Pennsylvania / County

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 44,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $168,000 and average rents near $1,020. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% 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 44,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 12% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
44,000
Density
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age
38.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
74.0%
Black
11.5%
Asian
2.0%
Others
12.5%

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 88.6. Median home values are around $168,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,020. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$168,000
Gross Rent
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
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
88.6
Grocery
94.5
Housing
71.8
Utilities
107.2
Transportation
96.3
Health Care
96.0
Miscellaneous
98.1

Crime

Is Wilkes Barre, PA a safe place to live?

Wilkes Barre is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 620 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. 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
620
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,770
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 161
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

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

Wilkes Barre experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
35°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $48,000 and a low poverty rate of 22.8%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$29,500
Household Income
$48,000
Family Income
$60,500
Per Capita Income
$24,200
Income Male
$34,000
Income Female
$27,500
Poverty Rate
22.8%
Non English Speakers
18.9%
Rent
$1,020
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Public Transport Usage
9.8%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.5%
Bachelors or More
19.6%

Education

How are the schools in Wilkes Barre, PA?

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

Public Schools

Name
GAR Memorial Middle School
Street
250 Dana St
Phone
570-826-7115
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5
Name
Wilkes-Barre Area High School
Street
20 Red Rock St
Phone
570-826-7180
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
Holy Redeemer High School
Street
159 S Pennsylvania Ave
Phone
570-829-2424
Students
500

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
1 mile
Students
2,300
Name
Luzerne County Community College
City
Nanticoke
State
PA
Distance
8 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Wilkes Barre residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
Address
1000 E Mountain Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone
(570) 808-7300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital
Address
575 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18764
Phone
(570) 829-8111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $168,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Wilkes Barre offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,020
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

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
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 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 44,000, median home value $168,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,020, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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