Pennsylvania / Delaware County

Moving to Swarthmore, PA

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

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Swarthmore, PA

Considering a move to Swarthmore, PA? This welcoming community of 6,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $430,000 and average rents near $1,400. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Swarthmore's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Swarthmore, PA

Swarthmore has a population of 6,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 81% White, 5% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Swarthmore is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 121. Median home values are around $430,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,400. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 52 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 120. 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
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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $118,750 and a low poverty rate of 4.7%. Over 98% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 75% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 17% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Swarthmore-Rutledge School and Strath Haven High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Swarthmore College and Widener University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Swarthmore residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Springfield Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 97.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $430,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 77%. The market has seen a 5.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Swarthmore offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Swarthmore handle vehicle services through the PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, conveniently located in Whitehall. 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
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address
1101 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall, PA 18052
Phone
1-800-932-4600

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 Swarthmore, PA

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

Before moving to Swarthmore, review the core fields on this page: population 6,600, median home value $430,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,400, commute time 31 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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