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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 44
Population12,986,518
Foreign Born3.3%
Population Density290people per mi²
Median Age40.9 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2000, this state has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
C-
Average

A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

94/100

6% below national average

A
Affordability Ratio

111%

The Real Cost of Living in Pennsylvania

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $19k$35k
Comfortable $47k$69k
Luxury $137k+$213k+
Elite (Top 5%) $172k+$266k+

Economics

Overall Economy Grade
B+
Good

Solid upper-middle-class performance. The area runs slightly ahead of national economic benchmarks.

Median HHI
$76k+4.0%
1% above US avg
Avg Net Worth
$637k
3% below US avg
WFH
13.8%
3% below US avg
Homeownership
69.3%
6% above US avg
Median Home
$241k
15% below US avg
Avg HH Debt
$26k
43% above US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
3% above US avg
Public Assistance
15.0%
28% above US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
41% above US avg
Median Rent
$1k
Equal to US avg

Crime

WARNING: The crime statistics are unreliable for this jurisdiction. Local authorities have either not reported or under reported their data to the FBI. This could be due to bad intentions, incompetence or technical issues. Regardless, we suggest skepticism.

Overall Crime Grade
C-
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 62% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
15.6
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+67.8%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+30.6%
Homicide
0.04 / 1k Residents35% below US avg
Robbery
0.45 / 1k Residents33% below US avg
Aggravated Assault
1.49 / 1k Residents44% below US avg

Property Crime

5yr+105.0%
Burglary
1.05 / 1k Residents61% below US avg
Larceny-Theft
10.30 / 1k Residents26% below US avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.87 / 1k Residents34% below US avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: EVENSwing
State Legislature of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Senate23D · 27R
Pennsylvania House102D · 99R
Presidential Voting Trends for Pennsylvania
Dem Rep
40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
A-
High Autonomy

Strong independent fundamentals that actively favor personal liberty and low regulation.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C-
Weak10.6% of income
Property Rights
D
WeakIJ Grade D
Firearm Rights
A-
GreatFPC Grade A-
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Net exporter (150% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A+
Fully OpenRetail sales legal
Gambling Laws
A+
Fully OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season182 daysstatewide average
Annual Rainfall52.7"statewide average
Elevation1,117 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D+
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Best Places to Live

Cities

Largest Cities in Pennsylvania

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T01:35:58.000Z

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