PennsylvaniaPop. 44,423Small cities
Is Wilkes-Barre a Good Place to Live? Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wilkes-Barre ranks #1071 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($117,200, #8 of 208) and low rents ($946/mo, #49 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (5.2%, #165 of 184) and low household income ($48,515, #186 of 208).
Wilkes-Barre by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wilkes-Barre'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 Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre'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 $946/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $184,986, 36% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Wilkes-Barre | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 93.6#403 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $184,986#88 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 | $1,340/mo#200 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $117,200#27 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $946/mo#146 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23.4%#820 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.
Wilkes-Barre 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. Wilkes-Barre is in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Wilkes-Barre safe?
Wilkes-Barre recorded 413 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% above the US rate of 328 and 82% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #738 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #124 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Property crime runs 1,533 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wilkes-Barre | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 413#738 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,533#494 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 Wilkes-Barre?
The median household in Wilkes-Barre earns $48,515, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.3%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wilkes-Barre | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $48,515#1250 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.2%#878 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 23.1%#1194 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Wilkes-Barre?
The median resident of Wilkes-Barre is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1155 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wilkes-Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20.5%#1155 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 51.2% | 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 Wilkes-Barre's schools and health?
Wilkes-Barre's 6 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $12,924 spent per pupil. 41.1% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Wilkes-Barre | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 18.4#865 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,924#839 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.1%#1168 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.8%#933 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. 4,083 students are enrolled in Wilkes-Barre's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wilkes-Barre?
The average commute in Wilkes-Barre is 20.7 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 2.2% of workers take transit and 8.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wilkes-Barre scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 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 | Wilkes-Barre | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 69% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.2% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5.9% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 8.2% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 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 | 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 | Wilkes-Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 51.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 71.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 30.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 38.7 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 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wilkes-Barre?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Wilkes-Barre's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Luzerne County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Wilkes-Barre | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#400 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 Luzerne County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Luzerne County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 46% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% 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 Wilkes-Barre compare with similar-size cities?
Wilkes-Barre is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #170 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 44,423.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #1071 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 | 20.7 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| Bountiful, UTPop. 45,023 | #281 | 62.5 | $104,785 | $1,565/mo | 167 | 22.8 min |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #386 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 | 27 min |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #202 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 | 18.7 min |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #331 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data | 26.6 min |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 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 Wilkes-Barre compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Wilkes-Barre ranks #16 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 37% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 36% 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 Wilkes-Barre's score calculated?
Wilkes-Barre scores 48.5 out of 100, #1071 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 Wilkes-Barre. Similar-size median 52.9.
34.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wilkes-Barre's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
69.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wilkes-Barre. Similar-size median 52.2.
36.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wilkes-Barre's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
45.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wilkes-Barre's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wilkes-Barre. Similar-size median 46.7.
18.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wilkes-Barre. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wilkes-Barre. Similar-size median 47.3.
52.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wilkes-Barre's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
72.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wilkes-Barre'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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Is Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live?
Wilkes-Barre ranks #1071 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($117,200, #8 of 208) and low rents ($946/mo, #49 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (5.2%, #165 of 184) and low household income ($48,515, #186 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre'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 $946/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $184,986, 36% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre recorded 413 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% above the US rate of 328 and 82% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #738 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #124 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Property crime runs 1,533 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wilkes-Barre?
The median household in Wilkes-Barre earns $48,515, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 37% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.2% (US 4.3%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wilkes-Barre?
Median rent in Wilkes-Barre is $946/mo (Census), #146 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,340/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wilkes-Barre?
The typical home value in Wilkes-Barre is $184,986, up 1.9% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $117,200.
How are the public schools in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre's 6 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $12,924 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wilkes-Barre?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre walkable?
Wilkes-Barre scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Wilkes-Barre at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Luzerne County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
Who lives in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre has 44,423 residents. The median resident of Wilkes-Barre is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1155 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wilkes-Barre compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Wilkes-Barre ranks #16 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 48.5 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 37% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 36% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Wilkes-Barre?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wilkes-Barre's population of 44,423 are Gainesville, GA (#688 overall), Bountiful, UT (#281 overall), Lebanon, TN (#386 overall), Burlington, VT (#202 overall), and Pearl City, HI (#331 overall). Wilkes-Barre is #1071.