Is Drexel Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Drexel Hill

Drexel Hill, a census-designated place in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated just west of Philadelphia. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and comfortable housing, it provides a distinct community feel. The area’s history is tied to Colonel Anthony J. Drexel, who established a school that eventually lent its name to the surrounding community.

This community is characterized by its pleasant environment, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and proximity to city amenities. With a variety of housing styles and convenient access to transportation and educational institutions, Drexel Hill presents a compelling case for potential residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Drexel Hill?

Drexel Hill generally offers a safe living environment, with crime rates reported as lower than both the Pennsylvania state average and the national average. Overall crime in Drexel Hill is 31% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 40% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of being a victim of crime in Drexel Hill is approximately 1 in 69, and the community is considered safer than 44% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes).

While the overall crime rate is favorable, crime can vary by neighborhood within Drexel Hill. The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime. Conversely, the southeast neighborhoods experience a higher incidence of crime, with a chance of victimization around 1 in 46 (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The Ubber Darby Township Police Department, with 126 officers, serves and protects the area (as reported by Livability.com).

Cost of Living in Drexel Hill

The cost of living in Drexel Hill is slightly higher than both the state and national averages. Overall, the cost of living in Drexel Hill is approximately 6% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing expenses are notably higher, being 28% above the national average (as reported by PayScale).

While housing is more expensive, other costs such as utilities are only 9% higher than the national average, and transportation expenses are 4% higher. Grocery prices in Drexel Hill are also slightly elevated, at 4.3% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Healthcare costs are also higher, at 4% above the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Housing Costs

The housing market in Drexel Hill presents a mix of homeownership and rental opportunities. The median home value in Drexel Hill is approximately $266,400 (as reported by Niche), with recent data showing median listing prices around $375,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). The median sale price for homes was $298,000 in March 2026, a slight decrease of 0.67% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the median rent price in Drexel Hill is around $1,357 per month (as reported by Niche). However, other sources indicate the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,246 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Property taxes in Drexel Hill are estimated at 2.120% annually (as reported by Livability.com).

Income and Employment

Drexel Hill’s economy is supported by a working population of approximately 16,900 residents. The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The average annual household income in Drexel Hill was $114,128 in 2024, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes).

The median household income in Drexel Hill is reported as $88,168 (as reported by Census Bureau/Data USA). The unemployment rate in Drexel Hill is 7.1%, which is nearly twice the national average (as reported by Livability.com). Top-paying jobs in the area include Dermatology Fellowship, Neuropsychiatry, and Pediatric Physician (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Drexel Hill experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 25°F to 89°F, rarely falling below 13°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 69°F, while January sees the coldest temperatures, with an average high of 40°F and a low of 26°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The area receives an average of 49 inches of precipitation annually, with the month of August typically having the most rainfall. Snowfall averages around 18 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment.

Education and Schools

Drexel Hill is served by the Upper Darby School District, which includes several public schools. The district’s public schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% and a reading proficiency score of 43%, which are below the Pennsylvania state averages (as reported by Niche). These schools collectively have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (as reported by Niche).

Among the public schools, Hillcrest Elementary School, Garrettford Elementary School, and Upper Darby Sr. High School are recognized as top-ranked (as reported by Niche). However, there are significant performance disparities among schools, with Aronimink Elementary School noted for its high proficiency rates in Math and English Language Arts, while Charles Kelly Elementary School is identified as the lowest performing (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics

Drexel Hill is home to approximately 30,500 residents, with a median age of 36 years (as reported by Data USA). The population is diverse, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents making up the largest group, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and Asian residents (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 13.3% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).

The gender distribution shows a slight majority of females, with about 51.9% female and 46% male residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Livability.com). The poverty rate in Drexel Hill is 7.75% for those whose poverty status is determined, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of the population, 46.0%, holds a Bachelor’s Degree or higher (as reported by Census Bureau).

Major Employers

The primary employers in Drexel Hill and its surrounding areas include the Upper Darby School District, which is a major educational institution serving a large student population. Other significant employers and companies operating in or near Drexel Hill include Crozer Health, a healthcare system, and various retail and service-oriented businesses such as Costco Wholesale, McDonald’s, and CVS Health (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).

Drexel University, though not directly in Drexel Hill, is a prominent educational institution in the region and has been recognized as a top employer in Pennsylvania. This indicates a strong presence of educational and healthcare sectors, as well as retail and service industries, contributing to the local job market.