Living in Allentown, PA
Allentown is the 231st-largest city in the US, home to about 126,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (100.0 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 126,044+0.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $206,6003.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,317/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $55,494median, per year
- Price level
- 100.0US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 38° / 86°lows 22° / 65°
- Average commute
- 25 min9% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.07%top rate, flat
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County: Lehigh County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 338 ft
Metro area: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Cost of living in Allentown
The median home in Allentown is worth $206,600 and the median household earns $55,494 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,317 a month, about 28% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area at 100.0, with housing at 105.5 and goods at 100.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $75,000 here. Pennsylvania taxes wages at a top rate of 3.07% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Pennsylvania is 6.34%.
What would my salary be worth in Allentown?
Allentown weather
Average highs run from 38°F in January to 86°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 47 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 33 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 118 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Allentown
People and work
The median resident is 33.1 years old, and 19% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 43% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 25 minutes; 9% of workers work from home and 3% take public transit.
- Median age
- 33.187th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 19%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 43%of households
- People per sq mile
- 7,17617.6 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 3%4% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 21%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1952median year
Who moves to Allentown, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Yonkers (Westchester County), Nassau County, NY and Pittsburgh (Allegheny County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Lakeland (Polk County), Orlando (Orange County) and Tampa (Hillsborough County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Lehigh County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, cold wave, inland flooding, strong wind.
Home prices
+4.9% in a year
Up 54% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
67% good days
3 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Allentown
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Montgomery County Community College 31 miles
- Lehigh University 5 miles
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 17 miles
- Lehigh Carbon Community College 8 miles
- Reading Area Community College 30 miles
- Lafayette College 16 miles
- Moravian University 5 miles
- DeSales University 7 miles
- Alvernia University 31 miles
- Muhlenberg College 2 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Allentown
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Lehigh Valley International Airport ABE | 4 mi | 447,899 |
| Trenton-Mercer Airport TTN | 42 mi | 241,950 |
| Philadelphia International Airport PHL | 52 mi | 15,102,261 |
| Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport AVP | 52 mi | 219,572 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Allentown
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton County Area Community College | 9 mi | 7,667 | $12,119 | 19% |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | 17 mi | 6,180 | $22,146 | 55% |
| Lehigh University | 5 mi | 5,898 | $25,272 | 85% |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | 8 mi | 4,148 | $6,022 | 37% |
| Lafayette College | 16 mi | 2,757 | $35,879 | 85% |
| DeSales University | 7 mi | 2,128 | $29,183 | 70% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Allentown
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 20, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 12 and the first frost comes around October 24.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Allentown Intl. Airport, PA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Allentown.
Wildfire smoke in Allentown
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Allentown on about 112 days a year, including about 23 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Allentown
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 46,374 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Allentown
Downtown Allentown is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 16,769 | 23 | 15.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Bethlehem Area School District (12,769 students), Parkland School District (9,996 students), East Penn School District (7,851 students), Northampton Area School District (5,124 students), Nazareth Area School District (4,885 students), Quakertown Community School District (4,587 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Allentown's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Allentown's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Columbus, OH80% matchCompare
- Indianapolis, IN79% matchCompare
- Dearborn, MI76% matchCompare
- Southfield, MI74% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Allentown
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Allentown
- Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area 12 miles
- Blue Mountain Ski Area 15 miles
- Camelback Mountain Resort 32 miles
- Blue Marsh Ski Resort 36 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Allentown
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.7 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Allentown report card from locals
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Allentown through locals' eyes
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Cities near Allentown
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem, PA | 7 mi | 79,644 | $260,400 | 100.0 | Compare |
| Reading, PA | 30 mi | 95,832 | $121,300 | 97.1 | Compare |
| Philadelphia, PA | 45 mi | 1,574,281 | $243,100 | 102.6 | Compare |
| Trenton, NJ | 46 mi | 91,506 | $160,700 | 103.2 | Compare |
| Scranton, PA | 57 mi | 75,514 | $158,100 | 93.6 | Compare |
| Wilmington, DE | 59 mi | 73,512 | $231,400 | 102.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Allentown with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Allentown a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show homes that cost under four years of median income. Compare Allentown side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Allentown?
The Census Bureau estimates Allentown had 126,044 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 125,858 in April 2020 (+0.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Allentown?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,000 in the Allentown area. The median household here earns $55,494.
When is the best time to visit Allentown?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 86°F and January 38°F for daytime highs.
What county is Allentown in?
Allentown is in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Allentown in?
Allentown is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Allentown?
About 338 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Pennsylvania have a state income tax?
Yes. Pennsylvania has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.07% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Allentown. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Allentown Intl. Airport, PA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.