Swissvale, PA
Population 8,499 · Pennsylvania
About Swissvale, PA
Swissvale is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 8,499 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,114 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Swissvale features a median home value of $141,300, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Swissvale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,097, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,879 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (2,094 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (2,375 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Swissvale shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Swissvale have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.0% of Swissvale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Swissvale, PA
Compared to national averages, Swissvale has a median household income of $60,114 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,300, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,097 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Swissvale's income is 18% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 26% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Swissvale, PA?
Swissvale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,097/month, and a well-educated community where 41.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,114) that falls below the national average. However, Swissvale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Swissvale has a population of 8,499 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Swissvale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Swissvale
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewistown | 8,505 | $40,179 | $98,600 | Compare |
| Old Forge | 8,533 | $73,258 | $169,700 | Compare |
| Villanova | 8,431 | $250,001 | $945,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hills | 8,418 | $97,177 | $235,500 | Compare |
| Lock Haven | 8,386 | $40,131 | $127,500 | Compare |
| Parkville | 8,354 | $74,509 | $207,100 | Compare |
| Doylestown | 8,322 | $93,672 | $491,700 | Compare |
| Mount Joy | 8,310 | $84,514 | $241,300 | 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 Swissvale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Swissvale
What is the population of Swissvale, PA?
The population of Swissvale, PA is 8,499 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 Swissvale?
The median household income in Swissvale, PA is $60,114 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Swissvale?
The median home value in Swissvale, PA is $141,300, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Swissvale?
The median monthly rent in Swissvale, PA is $1,097, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Swissvale?
The unemployment rate in Swissvale, PA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Swissvale, PA a good place to live?
Swissvale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,499 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Swissvale, PA?
41.0% of residents in Swissvale 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 Swissvale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Swissvale, PA: median home value is $141,300 (42% below national), median rent is $1,097/month, and median household income is $60,114. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Swissvale?
The poverty rate in Swissvale, PA is 13.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Swissvale, PA?
Swissvale's population is 1.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 27.4% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.