Pennsylvania
Welcome to Pennsylvania, the Keystone State!
The Keystone State is buzzing with reinvention, an east-meets-west blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge cool. From the stylish art scenes of Philly to the booming food and tech culture in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is quietly becoming the place to build a beautiful, balanced life. You don’t just live here, you thrive. Come for the lifestyle. Stay for the story you’ll write next.
Top CHIPs for Pennsylvania
The best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
Pennsylvania believes in homeownership—that’s why public, private, and government partners have come together to create Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) that make it easier to put down roots. From down payment assistance to closing cost support and more, these programs are designed to help you move in, build equity, and thrive. Check out what’s available and start your journey today.
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Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Housing Choice Homeownership Program
This program allows qualified families to apply their Housing Choice Voucher toward a mortgage instead of rent. With 15 years of support on mortgages lasting 20 years or more, you can enjoy long-term stability while building equity.
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Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Scattered Sites Homeownership Program
The Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) Financial Assistance for Home Buyers offers up to $20,000 for your down payment and closing costs! Keep the funds as long as the home is your primary residence for the required time, no repayment needed.
PhillySEEDS Homeownership Closing Cost Assistance Program
If you’re a PHA resident or a Housing Choice Voucher participant, you can receive up to $2,000 to cover these final expenses. No repayment is required, so this grant is yours to keep.
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Philadelphia Home.Buy.Now (PHBN) Employer Assisted Housing Program
With this program, you can double your employer’s contribution—up to $4,000—at no cost to you! This program is perfect for employees purchasing a primary home in Philadelphia.
RiseUp Fund Homebuyers Assistance Grant Program
This program provides up to $15,000 to cover down payment and closing costs, giving you the financial boost you need. Best of all, it’s a grant, so there’s no repayment required.
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Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Housing Choice Homeownership Program
This program allows qualified families to apply their Housing Choice Voucher toward a mortgage instead of rent. With 15 years of support on mortgages lasting 20 years or more, you can enjoy long-term stability while building equity.
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Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Scattered Sites Homeownership Program
Also known as Section 5H, this program gives current PHA single-family scattered site residents the unique opportunity to purchase the home they already live in.
PhillySEEDS Homeownership Closing Cost Assistance Program
If you’re a PHA resident or a Housing Choice Voucher participant, you can receive up to $2,000 to cover these final expenses. No repayment is required, so this grant is yours to keep.
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Philadelphia Home.Buy.Now (PHBN) Employer Assisted Housing Program
With this program, you can double your employer’s contribution up to $4,000 at no cost to you! This program is perfect for employees purchasing a primary home in Philadelphia.
RiseUp Fund Homebuyers Assistance Grant Program
This program provides up to $15,000 to cover down payment and closing costs, giving you the financial boost you need. Best of all, it’s a grant, so there’s no repayment required.
👥
Total Population
13,002,700
🗺️
Land area in square miles
44,741.7 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
32
📍
State Capital
Harrisburg
💰
Median household income
$73,824
💵
Median home sale price
$659,468
🏘️
Total Housing Units
5,742,828
👥
Total Population
13,002,700
🗺️
Land area in square miles
44,741.7 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
32
📍
State Capital
Harrisburg
💰
Median household income
$73,824
💵
Median home sale price
$659,468
🏘️
Total Housing Units
5,742,828
Census Data Snapshot for Pennsylvania
Crucial statistics and data about Pennsylvania
See the numbers that make Pennsylvania a top destination for those seeking to buy a house. The numbers reflect to the community and the opportunities that you might find in Pennsylvania and should give you a clue if the state could be the perfect place to call home.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a true four-season experience, ideal for anyone who loves to live (and dress) in style year-round. From cozy cashmere layers and statement boots in the winter to breezy linen dresses and oversized sunnies in the summer, each season brings a fresh vibe for your wardrobe, and your weekend plans.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s powering Pennsylvania's economy?
Pennsylvania is where career ambition meets elevated living. Whether you’re building your career in healthcare, education, tech, or design, Pennsylvania has space to grow. Major employers include top-tier universities like Penn State and UPenn, as well as global brands with a strong presence here across fashion, retail, innovation, and logistics. Here, you can build your dream job and your dream wardrobe, with a lifestyle that supports both.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Industry: Healthcare
- Employer Headcount: 61,000
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 304,633
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in Pennsylvania.
From historic urban centers like Philadelphia to quaint rural places, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer for anyone who is seeking a place to call home. Explore what kind of house you can get with the available Pennsylvania CHIPs for you.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in Pennsylvania in terms of population?
Philadelphia isn’t the only major urban center in Pennsylvania. There’s Pittsburgh, a once mighty center of the iron industry. Allentown, a center for growth in the state. Each city has its own unique characteristic.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
Philadelphia
1
1,517,114
Pittsburgh
2
303,572
Allentown
3
124,315
Reading
4
94,853
Erie
5
91,786
Upper Darby Township
6
84,895
Bethlehem
7
80,034
Scranton
8
75,559
Lancaster
9
56,622
Harrisburg
10
49,956
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in Pennsylvania?
Whether you have kids or you’re just planning ahead, the proximity of excellent schools is a major consideration when buying a house. Pennsylvania has no lack of great schools, giving it a strong academic reputation.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in Pennsylvania.
When you’re out to buy a new home, you’re not just shopping for a house but a community where you can belong to. Whether you’re drawn to countryside or a vibrant city, there’s a home in Pennsylvania waiting to fit your lifestyle.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about the state of Pennsylvania.
The Keystone State is full of personality, unexpected charm, and history that makes it worthwhile to call it home.
Famous People from Pennsylvania
Who are the well-known personalities from Pennsylvania?
Here are some of the most famous personalities who hail from the Keystone State.
Agency
Website
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in Pennsylvania.
Here is a list of some useful resources that you can use when researching about homes, schools, and other details about the state of Pennsylvania.
Agency
Website
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS)
