Pennsylvania / Lackawanna County

Moving to Scranton, PA

Thinking of making a move to Scranton, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Scranton and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Scranton before you move.

Moving Help for Your Scranton, PA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Scranton move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Scranton, PA Piano Movers Scranton, PA Cheap Movers Scranton, PA Small Movers Scranton, PA Apartment Movers Scranton, PA Long Distance Movers Scranton, PA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scranton, PA

Considering a move to Scranton, PA? This welcoming community of 76,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $175,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Scranton's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Scranton, PA

Scranton has a population of 76,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 10% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
76,000
Density
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age
38.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.0%
Black
9.5%
Asian
3.5%
Others
9.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Scranton, PA?

The cost of living in Scranton is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.7. Median home values are around $175,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$175,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
88.7
Grocery
95.0
Housing
71.5
Utilities
102.4
Transportation
98.1
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
91.2

Crime

Is Scranton, PA a safe place to live?

Scranton is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 49. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
420
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,050
Crime Index
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 49

Weather

What is the weather like in Scranton, PA year-round?

Scranton experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
35°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,500 and a low poverty rate of 20.8%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$57,500
Family Income
$71,000
Per Capita Income
$27,000
Income Male
$40,500
Income Female
$32,500
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Non English Speakers
18.0%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
11.5%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.5%
Bachelors or More
21.5%

Education

How are the schools in Scranton, PA?

Scranton offers quality education options, with public schools like Scranton High School and Northeast Intermediate School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Scranton High School
Street
1017 N Main Ave
Phone
570-348-3470
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
14.0
Name
Northeast Intermediate School
Street
721 Monroe Ave
Phone
570-348-3440
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
13.6

Private Schools

Name
Holy Cross High School
Street
501 E Drinker St
Phone
570-343-8300
Students
420
Name
St. Paul School
Street
1510 Penn Ave
Phone
570-342-3462
Students
260

Colleges

Name
University of Scranton
City
Scranton
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,100
Name
Marywood University
City
Scranton
State
PA
Distance
3 miles
Students
2,700
Name
Lackawanna College
City
Scranton
State
PA
Distance
1 mile
Students
2,000

Healthcare

Scranton residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Moses Taylor Hospital
Address
700 Quincy Ave, Scranton, PA 18510
Phone
(570) 770-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
72.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Scranton, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Scranton offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
53.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.9%

DMV Information

Residents of Scranton handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Address
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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.

FAQs About Moving to Scranton, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Scranton, review the core fields on this page: population 76,000, median home value $175,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

Ready to Move to Scranton, PA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes