Plum, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Plum, PA Utility & Living Guide

A plum is a fruit of some species in Prunus subg. Prunus. Dried plums are usually called prunes.

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
📷 Live Cameras — Plum
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🌤️ Live Weather — Plum
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Historical Archive & Municipal Lore

Plum, PA — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities

🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Plum.

🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.

🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.

📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.

⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.

🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.

Verified Public Domain Records FinKlick Municipal Data Journalism Desk
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Plum
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duquesne Light
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

Peoples Natural Gas
💧 Water

$45/mo

Pennsylvania American Water
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Plum’s housing market is competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes. Prices have risen moderately due to its proximity to Pittsburgh and good school ratings.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax rate.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Republican/Democratic leanings)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, education, and small manufacturing.
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, road maintenance, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on cars. Sidewalks are common in residential areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Plum Community Park
  • 🎯
    Boyce Park Ski Area
  • 🎯
    Pittsburgh Zoo

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Holiday Park and Renton are popular for families due to their quiet streets and proximity to schools. Newer developments in the eastern part of Plum offer modern amenities.

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📊 Plum — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$85,237
👤 Median Age
44.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
82.4%
🔑 Renter Rate
17.6%
📉 Poverty Rate
3.6%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.2%
📡 Internet Access
91.1%
🎓 College Educated
35.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Winter heating costs can double gas bills, while summer AC use raises electric bills by 30-40%. Spring and fall are the most affordable utility seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Plum Borough millage rate: 4.5 mills. No local income tax. Allegheny County surtax applies to some services.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Good sidewalk coverage in neighborhoods, multiple parks with stroller paths, but limited elevator access in older buildings.

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