Swarthmore, PA
Population 6,524 · Pennsylvania
About Swarthmore, PA
Swarthmore is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 6,524 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $146,992 per year, which is 96% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Swarthmore features a median home value of $557,900, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. This places Swarthmore in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,493, 28% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,243 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (1,593 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (544 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Swarthmore shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Swarthmore have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
79.2% of Swarthmore residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 12.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Swarthmore Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Swarthmore, PA
Compared to national averages, Swarthmore has a median household income of $146,992 (96% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $557,900, which is 128% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,493 is 28% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Swarthmore's income is 100% above the state average of $73,376, and home values are 192% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $146,992, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 79.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $557,900. However, Swarthmore’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Swarthmore has a population of 6,524 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Swarthmore with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Swarthmore
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Lion | 6,494 | $63,672 | $172,000 | Compare |
| Catasauqua | 6,491 | $74,363 | $201,600 | Compare |
| Milton | 6,582 | $53,552 | $172,100 | Compare |
| West View | 6,582 | $70,954 | $209,800 | Compare |
| Blue Bell | 6,450 | $159,963 | $581,500 | Compare |
| Prospect Park | 6,402 | $65,774 | $239,700 | Compare |
| Homeacre-Lyndora | 6,647 | $71,232 | $190,800 | Compare |
| Blakely | 6,661 | $59,858 | $183,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Swarthmore With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Swarthmore
What is the population of Swarthmore, PA?
The population of Swarthmore, PA is 6,524 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Swarthmore?
The median household income in Swarthmore, PA is $146,992 per year, which is 96% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Swarthmore?
The median home value in Swarthmore, PA is $557,900, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Swarthmore?
The median monthly rent in Swarthmore, PA is $1,493, which is 28% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Swarthmore?
The unemployment rate in Swarthmore, PA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Swarthmore, PA a good place to live?
Swarthmore offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,524 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Swarthmore, PA?
79.2% of residents in Swarthmore aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Swarthmore?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Swarthmore, PA: median home value is $557,900 (128% above national), median rent is $1,493/month, and median household income is $146,992. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Swarthmore?
The poverty rate in Swarthmore, PA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore's population is 1.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 10.2% two or more races. 12.4% of residents are foreign-born.