Pennsylvania · Metropolitan Area
Swarthmore is a small city in Pennsylvania with a population of 6,524. Residents earn $146,992 per year, which is 96% above the national average.
Based on current data, Swarthmore receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Swarthmore stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Swarthmore is $146,992, which is significantly higher than the national average — 96% above $75,149. This places Swarthmore among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in Swarthmore is $557,900, making it a premium housing market at 98% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,493 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Swarthmore is a highly educated community — 79.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Swarthmore enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.1 inches, including 23.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 85.7% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 14.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $146,992 |
| 96% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $66,784 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,407 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $113,369 |
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 14,424 |
| County GDP | $42,608M |
| Restaurants | 1,170 |
| Healthcare | 1,893 |
| Retail | 1,549 |
| Manufacturing | 312 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,088 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |
| Census Median | $557,900 |
| 98% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $454,071 |
| Median List Price | $249,000 |
| Median List Price | $249,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $233 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.6% |
| Price Drops | 45.5% |
| Inventory | 11 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,088 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,708/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,893 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 44.1 inches |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 23.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 126 ft (38 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,660/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9023°N, 75.3487°W |
| County FIPS | 42045 |
Winner: Democrat by 23.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 79.2% |
| 135% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 99.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.95 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 4,660/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 28 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,893 |
| Restaurants | 1,170 |
| Retail Stores | 1,549 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Commute | 27.4 min |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |