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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

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⚠️ 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 Rate	1.2%
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

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	7.5%
Property Tax Rate	1.2%
<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

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.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Plum based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations. Leaf burning is prohibited.

Financial Tools

Calculators

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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.