Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Downingtown, PA
Thinking of moving to Downingtown, PA? With a population of 8,115 and a median home price of $385,000, this Chester County borough offers a friendly suburban feel, great local schools, and a reasonable cost of living. Downingtown boasts low violent crime rates (74 per 100K), a solid educational attainment rate, and a manageable average commute of just under 30 minutes. Enjoy four-season weather, strong healthcare options, and easy access to the greater Philadelphia region—making Downingtown a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Downingtown, PA
Demographics - Downingtown, PA
Downingtown is home to about 8,100 residents, offering a close-knit community with a median age of 38.6 years. The population is predominantly White, with a mix of other backgrounds and around 8.5% speaking a language other than English at home. This borough's moderate population density provides a suburban atmosphere with a diverse yet welcoming vibe.
Population:
8,115
Density:
4,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Downingtown, PA?
Downingtown's cost of living index is slightly above the national average, driven by a median home value of $385,000 and average rent around $1,550. Residents benefit from relatively low state taxes and moderate utility costs, making it an affordable option compared to many nearby areas. While housing is the largest expense, groceries, healthcare, and transportation remain reasonably priced.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,425
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.4
Grocery:
106.5
Housing:
118.0
Utilities:
108.2
Transportation:
103.7
Health Care:
104.6
Miscellaneous:
101.2
Crime
Is Downingtown, PA a safe place to live?
Downingtown maintains a low violent crime rate of 74 incidents per 100,000 people, contributing to a sense of safety for residents. Property crime is somewhat higher, with a 1 in 91 chance, but overall crime rates remain manageable for a suburban community. The borough's secure environment is attractive to families and professionals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
74
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,174
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,350
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Downingtown, PA year-round?
Residents of Downingtown experience all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to lows around 23°F. The area receives about 46 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making for a varied and pleasant climate. This seasonal diversity offers plenty of opportunities for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Downingtown typically earn a median income of $76,750, with a poverty rate of 8.1% and an unemployment rate of just 3.8%. The community is well-educated—over 93% have a high school diploma and 42% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average commute times are under 30 minutes, reflecting convenient access to employment centers.
Median Income:
$50,900
Household Income:
$76,750
Family Income:
$98,800
Per Capita Income:
$38,700
Income Male:
$54,800
Income Female:
$44,300
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.4%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
42.6%
Education
How are the schools in Downingtown, PA?
Downingtown boasts strong public schools, such as Downingtown High School West and Downingtown Middle School, known for favorable student-teacher ratios and active student bodies. Private school options and proximity to higher education institutions like West Chester University offer families and students a range of academic opportunities. The area's high educational attainment reflects its commitment to learning and community growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Downingtown High School West Campus
Street:
445 Manor Ave
Phone:
610-269-4400
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Downingtown Middle School
Street:
115 Rock Raymond Rd
Phone:
610-518-0685
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
361 E Main St
Phone:
610-269-8999
Students:
340
Colleges
Name:
West Chester University
City:
West Chester
State:
PA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
17,700
Name:
Immaculata University
City:
Immaculata
State:
PA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Downingtown residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Chester County Hospital and Paoli Hospital nearby. The area features a strong physician-to-population ratio and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.1%, ensuring reliable medical services. These factors make Downingtown a reassuring choice for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chester County Hospital
Address:
701 E Marshall St, West Chester, PA 19380
Phone:
(610) 431-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Paoli Hospital
Address:
255 W Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301
Phone:
(484) 565-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Downingtown, PA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $385,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,550, with over half of residents owning their homes. The market has seen recent appreciation and maintains a low foreclosure rate, indicating stability. Both buyers and renters can find options in this balanced and growing community.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Downingtown residents are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), with convenient access to resources via their official website and regional offices. PennDOT offers comprehensive driver and vehicle services, making licensing and registration straightforward. Assistance is readily available for new and existing residents alike.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.