Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lehigh Valley, PA
Considering a move to Lehigh Valley, PA? With a population over 860,000 and a median home price of $285,000, the region offers affordable living, moderate rents, and a blend of urban and suburban amenities. Commute times average 27 minutes, violent crime is below national averages, and the area features respected schools and top-tier hospitals. Enjoy four-season weather, 53% sunny days, and a strong community feel—ideal for families, professionals, and students alike.
Demographics - Lehigh Valley, PA
Demographics - Lehigh Valley, PA
Lehigh Valley is home to over 860,000 residents, with a median age of 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White at 70.6%, with a notable mix of other ethnicities, and about 13.5% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's growing diversity.
Population:
861,899
Density:
1,210 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.0
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
70.6%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
3.3%
Others:
18.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lehigh Valley, PA?
Lehigh Valley offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $285,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,340. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive choice for families and professionals seeking value without sacrificing amenities.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,840
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$635
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.7
Grocery:
97.9
Housing:
93.1
Utilities:
105.8
Transportation:
101.5
Health Care:
99.3
Miscellaneous:
96.8
Crime
Is Lehigh Valley, PA a safe place to live?
The region maintains a lower violent crime rate than much of the U.S., with 258 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 388 chance of violent crime. Property crime is more common, but overall, Lehigh Valley is considered a safe community for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
258
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,710
Crime Index:
1,968
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 388
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Lehigh Valley, PA year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows in the 20s, warm summers reaching up to 85°F, and a pleasant mix in between. The area receives about 44.5 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine roughly 53% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Lehigh Valley neighborhoods feature a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $75,100 and a poverty rate of 10.4%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are just over 27 minutes, offering a balanced work-life environment.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$75,100
Family Income:
$87,400
Per Capita Income:
$36,200
Income Male:
$48,100
Income Female:
$39,700
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.6%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.9%
Education
How are the schools in Lehigh Valley, PA?
Lehigh Valley boasts respected public schools such as Parkland and Liberty High School, complemented by private options like Allentown Central Catholic. The region is also home to esteemed colleges, including Lehigh University and Muhlenberg College, making it a strong choice for families and students seeking quality education.

Public Schools
Name:
Parkland High School
Street:
2700 N Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104
Phone:
610-351-5600
Students:
3,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Liberty High School
Street:
1115 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone:
610-691-7200
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
Allentown Central Catholic High School
Street:
301 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102
Phone:
610-437-4601
Students:
750

Colleges
Name:
Lehigh University
City:
Bethlehem
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,200
Name:
Muhlenberg College
City:
Allentown
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
The area is served by major hospitals like Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest and St. Luke’s Hospital–Bethlehem, providing comprehensive medical services and emergency care. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is robust and reliable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
Address:
1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103
Phone:
(610) 402-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Luke’s Hospital–Bethlehem
Address:
801 Ostrum St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone:
(484) 526-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lehigh Valley, PA?
The housing market is stable and growing, with a median home price of $285,000 and a 6.2% appreciation rate over the past year. Owner-occupancy is high at 67.5%, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate, making it a favorable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Lehigh Valley are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), with comprehensive online and in-person support available from their Harrisburg office. Residents can access a full range of DMV services efficiently, ensuring convenient vehicle registration and licensing.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.