Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scranton, PA
Thinking of moving to Scranton, PA? Home to about 76,000 people, Scranton offers an affordable cost of living with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times are short, and the city features excellent access to healthcare and higher education, including the University of Scranton. While crime rates are slightly above the national average, Scranton boasts a friendly community, four-season weather, and a lower cost of living than many East Coast cities. Explore housing, schools, and local amenities to see if Scranton is the right fit for your next move.
Demographics - Scranton, PA
Demographics - Scranton, PA
Scranton is a mid-sized city with about 75,874 residents, a median age of 38, and a diverse population predominantly White, with growing Black, Asian, and Hispanic communities. The city has a slightly higher female population and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a mix of urban convenience and neighborhood feel.
Population:
75,874
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
6.4%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
9.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scranton, PA?
With a cost of living index of 83.5, Scranton is notably more affordable than the national average, especially for housing, where the median home value is $165,000 and average rent is around $1,050. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income taxes remain low at a flat 3.07%. Residents benefit from a lower overall cost structure, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,580
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
93.8
Housing:
66.2
Utilities:
107.7
Transportation:
98.4
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Scranton, PA a safe place to live?
Scranton experiences a higher-than-average crime rate, with roughly 342 violent crimes and 2,110 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 292, while property crime risk is 1 in 47. While safety precautions are advised, many neighborhoods remain welcoming and community-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
342
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,110
Crime Index:
2,452
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 292
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Scranton, PA year-round?
Scranton boasts a classic four-season climate with cold, snowy winters, warm summers reaching up to 81°F, and crisp, colorful autumns. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This weather profile supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents in Scranton enjoy a median household income of $54,500 and an average commute of just under 20 minutes, with 87.9% having at least a high school education. The community sees a higher poverty rate at 22.1%, but maintains a strong sense of local connection and relatively low unemployment at 5.6%. Most residents rely on cars, with public transportation usage remaining low.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$36,100
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
22.6%
Education
How are the schools in Scranton, PA?
Scranton offers a range of educational opportunities, from well-regarded public schools like Scranton High School to private options and higher education institutions, including the University of Scranton and Marywood University. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, and local colleges provide accessible pathways to advanced degrees. The city supports lifelong learning and educational growth for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
Scranton High School
Street:
63 Mike Munchak Way
Phone:
570-348-3481
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Northeast Intermediate School
Street:
721 Adams Ave
Phone:
570-348-3651
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Cross High School
Street:
501 E Drinker St
Phone:
570-346-7541
Students:
410
Colleges
Name:
The University of Scranton
City:
Scranton
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,400
Name:
Marywood University
City:
Scranton
State:
PA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Scranton provides excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Geisinger Community Medical Center and the Regional Hospital of Scranton offering comprehensive emergency services. There are about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. The healthcare system is robust, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Geisinger Community Medical Center
Address:
1800 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510
Phone:
(570) 703-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Regional Hospital of Scranton
Address:
746 Jefferson Ave, Scranton, PA 18510
Phone:
(570) 348-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scranton, PA?
The Scranton housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $165,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the market has experienced healthy appreciation with a 6.1% increase in the past year. Rental vacancies are slightly above average, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Scranton residents are served by PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, conveniently located in nearby Dunmore. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and state vehicle services, with information accessible both in person and online. Friendly staff and centralized services make vehicle management straightforward for new and existing residents.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
81 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, PA 18512
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.