Living in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Swarthmore · Census data 2020–2024
Swarthmore has 6,550 residents with a median age of 28.3. The median household income is $152,361 (95% higher than the Pennsylvania median), the median home value is $633,800, the median rent is $1,532/month.
Swarthmore at a glance
- Population
- 6,550
- Median age
- 28.3State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $152,361State: $77,971
- Median home value
- $633,800State: $254,500
- Median rent
- $1,532/moState: $1,209
- Homeowners
- 76%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 81.5%
- Average commute
- 26 min
Is Swarthmore a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 95% higher than the Pennsylvania median; an average commute of 26 minutes; a poverty rate of 1.8%.
Cons: Home values 149% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7.7%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Swarthmore
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Swarthmore the median home value is $633,800, 91% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,532 per month, which is 22.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,777 a month in housing costs.
Swarthmore median household income
The median household income in Swarthmore is $152,361 and the income per person is $73,250. 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Pennsylvania: 11.7%).
Housing in Swarthmore: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,163
- Owner-occupied
- 76%
- Renter-occupied
- 24%
- Vacant
- 4.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1949
- Average household size
- 2.34
Swarthmore demographics
- Population
- 6,550
- Median age
- 28.3
- Under 18
- 20%
- 65 and older
- 16%
- Households
- 2,067
- Foreign-born
- 11.5%
- Veterans
- 5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Swarthmore ›
Education in Swarthmore
81.5% of adults 25 and older in Swarthmore have a bachelor's degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.2%), and 55.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Swarthmore
- Unemployment rate
- 7.7%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 26 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 21.1%
- Drive alone
- 41.9%
- Public transit
- 7.9%
- Walk to work
- 24.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 97.1%
Swarthmore vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swarthmore | 6,550 | $152,361 | $633,800 | $1,532 |
| Nether Providence | 14,426 | $150,950 | $458,600 | $2,158 |
| Rutledge | 935 | $135,313 | $396,800 | $1,679 |
| Folsom | 8,671 | $113,064 | $280,100 | $1,540 |
| Morton | 2,773 | $61,563 | $267,400 | $1,257 |
| Ridley | 30,923 | $92,835 | $265,200 | $1,298 |
| Woodlyn | 9,736 | $79,696 | $230,400 | $1,196 |
| Springfield | 25,038 | $138,205 | $414,900 | $1,459 |
| Rose Valley | 1,225 | $246,875 | $751,100 | $2,900 |
More for people moving to Swarthmore
Swarthmore ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Swarthmore: FAQ
What is the median household income in Swarthmore, PA?
The median household income in Swarthmore is $152,361, 95% higher than the Pennsylvania median of $77,971 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Swarthmore?
The median home value in Swarthmore is $633,800, compared with $254,500 in Pennsylvania.
How much is rent in Swarthmore?
The median gross rent in Swarthmore is $1,532 per month, about 22.7% of household income.
Is Swarthmore, PA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 95% higher than the Pennsylvania median; an average commute of 26 minutes; a poverty rate of 1.8%. Minuses: home values 149% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7.7%.
What is the median age in Swarthmore?
The median age in Swarthmore is 28.3 years (Pennsylvania: 40.9).
How long is the commute in Swarthmore?
The average commute to work in Swarthmore is 26 minutes; 21.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Swarthmore?
The unemployment rate in Swarthmore is 7.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Swarthmore?
81.5% of adults in Swarthmore have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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