City Profile
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, situated along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Lycoming County, is most famously known as the birthplace of Little League Baseball and the home of the annual Little League World Series. Historically a powerhouse in the lumber industry during the 19th century, the city transitioned into a diverse manufacturing and regional healthcare hub. Today, Williamsport combines a rich Victorian architectural heritage with a scenic natural backdrop in the Endless Mountains region, attracting residents seeking an affordable, small-city lifestyle with strong community traditions.
Pennsylvania offers a diverse character, blending vibrant urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with picturesque rural landscapes and historical charm. The state boasts a robust and varied economy, with major industries including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, real estate, financial services, and tourism, alongside significant contributions from agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and energy production. Living in Pennsylvania generally provides a high quality of life with a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, though expenses can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. The climate is primarily humid continental, featuring four distinct seasons with warm, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters, while the southeastern region experiences a slightly warmer, humid subtropical climate.
How this 58/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 30% | 19.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 86.0 | 61.3 | 25% | 15.3 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $48,500 Income needed to live here: $42,000 Unemployment rate: 4.8% | 54.7 | 20% | 10.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 0.8% | 36.0 | 15% | 5.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 64 / 100 | 64.0 | 10% | 6.4 |
| Overall score | 57.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Williamsport is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Housing costs represent the most significant savings, with median home prices and rental rates tracking well below both state and national benchmarks. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are similarly modest, ensuring that lower median incomes stretch comfortably for local residents.
Income
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Williamsport's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and professional services, with regional medical centers and educational institutions serving as major stable employers. While heavy lumber and manufacturing have evolved over the decades, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality related to tourism and the Little League World Series continue to drive local commerce. The region also benefits from its proximity to major natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale formation, providing ongoing industrial and technical employment opportunities.
The average salary in Williamsport is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $42,000 to live comfortably.
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Williamsport is primarily a car-dependent city, though the River Valley Transit system provides fixed-route bus services connecting downtown to major commercial hubs and surrounding neighborhoods. The Williamsport Regional Airport offers commercial air connections, while major roadways like U.S. Route 15 and Interstate 180 provide regional connectivity. Walkability is favorable in the immediate downtown core and historic district, but most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting.
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