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 6,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $460,000 and average rents near $1,720. Commute times average 28 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 6,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 23 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 7% Black, and 12% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
6,500
Density
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age
22.8
Gender Ratio
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
77.0%
Black
6.8%
Asian
11.5%
Others
4.7%

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 127.5. Median home values are around $460,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,720. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$460,000
Gross Rent
$1,720
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 4.9%
Cost Of Living Index
127.5
Grocery
103.5
Housing
151.0
Utilities
109.2
Transportation
104.8
Health Care
101.9
Miscellaneous
108.4

Crime

Is Swarthmore, PA a safe place to live?

Swarthmore is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 92 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 99. 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
92
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,010
Crime Index
1,102
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 99

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 45 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
44°F
Max
67°F

Fall

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

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $126,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 72% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 19% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$66,500
Household Income
$126,000
Family Income
$148,000
Per Capita Income
$50,500
Income Male
$60,500
Income Female
$49,500
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Non English Speakers
10.9%
Rent
$1,720
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
Public Transport Usage
18.6%
Commute Time
28.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.4%
Bachelors or More
71.8%

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
610-544-1144
Students
320
Student Teacher Ratio
11.3
Name
Strath Haven High School
Street
205 S Providence Rd
Phone
610-891-5683
Students
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio
12.7

Private Schools

Name
Swarthmore Friends School
Street
11 Whittier Pl
Phone
610-328-8510
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Swarthmore College
City
Swarthmore
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,620
Name
Widener University
City
Chester
State
PA
Distance
5 miles
Students
5,000

Healthcare

Swarthmore residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Riddle Hospital and Crozer-Chester Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Riddle Hospital
Address
1068 W Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
Phone
(484) 227-9400
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
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.5%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Swarthmore, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $460,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 4.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Swarthmore offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$460,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,720
Owner Occupied Rate
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.8%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Swarthmore 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 S. Front St., 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 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 6,500, median home value $460,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,720, commute time 28.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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