Moving to Scranton, PA

Quick facts to know before moving to Scranton

• Scranton is the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania by population.
• It became a city in 1866 and was once a hub for coal mining and railroads.
• The downtown area is about 125 miles from New York City.
• Scranton has a humid continental climate with snowy winters and warm summers.
• The cost of living is lower than the national average.
• Healthcare and education are two of the city’s major employment sectors.
• Public transportation is managed by the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS).
• The poverty rate is around 21%.
• Scranton’s population is predominantly white, with small but growing minority communities.
• Local attractions include Montage Mountain, Nay Aug Park, and the Electric City Trolley Museum.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Scranton, Pennsylvania

• About 76,100 people call Scranton home.
• The median household income is around $49,500.
• The average rent is about $1,088.
• The median price of homes is $150,000.
• Unemployment in the city hovers around 3.4%.
• Job growth is steady and is projected to be around 19%.
• The property crime rate is lower than in most cities.
• Violent crime is under 410 per 100,000.
• Poverty affects over 1 in 5 in this city.
• An average household earns $69,800.

Is Scranton a good place to live?

Scranton makes sense for people who value balance over buzz. Life moves slower here (in a good way), and the basics aren’t out of reach. The city has quirks—some old, some stubborn—but that’s part of what makes it feel lived-in, not polished. You’ll find space to breathe, places that feel yours, and days that don’t feel rushed. It’s not perfect, but it’s comfortable. For many, that’s more than enough to call it home.

How Safe is Scranton?

Scranton sees about 409 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and roughly 1,690 property crimes per 100,000 each year (that’s around average for violent crime but a bit lower for property). Some neighborhoods report more incidents while others stay calm (you’ll notice differences in a day-to-day run). It isn’t among the state’s most dangerous cities, but safety concerns do rise in certain pockets. Being aware of local crime trends helps when choosing where to live.

What are the Benefits of Living in Scranton?

Scranton gives you space to live without constant trade-offs. The cost of living is reasonable, and daily expenses feel manageable. There’s a lived-in charm to the city that doesn’t try too hard. It’s quiet in the right places and busy where it should be. For people who prefer steady over trendy, Scranton tends to work. You settle in, get your rhythm, and before long, it feels like you’ve been here forever—and that’s the draw.

What's the population of Scranton, Pennsylvania?

Scranton is home to around 76,000 residents, offering a community that feels connected without overwhelming crowds. The city’s population density strikes a balance that suits those who appreciate space yet enjoy city amenities. The median age hovers near 41, reflecting a mix of young adults, families, and older residents. Scranton’s diversity adds subtle layers to its character, while household sizes and family dynamics show a city that’s steadily evolving.

To know the population better, here are a few stats.

• The total population is approximately 76,000.
• The population is roughly 48% male and 52% female.
• The median age in Scranton is about 41 years.
• Racial makeup includes 85% White, 6% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents.
• Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 6% of the population.
• Median household size is around 2.3 persons.
• About 40% of households are married couples living together.
• Approximately 15% of households are led by single parents.

Scranton’s roads generally keep traffic moving without long delays, making daily commutes manageable for most. The average one-way commute is about 22 minutes, shorter than many similar-sized cities. While many rely on cars, remote work has gained ground, giving people more flexibility in how they get to work.

• About 78% drive their car to work
• Around 10% share a ride by carpooling
• Approximately 6% work from home regularly
• Roughly 3.5% use public transit like buses

What is the weather like in Scranton, Pennsylvania?

Scranton has a humid continental climate, meaning it experiences all four seasons. Winters tend to be cold, often dipping well below freezing, and snow is a regular visitor—sometimes more than many expect. Summers get warm, with temperatures frequently reaching the upper 70s to low 80s (around 25 to 28°C). The humidity in summer can make it feel warmer than the numbers suggest. Spring and fall bring mild weather with occasional rain showers, making those seasons feel fresh and vibrant.

Because of its location in northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton gets a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, spread between rain, snow, and other forms like sleet or hail. Residents should be prepared for weather that changes with the seasons and sometimes quite quickly. The city’s sunny and overcast days create a balanced climate overall.

• The city receives about 42 inches of rain per year, which is slightly above the national average of 38 inches.
• Snowfall is more prominent here, averaging around 52 inches annually compared to the US average of 28 inches.
• Scranton sees nearly 190 sunny days each year, a bit fewer than the national average of 205 days.
• There are about 130 days yearly when some type of precipitation falls, including rain, snow, or sleet.
• July is the warmest month, with average highs near 80°F, while January is the coldest, often with temperatures below 25°F.