Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Plum, Pennsylvania is a medium-sized city with a population of 27,137 residents. At 94%, the majority of the Plum population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 1% Asian. Plum has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 70% of the population is classified as married and 38% have kids. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Plum, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Plum, Pennsylvania. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Plum and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living and other important metrics.
The livability score in Plum is 66 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 68th percentile of all cities across America. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Plum ranks well for crime (A), cost of living (A-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Plum does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Plum, the unemployment rate stands at 1.73%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Plum schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 80%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Plum an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Plum apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Plum is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Plum come in at $159,800, which is 4.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Plum, the home price to income ratio is 1.9, which is 38.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Plum | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.8% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.0% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.1% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.8% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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