Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Swarthmore, PA
Considering a move to Swarthmore, PA? With a population of 6,600, this vibrant college town offers a high level of educational attainment—over 75% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and a median home price of $430,000. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a strong sense of community, and excellent public schools. Commute times average 31 minutes, and the region’s four-season climate features 54% sunny days and mild summers, making Swarthmore an appealing place to call home.
Demographics - Swarthmore, PA
Demographics - Swarthmore, PA
Swarthmore is a close-knit community of around 6,600 residents, characterized by a youthful median age of 34.1 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White, but also includes Asian, Black, and other ethnic groups, with nearly 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a vibrant yet comfortable small-town atmosphere.
Population:
6,600
Density:
4,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.2%
Black:
5.2%
Asian:
7.8%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore’s cost of living is higher than the national average, reflected in a median home value of $430,000 and a cost of living index of 121. Housing and utilities are notable expenses, but residents benefit from relatively stable state income taxes at 3.07%. The area offers a high quality of life balanced with slightly elevated costs for groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
Median House Value:
$430,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,610
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$730
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
121
Grocery:
112
Housing:
128
Utilities:
108
Transportation:
116
Health Care:
109
Miscellaneous:
104
Crime
Is Swarthmore, PA a safe place to live?
Swarthmore enjoys a low crime rate, with only 52 violent crimes and 835 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Residents have a 1 in 1,923 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a strong sense of safety and security. The overall crime index remains well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
52
Property Crimes Per 100k:
835
Crime Index:
887
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,923
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 120
Weather
What is the weather like in Swarthmore, PA year-round?
Swarthmore experiences all four seasons, featuring mild summers with highs up to 86°F and cool winters averaging lows of 26°F. The town receives about 45.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys 54% sunny days, offering residents a pleasant climate for year-round outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring a vibrant natural beauty to the area.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Swarthmore is a well-educated and affluent community, with household incomes around $118,750 and a low poverty rate of 4.7%. Nearly 75% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment is low at 3.8%. Public transportation is used by 16.6% of residents, and average commutes are about 31 minutes.
Median Income:
$43,800
Household Income:
$118,750
Family Income:
$145,200
Per Capita Income:
$57,900
Income Male:
$68,700
Income Female:
$54,200
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
16.6%
Commute Time:
31 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
75.4%
Education
How are the schools in Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore is renowned for its strong educational offerings, including highly rated public schools with low student-teacher ratios and a prestigious liberal arts college, Swarthmore College, at its heart. The town boasts a high level of educational attainment, with 75% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Nearby colleges and a respected private school further enhance the community’s academic environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Swarthmore-Rutledge School
Street:
100 College Ave
Phone:
610-544-5700
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Strath Haven High School
Street:
205 S Providence Rd
Phone:
610-892-3470
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Private Schools
Name:
The School in Rose Valley
Street:
20 School Ln
Phone:
610-566-1088
Students:
125
Colleges
Name:
Swarthmore College
City:
Swarthmore
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,650
Name:
Widener University
City:
Chester
State:
PA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Swarthmore is excellent, with two major hospitals nearby and a high ratio of 2.9 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 98% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring robust medical support. The area’s healthcare index reflects strong service availability and quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Springfield Hospital
Address:
190 W Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064
Phone:
(610) 328-8700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Crozer-Chester Medical Center
Address:
1 Medical Center Blvd, Upland, PA 19013
Phone:
(610) 447-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore’s housing market is stable and desirable, with a median home price of $430,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,400. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Home values have appreciated by 5.3% over the past year, signaling steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Swarthmore residents are served by Pennsylvania’s PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, offering comprehensive DMV resources and services. The nearest full-service center is located in Whitehall, with accessible customer support and an informative website. Vehicle registration and licensing processes are streamlined for local convenience.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall, PA 18052
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.