scranton?
Scranton has 76,033 residents. The median resident of Scranton is 37.2 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). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Scranton compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Scranton ranks #12 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 35% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 44% above the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Scranton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Scranton's population of 76,033 are Broomfield, CO (#106 overall), Pittsburg, CA (#996 overall), Southfield, MI (#933 overall), Cheektowaga, NY (#351 overall), and Wesley Chapel, FL (#626 overall). Scranton is #800.