Demographics
As of 2022, Philadelphia County, PA has a population of approximately 1.567 million. The median age is 35 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male. Racially and ethnically, 36% identify as Black or African American, 34% as White (non-Hispanic), 16% as Hispanic or Latino, 8% as Asian, and 6% as multiracial or other.
Elections
Philadelphia County, PA, had over 1,057,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include primaries, generals, and local contests, with 2020 turnout around 68%. Polling locations number over 700, administered by the Philadelphia City Commissioners. In 2020, Democrats dominated with 81% of presidential votes to Republicans’ 17%. Key issues often include education, public safety, and housing. Both major parties are active, though Democrats hold a significant registration advantage (about 76% to 12% for Republicans). Ballot access, long lines, and machine malfunctions have occasionally been reported challenges during recent elections.
Education, Employment and Housing
Philadelphia County, PA has over 200 public schools, including approximately 50 high schools, and is home to renowned higher education institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. About 30% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Public school proficiency scores average around 38% in reading and 24% in math. Adult education programs are offered through the Community College of Philadelphia and other organizations. School safety varies; recent data shows about 83% report feeling safe at school. Educational programs include STEM, arts, and college-prep tracks, aiming to improve student outcomes across diverse communities.
As of 2023, Philadelphia County, PA had an employment rate of approximately 57%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (19%), educational services (13%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupation types are office and administrative support (14%), healthcare practitioners (10%), and sales (9%). About 57% of workers commute by car, 23% use public transportation, and the median commute time is 32 minutes. Most employees (84%) work within the county, reflecting the city’s robust local job market.
Philadelphia County, PA, has a homeownership rate of about 52%, with median home values around $210,000 and median rents near $1,300 per month. Popular neighborhoods include Center City, Fishtown, and West Philadelphia, offering a mix of rowhomes, single-family houses, and apartments. Property values have seen steady growth, with prices rising roughly 5% yearly. The average effective property tax rate is about 1.05%. Philadelphia’s diverse housing stock and vibrant neighborhoods attract both buyers and renters, though affordability challenges persist for lower-income residents.
County Crime & Safety
Philadelphia County, PA, has one of the highest crime rates among large U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate of 9.3 per 1,000 residents in 2023. Property crime stands at 27.8 per 1,000 residents. The city reported over 470 homicides in 2023, ranking among the top for shootings nationwide. Despite increased police presence and community programs, residents face higher risks compared to national averages. Philadelphia Police Department actively reports and tracks crime data, promoting public awareness and safety strategies to address these challenges.
Popular names
- John Smith
- Robert Williams
- Michael Williams
- Jose Rodriguez
- Jose Rivera
- James Smith
- Michael Smith
- Maria Rodriguez
- Michael Brown
- James Williams
- Robert Smith
- James Jones
- Anthony Williams
- James Brown
- William Smith
- Kevin Smith
- Michael Jones
- Robert Johnson
- James Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- Luis Rodriguez
- David Smith
- Kevin Williams
- John Williams
- David Williams
- David Johnson
- Mary Smith
- Robert Wilson
- Charles Williams
- Robert Brown
- Maria Rivera
- William Johnson
- Patricia Smith
- William Jones
- James Davis
- Anthony Jones
- John Brown
- Michael Davis
- Joseph Smith
- Juan Rodriguez
- James Robinson
- Jose Gonzalez
- Kenneth Smith
- Robert Harris
- Kevin Brown
- Anthony Smith
- Jose Perez
- Christopher Johnson
- Carmen Rodriguez
- Ronald Williams
- Luis Rivera
- Mary Williams
- Robert Davis
- Carmen Rivera
- David Jones
- Jose Torres
- Kimberly Smith
- Carlos Rodriguez
- Jennifer Smith
- Karen Smith
Other Counties in Pennsylvania
- Adams
- Allegheny
- Armstrong
- Beaver
- Bedford
- Berks
- Blair
- Bradford
- Bucks
- Butler
- Cambria
- Cameron
- Carbon
- Centre
- Chester
- Clarion
- Clearfield
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Delaware
- Elk
- Erie
- Fayette
- Forest
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Greene
- Huntingdon
- Indiana
- Jefferson
- Juniata
- Lackawanna
- Lancaster
- Lawrence
- Lebanon
- Lehigh
- Luzerne
- Lycoming
- Mckean
- Mercer
- Mifflin
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Montour
- Northampton
- Northumberland
- Perry