Swarthmore, PA—19081
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Swarthmore, PA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Swarthmore, PA is $456,000, with a year-over-year change of 3.2%. This indicates that home prices in Swarthmore, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.3%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $456,000 | 3.2% |
| Single Family | $500,000 | 3.5% |
| Condos | $205,000 | 0.5% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $151,000 | 0.7% |
2 Bed | $243,000 | 1.2% |
3 Bed | $376,000 | 1.6% |
4 Bed | $692,000 | 6.1% |
| 5 Bed | $968,000 | 6.8% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Swarthmore, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Swarthmore, PA is $2,320, with a year-over-year rent change of -2.9%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Swarthmore, PA is studios: $1,150, 1-bedrooms: $1,600, 2-bedrooms: $2,300, 3-bedrooms: $3,150, 4-bedrooms: $3,200. The most common rental property sizes in Swarthmore, PA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 47.7% and 30.6% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $2,320 |
| Studio Rent | $1,150 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,100 | $2,300 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $3,050 | $3,150 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $3,200 | $3,200 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Swarthmore, PA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Swarthmore, PA is 33. This is a decrease of -59.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 7.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $402,000 | -33.0% |
Listing Count | 56 | 40.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 40.0% |
Days on Market | 33 | -59.0% |
Demographics — Swarthmore, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Swarthmore, PA has a population of 10,400, which has increased by 2.5% over the past 5 years. Swarthmore, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.3% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 65.5% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 13.7% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 10,400 | 2.5% |
% Under 18 | 19.3% | -15.0% |
% Seniors | 16.9% | 7.6% |
% WFH | 13.7% | 29.2% |
% w/ College Degree | 65.5% | 9.9% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Swarthmore, PA is a predominantly white area, with 80.6% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 6.1% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Swarthmore, PA is black, making up 6.8% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 8.7% of the population in Swarthmore, PA, and this percentage has increased by 35.9% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 80.6% | -6.1% |
% Black | 6.8% | 38.8% |
% Hispanic | 3.0% | 57.9% |
% Asian | 5.2% | 23.8% |
% Foreign Born | 8.7% | 35.9% |
Mortgage and Risk — Swarthmore, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 213 mortgage originations in Swarthmore, PA, of which 91.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 53.0%, with 16.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Swarthmore, PA. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 14.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 213 |
% Conventional Loans | 91.0% |
% Government Loans | 9.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 14.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Swarthmore, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Swarthmore, PA under the Section 8 program is 0.3%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Swarthmore, PA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 3 |
Total Units Section 8 | 3 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 0.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | N/A |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $50 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$370 | $2,100 | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$970 | $3,050 | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$830 | $3,200 | $2,370 |
Affordability — Swarthmore, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3 |
| Median Home Price | $456,000 |
| Median Household Income | $130,000 |