Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wilkinsburg, PA
Considering a move to Wilkinsburg, PA? With a population of around 14,000, Wilkinsburg offers affordable living, with median home prices near $89,500 and average rents of $940. The area has a strong public transit presence, a reasonable commute to Pittsburgh, and easy access to major hospitals and universities. Crime rates are higher than average, but you'll find a diverse, close-knit community, walkable neighborhoods, and a climate with four distinct seasons. Explore local schools, cost of living, and housing options below to see if Wilkinsburg is the right fit for you.
Demographics - Wilkinsburg, PA
Demographics - Wilkinsburg, PA
Wilkinsburg is a diverse and close-knit community of about 14,349 residents, with a majority Black population and a median age of 39.2 years. The city is densely populated, offering a vibrant urban environment, and nearly 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
14,349
Density:
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
86 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
28.2%
Black:
62.1%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
8.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wilkinsburg, PA?
Wilkinsburg boasts a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $89,500 and average rents near $940. Residents benefit from low state income tax rates and overall expenses that fall well below the national average, making it appealing for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$89,500
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Wilkinsburg, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Wilkinsburg are higher than the national average, with a chance of violent crime estimated at 1 in 161 and property crime at 1 in 43. While the area sees elevated incidents, many residents appreciate the strong sense of community and ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
622
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,972
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 161
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Wilkinsburg, PA year-round?
Wilkinsburg experiences four distinct seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 21°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 38.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather nearly half the year.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents typically have a median household income of $36,900 and a family income of $45,200, with about 30% living below the poverty line. The community has a high school graduation rate of over 88%, a strong reliance on public transit, and an average commute time of just over 33 minutes.
Median Income:
$33,900
Household Income:
$36,900
Family Income:
$45,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$32,700
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
30.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.7%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
17.9%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Wilkinsburg, PA?
Wilkinsburg features local public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and is located close to major universities like Chatham University and the University of Pittsburgh. The area supports educational opportunities from primary through higher education within a short distance.

Public Schools
Name:
Wilkinsburg High School
Street:
747 Wallace Ave
Phone:
412-371-9504
Students:
275
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Kelly Primary School
Street:
400 Kelly Ave
Phone:
412-371-9504
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. James School
Street:
7219 Thomas Blvd
Phone:
412-241-4254
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Chatham University
City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
University of Pittsburgh
City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
Wilkinsburg offers convenient access to major hospitals such as UPMC Shadyside and Forbes Hospital, both with emergency services. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are accessible and comprehensive for most residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Shadyside
Address:
5230 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone:
(412) 623-2121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Forbes Hospital
Address:
2570 Haymaker Rd, Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone:
(412) 858-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wilkinsburg, PA?
The housing market in Wilkinsburg is attractively priced, with a median home price of $89,500 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $950. While the majority of residents rent, home values have seen modest appreciation, and vacancy rates remain reasonable for those seeking new options.
Median Home Price:
$89,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.5%
DMV Information
Residents in Wilkinsburg are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), which provides comprehensive driver and vehicle services both online and at its Harrisburg office. The department ensures convenient access to licensing, registration, and other essential DMV needs.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
Riverfront Office Center, 1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
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.