The best place to live in Pennsylvania, you ask?
Why, that’s easy.
It’s either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, you’d say.
Right?
Wrong. At least according to the most recent data from the Census, Zillow, and FBI. We used Saturday Night Science to compare the 176 cities in Pennsylvania larger than 5,000 people. We looked at factors including home prices, incomes, crime, and quality of life.
So “Youse” and “Yinz” can put aside the cross-state rivalry for a minute, pick up a Yuengling, and cozy up with some scrapple as we break down the best places to live in Pennsylvania.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary
The 10 Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania For 2025
What’s the best place to live in Pennsylvania? According to Census, FBI, and Zillow data, the best place to live in Pennsylvania for 2025 is Camp Hill.
We weren’t surprised to see Camp Hill here after the results last year, but it is funny, with all the hype around the two biggest cities, that the best place to live is a suburb of Harrisburg.
For more reading, check out:
The 10 Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania For 2025
| Stat | Camp Hill | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,149 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 1 | – |
| Median Home Value | $290,300 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $110,938 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.9% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0087 | 0.0169 |
More on Camp Hill: Data
We begin our tour of the best places to call home in Pennsylvania with Camp Hill, a small city located just across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg. Although homes are slightly pricey at a median cost of $290,300, Camp Hill residents pull in the 6th highest salaries in the state, with a median household income of $110,938/year. That gives Camp Hill the overall lowest cost of living of any of the cities we’ll be covering here.
On top of being affordable, Camp Hill is also extremely safe. In fact, Camp Hill has the 10th lowest rate of violent crime in the state, and a total crime rate about 70% below the national average. Add to that SnackAbility scores of 8.5/10 for both housing and jobs, and you’ve got a recipe for a stellar place to call home.
In addition to the statistical advantages Camp Hill enjoys, it’s also just a great location. In ten minutes, you can find yourself wandering down the riverfront on your way to the grand Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex. While you’re there, stop at the State Museum to put a perfect cap on your day out.
| Stat | Conshohocken | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,235 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 18 | – |
| Median Home Value | $414,700 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $117,330 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0076 | 0.0169 |
More on Conshohocken: Data
Let’s stick around the Philly suburbs for our 2nd best city in Pennsylvania, Conshohocken. As the 17th most densely populated place in the state, you can rest assured that you won’t be left out of the action in Conshohocken. And while Conshohocken ranks as one of the most expensive places in Pennsylvania, don’t let that put you off. Because while homes are pricey, Conshohocken residents also enjoy the 5th highest median household income in Pennsylvania, at $117,330/year.
Conshohocken also has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, the 28th lowest in the state. On top of that, Conshohocken has the 80th highest rate of residents with health insurance statewide, with 95.2% of people having some form of coverage.
Being so close to Philly, folks in Conshohocken never have to think too hard where to bring visitors. In twenty minutes, you can be taking a gander at the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park.
| Stat | Oakmont | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,712 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 34 | – |
| Median Home Value | $317,700 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $89,055 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0100 | 0.0169 |
More on Oakmont: Data
| Stat | Clarks Summit | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,058 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 4 | – |
| Median Home Value | $236,900 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $91,442 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.7% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0172 | 0.0169 |
More on Clarks Summit: Data
Clarks Summit, located in Lackawanna County, is undoubtedly one of Pennsylvania’s best places to live. This borough is known for its low cost of living and attractive median home price, making it one of the best places to settle down. With a population of 5,058, Clarks Summit offers a peaceful and tight-knit community for residents to enjoy.
Clarks Summit boasts a variety of things to do and see. You can explore nearby Lackawanna State Park or the cultural experience of the nearby city of Scranton, located just northwest of Clarks Summit. Furthermore, Clarks Summit’s convenient location within the state allows for easy access to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City.
| Stat | Franklin Park | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,273 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 52 | – |
| Median Home Value | $467,700 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $172,200 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0022 | 0.0169 |
More on Franklin Park: Data
We’re sticking around the greater Pittsburgh area for our 5th best place in Pennsylvania, Franklin Park. There are a number of factors that land Franklin Park on this list, like having the 8th lowest adult high school dropout rate in the state. Franklin Park residents also have the 2nd highest median household income in PA, with residents pulling in around $172,200/year.
Other economic factors also come into play. Like having a poverty level of just 0.9%, the lowest in the state. And having the 46th highest rate of residents with health insurance, 96.3%.
Being just 20 minutes from the Pirate’s PNC Park and the Steelers Heinz Field means you’ll never have to think too hard about what to do with your free time if you’re a sports fan.
| Stat | Dormont | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,120 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 47 | – |
| Median Home Value | $204,800 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $77,226 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0070 | 0.0169 |
More on Dormont: Data
| Stat | Ambler | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,822 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 26 | – |
| Median Home Value | $360,200 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $80,795 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0088 | 0.0169 |
More on Ambler: Data
| Stat | State College | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,669 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 17 | – |
| Median Home Value | $414,400 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $47,132 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0000 | 0.0169 |
More on State College: Data
| Stat | Lititz | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,599 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 15 | – |
| Median Home Value | $264,600 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $82,861 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.7% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0176 | 0.0169 |
More on Lititz: Data
Located just north of the city of Lancaster, Lititz ranks as the 9th best place to live in Pennsylvania. The poverty level in Lititz is 2.6%, about three times lower than the statewide average. Lititz also has the 82nd lowest rate of crime in Pennsylvania, so you don’t need to worry about Amazon porch pirates here. Another (possible) perk about life in Lititz is the ladies, because fully 50.3% of the population is female in Lilitz.
It’s no wonder Lititz describes itself as “the coolest small town in America” — it doesn’t matter if you want to get in touch with your wild side at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA or just relax and feed some ducks at Springs Park, because Lititz has something for everyone.
| Stat | Economy | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,042 | 12,986,518 |
| Rank Last Year | 6 | – |
| Median Home Value | $244,700 | $240,500 |
| Median Income | $94,430 | $76,081 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 5.2% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0039 | 0.0169 |
More on Economy: Data
Economy, Pennsylvania, lives up to its name. Its 9,042 residents enjoy high incomes and a competitive housing market. That, and its prime location near a major metropolitan center, make it one of the best places to live in the state.
Built near the Ohio River in the western part of the state, Economy sits just outside of Pittsburgh. (A half-hour drive will take you to the city center.) This proximity to one of the region’s main urban centers bolsters the local economy. The median income comes in at $94,430, the 14th highest mark in the state.
Homes in the region represent an excellent investment. The median home value sits at $244,700. The cost of living holds near the national average.
Economy provides other benefits as well. The crime rate sits about 60% below the U.S. norm. The community has significant amenities as well, from Economy Park to multiple local golf courses, including the Allegheny Country Club.
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Pennsylvania
Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania Size Requirement
Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Pennsylvania, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Harrisburg, with a population of 50,092, against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 5,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
This filter left 176 cities, 690 towns, and 733 small towns.
We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Pennsylvania have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Pennsylvania
Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.
We ranked each place in Pennsylvania across a number of criteria from one to 176, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Pennsylvania.”
The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2025. This report is our tenth time ranking Pennsylvania’s best places to live.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Pennsylvania. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Camp Hill at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Summary: The Best Places In Pennsylvania
If you’re looking at areas in Pennsylvania with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The best places to live in Pennsylvania are Camp Hill, Conshohocken, Oakmont, Clarks Summit, Franklin Park, Dormont, Ambler, State College, Lititz, and Economy.
Camp Hill made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Pennsylvania for 2025.
If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Pennsylvania according to the data:
- Clairton (Pop. 6,105)
- Turtle Creek (Pop. 5,046)
- McKeesport (Pop. 17,520)
For more Pennsylvania reading, check out:
- Cheapest Places To Live In Pennsylvania
- Most Dangerous Cities In Pennsylvania
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Pennsylvania
- Best Places To Retire In Pennsylvania
- Richest Cities In Pennsylvania
- Safest Places In Pennsylvania
- Worst Places To Live In Pennsylvania
Best Places To Live In Pennsylvania Table
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income | Rent | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Camp Hill | 8,149 | 1.9% | $290,300 | $110,938 | $1,204 | 0.0087 |
| 2 | Conshohocken | 9,235 | 3.1% | $414,700 | $117,330 | $1,905 | 0.0076 |
| 3 | Oakmont | 6,712 | 3.7% | $317,700 | $89,055 | $1,125 | 0.0100 |
| 4 | Clarks Summit | 5,058 | 1.7% | $236,900 | $91,442 | $1,147 | 0.0172 |
| 5 | Franklin Park | 15,273 | 4.1% | $467,700 | $172,200 | $2,063 | 0.0022 |
| 6 | Dormont | 8,120 | 5.5% | $204,800 | $77,226 | $1,049 | 0.0070 |
| 7 | Ambler | 6,822 | 4.9% | $360,200 | $80,795 | $1,406 | 0.0088 |
| 8 | State College | 40,669 | 4.5% | $414,400 | $47,132 | $1,229 | 0.0000 |
| 9 | Lititz | 9,599 | 1.7% | $264,600 | $82,861 | $1,207 | 0.0176 |
| 10 | Economy | 9,042 | 3.1% | $244,700 | $94,430 | $907 | 0.0039 |
| 11 | Collegeville | 5,226 | 7.6% | $431,200 | $88,992 | $1,468 | 0.0069 |
| 12 | Northampton | 10,366 | 3.4% | $225,400 | $82,719 | $1,156 | 0.0060 |
| 13 | New Cumberland | 7,531 | 4.7% | $232,800 | $81,947 | $1,031 | 0.0065 |
| 14 | Perkasie | 9,176 | 3.5% | $338,700 | $99,474 | $1,164 | 0.0096 |
| 15 | Mechanicsburg | 9,535 | 2.4% | $227,600 | $81,696 | $1,033 | 0.0160 |
| 16 | Bridgeport | 5,085 | 2.8% | $303,800 | $79,247 | $1,468 | 0.0214 |
| 17 | Wyomissing | 11,100 | 3.0% | $326,800 | $88,214 | $1,746 | 0.0222 |
| 18 | Archbald | 7,348 | 0.9% | $211,400 | $76,315 | $951 | 0.0065 |
| 19 | Hatboro | 8,219 | 4.6% | $340,100 | $108,927 | $1,781 | 0.0063 |
| 20 | Kennett Square | 6,096 | 3.5% | $347,700 | $74,259 | $1,243 | 0.0066 |
| 21 | Lewisburg | 5,247 | 1.3% | $234,100 | $51,674 | $941 | 0.0075 |
| 22 | Selinsgrove | 5,655 | 1.3% | $195,400 | $58,484 | $946 | 0.0078 |
| 23 | Brookhaven | 8,288 | 3.1% | $265,500 | $96,393 | $1,557 | 0.0889 |
| 24 | Norwood | 5,915 | 7.9% | $227,500 | $89,135 | $1,247 | 0.0054 |
| 25 | Media | 5,868 | 4.7% | $398,400 | $86,219 | $1,359 | 0.0889 |
| 26 | Carnegie | 8,015 | 3.7% | $168,800 | $62,327 | $880 | 0.0100 |
| 27 | Lower Burrell | 11,659 | 3.1% | $189,700 | $81,860 | $876 | 0.0074 |
| 28 | Hollidaysburg | 5,581 | 3.1% | $190,500 | $62,319 | $1,082 | 0.0208 |
| 29 | Phoenixville | 19,062 | 3.8% | $348,200 | $94,411 | $1,563 | 0.0130 |
| 30 | Bellefonte | 6,022 | 1.2% | $232,500 | $57,157 | $900 | 0.0000 |
| 31 | Bellevue | 8,186 | 4.7% | $177,900 | $64,888 | $935 | 0.0100 |
| 32 | Palmyra | 7,769 | 3.4% | $211,900 | $71,018 | $1,058 | 0.0070 |
| 33 | Emmaus | 11,727 | 3.3% | $244,300 | $82,875 | $1,331 | 0.0207 |
| 34 | Blakely | 6,661 | 3.2% | $183,600 | $59,858 | $988 | 0.0092 |
| 35 | Canonsburg | 9,682 | 7.3% | $192,100 | $80,581 | $964 | 0.0029 |
| 36 | Moosic | 5,954 | 2.7% | $235,500 | $74,792 | $1,268 | 0.0172 |
| 37 | Mount Joy | 8,310 | 1.4% | $241,300 | $84,514 | $1,070 | 0.0176 |
| 38 | Gettysburg | 7,929 | 4.8% | $237,000 | $52,656 | $929 | 0.0072 |
| 39 | Schuylkill Haven | 5,247 | 7.5% | $122,600 | $55,682 | $894 | 0.0124 |
| 40 | Swoyersville | 5,014 | 3.8% | $137,000 | $67,558 | $733 | 0.0058 |
| 41 | Swarthmore | 6,524 | 8.2% | $557,900 | $146,992 | $1,493 | 0.0889 |
| 42 | Dunmore | 14,123 | 3.9% | $186,900 | $75,632 | $923 | 0.0172 |
| 43 | Forest Hills | 6,332 | 8.6% | $182,200 | $86,802 | $970 | 0.0112 |
| 44 | Bristol | 9,874 | 4.8% | $236,400 | $70,595 | $1,281 | 0.0096 |
| 45 | West Chester | 19,235 | 7.1% | $481,300 | $81,492 | $1,661 | 0.0130 |
| 46 | South Williamsport | 6,216 | 6.0% | $186,000 | $66,810 | $911 | 0.0185 |
| 47 | Ridley Park | 7,245 | 3.4% | $261,900 | $94,485 | $1,361 | 0.0889 |
| 48 | Lansdale | 18,865 | 3.9% | $319,000 | $86,460 | $1,390 | 0.0113 |
| 49 | Fox Chapel | 5,264 | 5.4% | $880,100 | $250,001 | $0 | 0.0461 |
| 50 | New Freedom | 5,003 | 1.4% | $344,100 | $109,894 | $1,519 | 0.0286 |
| 51 | Catasauqua | 6,491 | 6.6% | $201,600 | $74,363 | $1,130 | 0.0207 |
| 52 | Brentwood | 9,927 | 2.2% | $143,700 | $60,432 | $822 | 0.0102 |
| 53 | Warren | 9,273 | 2.9% | $101,600 | $50,877 | $774 | 0.0135 |
| 54 | Wilson | 8,196 | 4.5% | $191,800 | $80,928 | $1,211 | 0.0130 |
| 55 | Hermitage | 16,132 | 4.6% | $187,600 | $72,464 | $874 | 0.0179 |
| 56 | Pleasant Hills | 8,418 | 5.1% | $235,500 | $97,177 | $1,224 | 0.0461 |
| 57 | Indiana | 14,170 | 8.0% | $123,300 | $44,784 | $806 | 0.0000 |
| 58 | Ephrata | 13,729 | 1.9% | $215,100 | $68,117 | $1,070 | 0.0176 |
| 59 | Shillington | 5,462 | 6.1% | $190,600 | $77,289 | $1,293 | 0.0222 |
| 60 | Olyphant | 5,370 | 3.4% | $143,400 | $63,516 | $889 | 0.0172 |
| 61 | Greensburg | 14,777 | 5.8% | $177,000 | $62,977 | $829 | 0.0120 |
| 62 | Nazareth | 6,032 | 1.8% | $236,900 | $57,551 | $1,186 | 0.0130 |
| 63 | Waynesboro | 11,044 | 3.2% | $180,400 | $58,311 | $1,027 | 0.0142 |
| 64 | Souderton | 7,215 | 4.3% | $298,300 | $85,625 | $1,257 | 0.0214 |
| 65 | Carlisle | 21,335 | 4.1% | $212,400 | $59,742 | $986 | 0.0160 |
| 66 | Plum | 26,873 | 2.9% | $218,600 | $98,475 | $1,156 | 0.0461 |
| 67 | Old Forge | 8,533 | 5.6% | $169,700 | $73,258 | $862 | 0.0172 |
| 68 | West View | 6,582 | 3.7% | $209,800 | $70,954 | $963 | 0.0461 |
| 69 | Shippensburg | 5,811 | 4.2% | $163,200 | $52,344 | $898 | 0.0129 |
| 70 | Kingston | 13,333 | 5.8% | $164,200 | $53,885 | $960 | 0.0170 |
| 71 | Coraopolis | 5,464 | 3.7% | $151,500 | $60,174 | $900 | 0.0141 |
| 72 | Greenville | 5,533 | 2.2% | $98,200 | $56,850 | $616 | 0.0230 |
| 73 | Monaca | 5,557 | 6.9% | $142,100 | $64,839 | $773 | 0.0112 |
| 74 | Milton | 6,582 | 6.0% | $172,100 | $53,552 | $902 | 0.0091 |
| 75 | Crafton | 5,995 | 6.7% | $193,600 | $71,458 | $1,006 | 0.0461 |
| 76 | Manheim | 5,028 | 6.5% | $218,100 | $81,484 | $1,324 | 0.0176 |
| 77 | Castle Shannon | 8,237 | 0.4% | $182,400 | $62,426 | $1,002 | 0.0461 |
| 78 | Meadville | 12,723 | 5.5% | $115,700 | $46,012 | $887 | 0.0000 |
| 79 | Mount Carmel | 5,695 | 5.1% | $74,700 | $52,667 | $796 | 0.0186 |
| 80 | Jefferson Hills | 12,313 | 3.8% | $309,600 | $117,518 | $1,276 | 0.0461 |
| 81 | Bethlehem | 77,069 | 7.2% | $236,500 | $66,443 | $1,311 | 0.0174 |
| 82 | Millersville | 8,711 | 4.2% | $265,500 | $65,721 | $1,322 | 0.0176 |
| 83 | Bangor | 5,158 | 4.0% | $167,100 | $63,542 | $1,049 | 0.0130 |
| 84 | New Holland | 5,743 | 1.9% | $225,500 | $57,719 | $1,219 | 0.0176 |
| 85 | Lehighton | 5,268 | 6.1% | $198,600 | $62,083 | $928 | 0.0254 |
| 86 | Bloomsburg | 12,906 | 8.4% | $186,100 | $49,096 | $937 | 0.0104 |
| 87 | Chambersburg | 22,051 | 5.5% | $196,200 | $56,177 | $1,088 | 0.0142 |
| 88 | St. Marys | 12,612 | 8.5% | $143,900 | $64,471 | $756 | 0.0259 |
| 89 | Baldwin | 21,159 | 2.6% | $191,700 | $77,882 | $1,042 | 0.0461 |
| 90 | Easton | 29,079 | 5.0% | $169,200 | $63,775 | $1,223 | 0.0126 |
| 91 | Edinboro | 5,303 | 1.0% | $211,300 | $40,862 | $888 | 0.0234 |
| 92 | White Oak | 7,520 | 5.4% | $145,000 | $64,838 | $999 | 0.0461 |
| 93 | DuBois | 7,449 | 3.4% | $114,900 | $58,626 | $848 | 0.0259 |
| 94 | Duryea | 5,054 | 3.1% | $142,900 | $64,028 | $1,056 | 0.0083 |
| 95 | Sunbury | 9,643 | 5.9% | $98,000 | $48,509 | $731 | 0.0186 |
| 96 | Birdsboro | 5,090 | 5.4% | $216,400 | $74,698 | $1,111 | 0.0222 |
| 97 | Pittsburgh | 303,620 | 5.9% | $193,200 | $64,137 | $1,221 | 0.0461 |
| 98 | Columbia | 10,217 | 3.9% | $174,200 | $52,271 | $1,064 | 0.0176 |
| 99 | Lancaster | 57,683 | 7.9% | $203,700 | $63,421 | $1,177 | 0.0176 |
| 100 | West York | 5,081 | 5.7% | $113,400 | $67,938 | $962 | 0.0250 |