Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merion, PA
Considering a move to Merion, PA? This charming Philadelphia suburb has a population of about 6,200 and is known for its excellent schools, high educational attainment, and strong household incomes. The typical home value is around $725,000, with average rents near $2,100—a reflection of the area's premium living. Merion features very low crime rates, a 31-minute average commute, and convenient access to top-rated hospitals. With 57% sunny days and a rich community feel, Merion offers a blend of safety, prestige, and suburban tranquility.
Demographics - Merion, PA
Demographics - Merion, PA
Merion is a close-knit suburb of about 6,200 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 44. The neighborhood maintains a balanced gender ratio and a moderate proportion of non-English speakers, fostering both stability and subtle cultural diversity. Its population density and age profile create a peaceful, established community atmosphere.
Population:
6,200
Density:
4,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
7.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merion, PA?
Living in Merion comes with a higher cost of living, reflected by a median home value of $725,000 and typical rents around $2,100 per month. Expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the national average, making it ideal for those seeking premium suburban amenities. Residents benefit from relatively low state taxes and a quality lifestyle in exchange for these higher costs.
Median House Value:
$725,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,680
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$980
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.0
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Merion, PA a safe place to live?
Merion boasts notably low crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at a rate well below national averages—just 55 incidents per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing property or violent crime is quite low, making it one of the safer communities in the region. This strong sense of security contributes to its appeal for families and professionals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
55
Property Crimes Per 100k:
520
Crime Index:
575
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,820
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 192
Weather
What is the weather like in Merion, PA year-round?
Merion experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters and warm, pleasant summers. Annual rainfall is moderate at 47.5 inches, and residents enjoy sunshine 57% of the year. The climate supports outdoor activities and enhances the suburb’s inviting atmosphere year-round.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents of Merion enjoy high household incomes, with a median of $175,000 and a low poverty rate of just over 2%. The community is highly educated, with more than 80% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and about 99% completing high school. Strong public transport use and manageable commute times further boost the area's desirability.
Median Income:
$68,000
Household Income:
$175,000
Family Income:
$195,000
Per Capita Income:
$85,000
Income Male:
$100,000
Income Female:
$78,000
Poverty Rate:
2.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
16.5%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
99.1%
Bachelors or More:
81.0%
Education
How are the schools in Merion, PA?
Merion is renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, featuring highly rated public schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios, as well as respected private options. The suburb is close to several top colleges, including Saint Joseph's University and Haverford College, supporting lifelong learning. The community’s high educational attainment is reflected in the nearly universal high school graduation and strong college attendance rates.

Public Schools
Name:
Merion Elementary School
Street:
549 S Bowman Ave
Phone:
610-645-1470
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Lower Merion High School
Street:
315 E Montgomery Ave
Phone:
610-645-1810
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1

Private Schools
Name:
Waldron Mercy Academy
Street:
513 Montgomery Ave
Phone:
610-664-9847
Students:
450

Colleges
Name:
Saint Joseph's University
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Haverford College
City:
Haverford
State:
PA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Merion is comprehensive, with easy access to top hospitals like Lankenau Medical Center and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center nearby. The area features a high physician-to-resident ratio and nearly universal health insurance coverage, ensuring excellent medical care for residents. This strong healthcare infrastructure supports a healthy community lifestyle.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lankenau Medical Center
Address:
100 E Lancaster Ave, Wynnewood, PA 19096
Phone:
(484) 476-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Address:
51 N 39th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone:
(215) 662-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
81.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merion, PA?
Merion’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $725,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 91%. Home values are appreciating steadily, while rental vacancies remain low. The upscale market and limited new construction reflect the suburb’s stability and desirability.
Median Home Price:
$725,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and driver services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), headquartered in Harrisburg. PennDOT offers comprehensive resources both online and in-person, making DMV-related tasks straightforward. The department serves as the main point of contact for licensing, registration, and related needs.
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.