The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 19081 sells for about $549,900, or $215 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 28 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,535 a month.
ZIP 19081 — Swarthmore
The housing market in 19081 remains stable with high demand driven by the area's excellent school district and proximity to Philadelphia. Inventory remains tight, supporting steady home values despite broader economic fluctuations. Figures for closed sales and months of supply are based on local market activity reports.
This ZIP is ideal for families seeking high-quality schools, academics and professionals commuting to Philadelphia, and those who value a walkable, historic suburban environment.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 28 days on market with 3.8 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 6.4% · poverty 8.9% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 1.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 2.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 19081, Delaware County PA
Crime rates in Swarthmore are generally lower than the national average, with the area characterized by a suburban safety profile typical of Delaware County.
The area is served by the highly-rated Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, which is consistently recognized for academic excellence and strong college preparation.
The area faces standard regional risks for wind and storm events; flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near Crum Creek.
Economic momentum is driven by the proximity to Swarthmore College and the broader Philadelphia employment corridor, with steady demand for residential housing.
Property taxes are levied by Delaware County, the Borough of Swarthmore, and the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, with rates reflecting local municipal and educational funding requirements.
Residents benefit from direct access to the SEPTA regional rail line, providing a convenient commute to Center City Philadelphia.
The area features the Crum Woods, Swarthmore College campus trails, and proximity to local parks and community shopping districts.
The rental market is influenced by the presence of college students and faculty, maintaining consistent demand and low vacancy rates.
The local economy is anchored by Swarthmore College and supported by the broader Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan labor market.
The area is well-connected via the SEPTA regional rail network and major arterial roads leading to I-95 and I-476.
Development is constrained by the borough's historic character and limited land availability, focusing on infill and adaptive reuse.
Delaware County utilizes a periodic reassessment process to determine property values for tax purposes.
Parcels are subject to municipal, county, and school district taxes, with no significant MUD/PID districts reported.
Property insurance premiums are consistent with regional averages for suburban Pennsylvania, with standard coverage for wind and fire.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter and Data Commons for ZCTA 19081.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A prestigious liberal arts college that serves as a cultural and architectural anchor for the community.
A large forested area providing extensive hiking trails and natural habitat.
A walkable district featuring local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Key-figure check: median price diverges 39.3% from the nearest retained anchor (published ten-year series (2024)) — beyond the 12.5% tolerance; an automated validation case is open and the value publishes pending its verdict. Research outlier held out — this pass returned a median of $333,600 (39.3% off the retained reading), contradicting every independent anchor; the prior reading stands pending corroboration. Validation: the flagged $333,600 (-39.3% vs the published ten-year series (2024)) could not be independently corroborated and was reverted to the prior cycle value pending review; the case is under review in the Command Center.