PennsylvaniaPop. 41,050Small cities
Is State College a Good Place to Live? State College, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
State College ranks #307 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #59 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191) and short commutes (15.5 min, #20 of 208), and trails on high poverty (38.1%, #208 of 208) and low household income ($45,424, #197 of 208).
State College by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with State College'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 State College?
State College's cost of living index is 96.8, 3% below the US level of 100 and #535 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,273/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $412,988, 42% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | State College | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.8#535 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $412,988#654 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 | $1,804/mo#579 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $437,800#869 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,273/mo#507 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 9.6x#1275 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 33.6%#1290 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.
State College 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. State College is in the State College, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is State College safe?
State College recorded 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 33% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #247 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #50 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by State College Police Department. Property crime runs 768 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | State College | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 153#247 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 768#121 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 State College?
The median household in State College earns $45,424, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 38.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | State College | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $45,424#1281 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 38.1%#1311 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 State College?
The median resident of State College is 21.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 68.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #61 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 26.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | State College | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 21.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 68.4%#61 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 26.1% | 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 State College's schools and health?
State College's 5 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $21,884 spent per pupil. 29.5% of adults are obese and 4.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | State College | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.5#52 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $21,884#124 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 29.5%#367 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 4.6%#7 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 27.4%#1311 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.3%#557 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. 3,372 students are enrolled in State College's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in State College?
The average commute in State College is 15.5 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 6.4% of workers take transit and 15.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index State College scores 15 of 20 (above average walkable), #38 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.2°F and winters 29.5°F, with 41.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | State College | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.5 min#75 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 38.3% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 6.4% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 30.9% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 3.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 15.3% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 15#38 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 | 33.9 | 20.5 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 36.8 | 21.5 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 45.6 | 28.3 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 59.2 | 39.4 | 3.5 |
| May | 69.4 | 50.3 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 77 | 59.3 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 81.1 | 63.3 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 79.3 | 61.6 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 54.1 | 4 |
| Oct | 60.7 | 43 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 48.8 | 33.5 | 3 |
| Dec | 38.4 | 26 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at State College.
| Measure | State College | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 50.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 70.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 29.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.5 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 State College.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in State College?
Centre County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% 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 Centre County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | State College | 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% | 0.07%#35 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 Centre County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Centre County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0032% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% 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 State College compare with similar-size cities?
State College is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #59 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 41,050.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #307 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 | 15.5 min |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #326 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 | 24.3 min |
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #535 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 | 21.8 min |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #327 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 | 14 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #472 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data | 32.5 min |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #92 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 | 21.6 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 State College compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
State College ranks #3 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 62 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 41% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 33% below the statewide rate. Homes are 42% 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 State College's score calculated?
State College scores 62 out of 100, #307 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 State College. Similar-size median 52.9.
39.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by State College's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
91.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in State College. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in State College's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
88.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
State College's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
65.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in State College. Similar-size median 46.7.
4.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in State College. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in State College. Similar-size median 47.3.
87.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across State College's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
73.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
78.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: State College'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 State College 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 State College
Is State College, PA a good place to live?
State College ranks #307 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #59 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191) and short commutes (15.5 min, #20 of 208), and trails on high poverty (38.1%, #208 of 208) and low household income ($45,424, #197 of 208).
What is the cost of living in State College?
State College's cost of living index is 96.8, 3% below the US level of 100 and #535 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,273/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $412,988, 42% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in State College?
State College recorded 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 33% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #247 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #50 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by State College Police Department. Property crime runs 768 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in State College?
The median household in State College earns $45,424, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 38.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in State College?
Median rent in State College is $1,273/mo (Census), #507 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,804/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 33.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in State College?
The typical home value in State College is $412,988, up 2.1% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $437,800.
How are the public schools in State College?
State College's 5 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 11.5 students per teacher and $21,884 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in State College?
The average commute is 15.5 minutes, #75 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in State College?
State College averages 50.1°F over the year, 70.2°F in summer and 29.5°F in winter, with 41.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is State College walkable?
State College scores 15 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #38 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 State College at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Centre County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in State College?
Centre County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in State College?
State College has 41,050 residents. The median resident of State College is 21.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 68.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #61 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 26.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does State College compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
State College ranks #3 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 62 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 41% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 33% below the statewide rate. Homes are 42% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to State College?
The tracked cities in other states closest to State College's population of 41,050 are Florence, AL (#915 overall), Greer, SC (#326 overall), Brookfield, WI (#34 overall), Covington, KY (#535 overall), and Cedar Falls, IA (#327 overall). State College is #307.