What to know when moving to Upper Darby, PA
TL;DR: Upper Darby at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 51.7% of residents rent and the median household income is $55,551.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 65 postsecondary institutions within a nearby radius.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 19.4%, many residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 21.1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,178 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Upper Darby is a diverse community with a population of 41,875. Here, 22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a moderate education level. The area has a significant renter population, with more than half of the residents renting their homes. The local economic context is important, as the poverty rate is 19.4%, which may influence daily life.
Probably not your spot if you prefer areas with lower poverty rates or a higher percentage of college-educated residents.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,178, making housing relatively affordable.
- Median home value is $155,400, which suggests a stable housing market.
- With 51.7% of residents renting, the area has a significant rental market.
- The poverty rate is 19.4%, which can impact community resources.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Pennsylvania has experienced a notable decline in crime rates recently. In 2025, the violent crime rate was 228.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 29.8% lower than the national average. Property crime also decreased to 1,363.9 per 100,000, marking an 11.8% drop compared to the national rate.
- Violent crime: 228.5 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3
- Property crime: 1,363.9 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9
- Notable trend: The homicide rate decreased by 55% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).
Schools & Higher Ed
Upper Darby offers access to a variety of educational institutions in the nearby region. There are 65 postsecondary institutions available, including:
- Delaware County Community College
- Cabrini University
- Haverford College
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine
- Swarthmore College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Upper Darby is close to several outdoor attractions. Residents can enjoy:
- Ridley Creek State Park (4.7 stars, 3,393 reviews)
- Fairmount Park (4.7 stars, 2,480 reviews)
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (4.8 stars, 22,862 reviews)
- Please Touch Museum (4.6 stars, 7,056 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.