Moving to Pennsylvania statistics (2024 data)

Despite a net loss in domestic migration, a sizable 237,526 people made the move to Pennsylvania in 2023. Many of these movers are drawn to the cost of living and housing, which is more affordable than many other areas near the Atlantic Coast. The median home price in the state is $292,100 — 30.5% less than the national median.
The Keystone State’s Eastern valley is especially popular, in part due to its proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Locales such as Bethlehem, Carlisle and Easton have all seen significant growth, driven by their affordable housing and access to high-paying jobs. If you plan on making a short- or long-distance move to Pennsylvania, read on to learn more about the job market, cost of living and more.
An estimated 237,526 people moved to Pennsylvania in 2023, marking a 9.6% decrease in the number of movers from the year prior (262,700).
Jump to insightAs of 2023, Pennsylvania had 12,961,683 residents, ranking fifth in the nation in terms of population.
Jump to insightIn 2024, the median rent in Pennsylvania is roughly $1,237, and the median home sale price is $292,100. This means the median PA home is 30.5% more affordable than the U.S. median of $420,400.
Jump to insightPennsylvania’s cost-of-living index is 99, ranking 24th in the U.S. and making it nearly equal to the national average.
Jump to insightPennsylvania is ranked as the eighth best U.S. state to move to in 2024.
Jump to insightHow many people move to Pennsylvania?
Approximately 237,526 people moved to Pennsylvania in 2023, while 272,461 moved out. This represents a net loss of 34,935 residents. The Keystone State has been struggling to attract domestic migrants, averaging only three incoming movers per day in the same year.
Though Pennsylvania’s population increased slightly between 2020 and 2023, this increase has been driven largely by international migration rather than domestic. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Pennsylvania ranked as the 43rd most desired state for relocation.
Top 5 cities that people moved to in Pennsylvania
As shown by data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, such as quality of life and affordability, Pennsylvania ranks as the eighth best U.S. state to move to in 2024. While this may seem contradictory to the net negative migration, the state’s low cost of living and access to major urban centers has caught the eye of 2024 movers.
Of those moving to the Keystone State, the majority are relocating to small towns and cities in the Piedmont Upland (Eastern PA). This region is economically prosperous, offering access to major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Bethlehem — just north of Allentown — attracted the most new residents, adding 2,508 people (3.3% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Over the same period, Carlisle saw the highest population growth rate, growing by 11.1% by adding 2,226 new residents.
The top five locales people moved to in Pennsylvania between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:
Why do people move to Pennsylvania?
While there is an overall lack of positive net migration to Pennsylvania, affordable housing relative to major city access is enough to pull in many movers. For example, PA has more affordable rental housing for the lowest-income renters than any other surrounding East Coast state, including New York, New Jersey and Maryland.
In addition to affordable housing, major cities like Allentown and Philadelphia offer job opportunities across a wide variety of industries. The largest industries in the state are education and health services, trade, transportation, and utilities, and professional and business services. Collectively, these industries employ just over 54% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is leisure and hospitality, growing at a rate of 5.4% between July 2023 and July 2024.
Pennsylvania housing statistics
With a median rent price of roughly $1,237 and a median home sale price of $292,100, Pennsylvania renters and homeowners can expect to pay 30.5% less than the national median for housing.
However, Pennsylvania’s property tax rate of 1.49% is the 11th highest in the country. The tax rate here is more than double that of 17 states, including Montana (0.74%).
In 2021, the average property owner in Lehigh County — where Allentown and portions of Bethlehem are located — paid $4,189 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in Pennsylvania varies greatly by county, with residents in Chester County paying an average of $5,722 annually in 2021, while those in Forest County paid substantially less with an average of $1,013.
Cost-of-living statistics in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s cost-of-living index is 99, or just slightly lower than the national average. The median household income of $74,537 follows a similar trend, being a bit under the national median of $75,358. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania has also improved significantly since 2009, reaching 3.4% in 2024 — nearly a percentage point lower than the current national average of 4.2%.
However, gas prices are generally less affordable at an average of $3.66, or 12.3% higher than the national average ($3.26). Compared to neighboring Ohio and West Virginia, Pennsylvania produces far less oil and natural gas, potentially contributing to higher gas prices. Overall, the Keystone State ranks as the 24th most green state in the country.
Pennsylvania’s average cost of living and median household income, combined with access to several major cities, make it an appealing option for would-be movers in 2024.
Who lives in Pennsylvania?
An estimated 12,961,683 people live in Pennsylvania as of 2023, making it the fifth largest state in terms of population. This represents a population decline of 10,408 people compared to 2022.
Pennsylvania’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for 50.7% of the population and men accounting for 49.3%. In 2023, around 6.57 million Pennsylvania residents were female, and 6.39 million were male.
On average, Pennsylvania’s population is also older (41.1 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 45 and 64 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 26.7% of the population, or 3.46 million people.
White Americans account for the largest share of Pennsylvania’s residents, approximating 80.6% of the population (nearly 10.9 million people). The Keystone State also has large Black and Hispanic populations, accounting for 12.3% and 8.9% of the population, respectively.
Tips for moving to Pennsylvania
Not sure how to start your move to Pennsylvania? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:
1. Understand the cost of living
Though Pennsylvania’s cost-of-living index is nearly on par with the national average, the true cost varies greatly depending on where you choose to live. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are generally more expensive, while access to affordable goods and services may be limited in rural mountain towns. Take time to research property taxes, housing costs and utilities for your desired location. Resources like Pennsylvania.gov can help you get a clearer picture of expenses before moving.
2. Explore the job market
From booming tech, finance and health care industries in major cities to manufacturing and tourism in rural areas, Pennsylvania offers a wide range of employment opportunities. Before making the move, we recommend exploring current job listings in your desired area through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.
3. Prepare for Pennsylvania winters
While residents of Pennsylvania’s Eastern valley may only see a light dusting of snow each year, Central and Western portions of the state can see several inches, especially in mountainous areas. However, temperatures can dip well below freezing no matter where you live in the state. If you’re moving here from a Southern or West Coast state, consider investing in winter gear like insulated coats and sturdy boots, as well as snow removal tools. If you’re moving to an area prone to heavy snow, make sure your car is equipped with winter tires.
4. Research transportation options
Pennsylvania is a large state with a highly varied transportation landscape. Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer extensive public transit options, including buses and trains. Conversely, many of the state’s rural regions are only navigable by personal vehicle. Some mountainous regions may even experience road closures in the winter. Check out the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website for updates on public transit options, road conditions and more.
5. Enjoy Pennsylvania’s rich history
Whether you’re enjoying the 480-million-year-old Appalachian Mountains or historic Civil War sites, the Keystone State offers a rich past for you to explore. Hike, tour or camp in one of the places where the American dream began. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website to discover trails, parks and other fun activities near your new home.
6. Understand mover quotes and tipping
When moving to Pennsylvania, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.
Article Sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
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