What to know when moving to Moscow, PA
TL;DR: Moscow at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $84,919 and only 15% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 12 postsecondary institutions in nearby Lackawanna County.
- The Reality Check:
- With a public transit usage rate of just 0.3%, you will likely need a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,015 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Moscow is characterized by a well-educated population, with 32.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income of $84,919 indicates a comfortable living standard, but only 15% of the community are renters, suggesting a predominantly owner-occupied housing market. Given the low public transit share, expect a car-centric lifestyle.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a vibrant public transport system, as only 0.3% of residents use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,015 and the median home value is $249,400, indicating a stable housing market.
- 32.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate stands at 7.5%, suggesting economic stability for most households.
- Only 15% of the population are renters, highlighting a strong owner-occupied housing trend.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Pennsylvania has shown a general downward trend in crime rates over recent years. In 2025, the state reported:
- Violent crime: 228.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 29.8% lower than the national average.
- Property crime: 1,363.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, 11.8% lower than the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have significantly decreased by 55% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).
Schools & Higher Ed
Residents of Moscow have access to a total of 12 postsecondary institutions in nearby Lackawanna County.
- Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
- Clarks Summit University
- Empire Beauty School-Wyoming Valley
- Fortis Institute-Scranton
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
- Johnson College
- Lackawanna College
- Marywood University
- Penn State Scranton
- University of Scranton
- Yeshivath Beth Moshe
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is not available, residents can enjoy various outdoor spaces nearby.
- Nay Aug Park (4.5 stars, 3,757 reviews)
- Steamtown National Historic Site (4.7 stars, 3,594 reviews)
- McDade Park (4.7 stars, 1,905 reviews)
- Tobyhanna State Park (4.7 stars, 1,734 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.