Is Swarthmore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Swarthmore

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and intellectual vibrancy, largely due to the presence of Swarthmore College. This charming borough in Delaware County provides residents with a high quality of life, complemented by a strong sense of community and access to green spaces. Its proximity to Philadelphia also allows for easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere.

The borough is known for its picturesque tree-lined streets and historic architecture, contributing to its appealing aesthetic. Swarthmore’s commitment to sustainability is also a notable feature, with initiatives aimed at environmental responsibility. This focus on quality of life, community, and environmental consciousness makes Swarthmore an attractive place for those seeking a well-rounded living experience.

Is it Safe to Live in Swarthmore?

Swarthmore is generally considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime index in Swarthmore is 61, which is 39% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This safety is further supported by a crime rate that is 64.6% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 74.4% lower than the national average (as reported by Area Vibes).

The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Swarthmore is approximately 1 in 134. For violent crime, the chance is 1 in 1090, and for property crime, it is 1 in 152 (as reported by Area Vibes). Swarthmore has earned a safety grade of A, indicating a very safe neighborhood (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also lower than the average U.S. city, with a rate of 11.12 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Swarthmore is higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index is 130, meaning it is 30% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant contributor, being 101% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The median home price in Swarthmore was $450,000 as of March 2026, marking a decrease of 60.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, other sources indicate a median home value of $467,860 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 3.5% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Another report places the median home value at $504,900 (as reported by Kurby AI).

Rental prices in Swarthmore are comparable to the national average, with the average rent for all property types being $2,000 per month (as reported by Zillow). For a studio apartment, the average rent is $1,200, while one-bedroom apartments average $1,650, and two-bedroom apartments average $1,700 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Swarthmore’s economy is significantly influenced by Swarthmore College, which is a major employer and contributes substantially to the local and state economy. The college’s economic impact on Pennsylvania is estimated at $387.7 million, supporting approximately 2,431 jobs statewide (as reported by Swarthmore College). This includes jobs directly related to the college and those in supporting industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare.

The presence of the college also means a highly educated populace. Over three-quarters of residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and half have post-graduate degrees (as reported by Swarthmore College). The median household income in Swarthmore is $152,361 (as reported by World Population Review), which is nearly double the median income in Pennsylvania and significantly higher than the national average.

While specific unemployment figures for the borough are not readily available, the strong economic presence of Swarthmore College and its proximity to Philadelphia suggest a generally healthy job market. Recent graduates from Swarthmore College have strong employment outcomes, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% for alumni respondents, which is below the national average (as reported by Swarthmore College).

Climate

Swarthmore experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are generally cold with occasional snowfall. The average high temperature in the summer is around 87°F, and the average low temperature in the winter is around 25°F (as reported by BestPlaces). The borough receives an average of about 42 inches of rain per year, which is slightly below the national average (as reported by BestPlaces).

Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, making these seasons pleasant for outdoor activities. The area experiences an average of 206 sunny days per year, which is slightly below the national average (as reported by BestPlaces). Residents can expect a range of weather conditions throughout the year, typical of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Education

Swarthmore is served by the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, which includes Swarthmore-Rutledge School for elementary grades. Swarthmore-Rutledge School has an overall Niche grade of A and is highly rated for its teachers and public elementary school programs in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche). It serves students in grades K-5, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.

State test scores indicate strong academic performance, with 84% of students proficient in math and 87% proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). For secondary education, Strath Haven High School, also part of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, is highly regarded, ranking among the best public high schools in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche).

The presence of Swarthmore College, a highly selective liberal arts institution, also contributes to the area’s educational environment. The college is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, known for its academic rigor and diversity (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Swarthmore has a population of approximately 6,630 residents, with a slight increase since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Swarthmore is 28.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (as reported by World Population Review). The borough is becoming more racially diverse, with a population composition that includes 71.86% White, 10.35% Black or African American, 5.98% Asian, and smaller percentages for other racial groups (as reported by World Population Review).

The educational attainment in Swarthmore is notably high. Over three-quarters of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and half hold a post-graduate degree (as reported by Swarthmore College). This high level of education is reflected in the median household income, which is $152,361 (as reported by World Population Review).

The borough is home to Swarthmore College, which adds approximately 1,300 students to the local population, influencing some demographic statistics (as reported by Swarthmore Borough Official Website). This student population contributes to the community’s youthful median age and diverse cultural landscape.