Philadelphia Info
Joined: 14 Dec 2006
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 Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:01 am Post subject: PHILADELPHIA CITY PROFILE / PHILADELPHIA CITY GUIDE |
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PHILADELPHIA CITY PROFILE
Introduction
Rich in history and culture, Philadelphia has been in the forefront of the nation's intellectual, economic, and humanitarian development for more than three hundred years. Today its efforts are being directed to restoration with an emphasis on preserving the best of the past while allowing for the development of a vigorous new city. A city of neighbourhoods, trees, parks, and open spaces, Philadelphia offers the advantages of living in a big city while maintaining a small-town atmosphere and preserving reminders of its dignified past. The Greater Philadelphia area has been on numerous best city lists as a good place to balance work and family life.
The City in Brief
Founded: 1682 (incorporated, 1701)
Head Official: Mayor John F. Street (D) (since 2000)
City Population
1980: 1,688,210
1990: 1,585,577
2000: 1,517,550
2003 estimate: 1,423,538
Percent change, 1990–2000: -4.5%
U.S. rank in 1980: 4th
U.S. rank in 1990: 5th
U.S. rank in 2000: 6th (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population (CMSA)
1980: 4,717,000 (PMSA)
1990: 5,892,937
2000: 6,188,463
Percent change, 1990–2000: 5%
U.S. rank in 1980: 4th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 5th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 6th (CMSA)
Geography and Climate
Area: 135.09 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Ranges from 5 feet to 431 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 53.6° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 45.7 inches of rain; 20.5 inches of snow
Economy
Major Economic Sectors: Pharmaceuticals; biotechnology; healthcare; communications; manufacturing; retail trade; finance, insurance, and real estate; services; government
Unemployment Rate: 4.5% (April 2005)
Per Capita Income: $16,509 (1999)
Cost of Living
Housing prices in Philadelphia tend to be lower than those in comparably sized cities, and are among the lowest in the Northeast, with a median home price of just $59,700 in 2002. The housing stock dates from the 18th and 19th centuries and the city encourages preservation of the existing stock with federal, state, and private aid. The tax burden overall is high relative to other large cities nationwide.
The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the Philadelphia area.
2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported
2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported
State income tax rate: 3.07%
State sales tax rate: 6.0%
Local income tax rate: 2.8%
Local sales tax rate: 1.0%
Property tax rate: 8.26% on every $100 assessed
Other Information
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 83,392
Major Colleges and Universities: University of Pennsylvania; Drexel University; Thomas Jefferson University; Temple University; Philadelphia University; Philadelphia College of the Arts; University of the Sciences in Philadelphia; La Salle University; Haverford College; Swarthmore College
Daily Newspaper:Philadelphia Inquirer; Philadelphia Daily News |
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