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Moving to Wilkes Barre, PA

Thinking of making a move to Wilkes Barre, 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 Wilkes Barre, PA

Considering a move to Wilkes Barre, PA? This welcoming community of 44,328 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $114,700 and average rents near $895. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Wilkes Barre's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Wilkes Barre, PA

Wilkes Barre has a population of 44,328 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 73% White, 13% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
44,328
Density
6,100 per sq mi
Median Age
37.4
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
73.1%
Black
13.0%
Asian
2.2%
Others
11.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wilkes Barre, PA?

The cost of living in Wilkes Barre is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 80.2. Median home values are around $114,700 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $895. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$114,700
Gross Rent
$895
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
80.2
Grocery
94.7
Housing
53.5
Utilities
102.2
Transportation
90.4
Health Care
91.3
Miscellaneous
94.0

Crime

Is Wilkes Barre, PA a safe place to live?

Wilkes Barre is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 426 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. 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
426
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,642
Crime Index
3,068
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 235
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

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

Wilkes Barre experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $41,568 and a low poverty rate of 23.7%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$24,500
Household Income
$41,568
Family Income
$56,200
Per Capita Income
$23,400
Income Male
$32,600
Income Female
$28,100
Poverty Rate
23.7%
Non English Speakers
7.8%
Rent
$895
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
18.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.6%
Bachelors or More
17.2%

Education

How are the schools in Wilkes Barre, PA?

Wilkes Barre offers quality education options, with public schools like GAR Memorial Junior/Senior High School and Solomon/Plains Junior Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Wilkes University and King's College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
GAR Memorial Junior/Senior High School
Street
250 S Grant St
Phone
570-826-7165
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4
Name
Solomon/Plains Junior Middle School
Street
43 Abbott St
Phone
570-826-7222
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
14.8

Private Schools

Name
Holy Redeemer High School
Street
159 S Pennsylvania Blvd
Phone
570-829-2424
Students
480

Colleges

Name
Wilkes University
City
Wilkes-Barre
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,000
Name
King's College
City
Wilkes-Barre
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,100

Healthcare

Wilkes Barre residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
Address
575 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18764
Phone
(570) 829-8111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre
Address
25 Church St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18765
Phone
(570) 808-3100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
68.7

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wilkes Barre, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $114,700 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.2%. Wilkes Barre offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$114,700
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$895
Owner Occupied Rate
41.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.1%
New Construction Rate
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate
1.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Wilkes Barre handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), 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 (PennDOT)
Address
1701 S. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
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 Wilkes Barre, PA

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

Before moving to Wilkes Barre, review the core fields on this page: population 44,328, median home value $114,700, average rent for 2 bedroom $895, commute time 18.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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