PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia is bouncing back from the pandemic in a big way, according to the annual State of the City report from Pew Charitable Trusts.
Philadelphia’s population grew last year for the first time since the pandemic, bringing it back to where it was in 2022 — 1.575 million. Pew spokesperson Katie Martin says it’s a turnaround reflected in other data.
“Philadelphia really seemed to be entering a new phase after years of pandemic challenges the city had faced,” Martin said.
The economy, for instance, showed resilience with the highest median income it's seen — just over $60,000 — and an unemployment rate of 4.5%, close to the metropolitan area and national average.
“Overall, Philadelphia’s job growth outpaced the nation’s last year at 2.1%, as opposed to 1.3% nationwide,” Martin said.
But there was little progress on some entrenched problems. Maternal morbidity was up last year, and homelessness was up by 10%.
Martin cautions there are challenges ahead, as uncertainties loom under the Trump administration. The report cites reductions in federal funds and an immigration policy that could reverse the city’s population gains.
“There are new issues that are really going to test the city’s leaders and residents in the years to come,” Martin said.