Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre is a moderately-sized city with a population of 41,994 people. With a population density of 6,016 people per square mile, Wilkes-Barre is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Wilkes-Barre identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 20% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Wilkes-Barre, only 43% of the population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Wilkes-Barre. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Wilkes-Barre could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Pennsylvania if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like cost of living, commute, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Wilkes-Barre and in the areas around Wilkes-Barre is a much easier task.
Wilkes-Barre has a livability score of 78 out of 100 and is ranked #231 in Pennsylvania and #2,272 in the USA. Based on this score, Wilkes-Barre would be considered a very livable city! Wilkes-Barre has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Wilkes-Barre ranks well for housing (A+) The bad news for Wilkes-Barre, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: employment (F).
Living in Wilkes-Barre offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Wilkes-Barre provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Wilkes-Barre has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Wilkes-Barre is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Wilkes-Barre come in at $142,411, which is 51.9% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wilkes-Barre, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 37.8% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Wilkes-Barre | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.3% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.3% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.1% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.6% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.5% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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