When deciding to relocate or visit a city, it's essential to consider various factors such as crime, cost of living, education and more. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city steeped in history and culture, and Northeast Jefferson, Colorado, known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities, offer distinct experiences. These diverse cities present unique opportunities for residents and tourists alike. This comparison examines key aspects of both cities to give a comprehensive insight into what one might expect living in or visiting these locations.
Philadelphia's crime rates are generally higher than the national average, particularly in specific downtown areas. However, Philly has numerous secure neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill and Rittenhouse Square. In Northeast Jefferson, crime rates are significantly lower, adding to the suburban community's overall safety appeal. Being aware of your surroundings is advised, regardless of which city you choose to stay in.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Philadelphia tends to be higher than the national average but is relatively more affordable compared to other major East Coast cities. Northeast Jefferson, on the other hand, enjoys a lower cost of living, with housing costs significantly lower than Philadelphia. However, both cities offer a good blend of high-end luxury and budget-friendly options.
Income Tax
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%. Colorado also uses a flat tax system, but the rate is slightly higher at 4.63%. Though the difference isn't massive, it might affect higher-income residents.
Property Tax
Philadelphia has a property tax rate of about 1.4%, which is above the national average. On the contrary, Northeast Jefferson, like most of Colorado, has significantly lower property taxes, averaging around 0.55%.
Sales Tax
Philadelphia residents face a higher sales tax of 8%, while Colorado has a considerably lower rate at 2.9%, making it more favorable for purchases in Northeast Jefferson. However, local city or county taxes may be applied additionally.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$91,025
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$46,835
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
119.7
If you make $50,000 in Philadelphia, you will have to make $56,784 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and lies at sea level, contributing to its humid subtropical climate. Northeast Jefferson displays a semi-arid climate typical of higher altitudes and is located near the Rocky Mountains, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Geographical information
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Land area
135.1 sq. miles
172.8 sq. miles
Population density
11,668 people per sq. mile
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Philadelphia, PA Northeast Jefferson, CO
Education
Philadelphia is known for its excellent universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. The city also has a variety of quality private and public schools. Northeast Jefferson falls under Jefferson County School District, the second largest in Colorado, known for its quality education and diverse programs.
Philadelphia's economy is diverse with strong sectors in healthcare, education, manufacturing, financial services, and technology. Northeast Jefferson's economy, part of the broader Denver metro area, is led by sectors like technology, energy, aerospace, and healthcare. Both cities have vibrant economies attracting job seekers across different domains.
Biggest Employers
Philadelphia's largest employers include the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Health, and Comcast. In Northeast Jefferson, some of the biggest employers would be within the Denver area, including Denver Health, Lockheed Martin, and Wells Fargo.
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
2020
81.2%
58.3%
17.9%
39.7%
0.9%
2.0%
2016
82.3%
49.2%
15.3%
42.3%
2.4%
8.6%
2012
85.2%
51.6%
14.0%
46.7%
0.8%
1.8%
2008
83.2%
54.0%
16.4%
44.9%
0.4%
1.1%
2004
80.6%
46.9%
19.4%
52.1%
0.0%
1.0%
2000
80.4%
43.0%
18.1%
51.1%
1.5%
5.9%
1996
77.4%
42.7%
16.0%
48.4%
6.6%
8.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
15.0%
8.8%
5.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.0%
6.7%
0.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
0.1%
3.1%
0.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
1.2%
9.9%
7.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
3.8%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
1.7%
3.1%
4.2%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.7%
2.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
1.1%
0.5%
3.3%
Weather
Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate marked by hot, muggy summers and mild to cool winters. Snowfall is typical during winter months but rarely extreme. Northeast Jefferson, located at a higher altitude, experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. It also comes with the additional benefit of more than 250 sunny days in a year.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
47.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
17.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
64%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
2018
99
104
0.37
0.40
10.7
22.3
24.3
34.9
N/A
N/A
17.2
29.2
9.2
8.4
0.9
0.7
2017
105
97
0.32
0.40
11.0
22.5
25.3
34.5
0.004
N/A
22.3
22.0
8.9
8.2
1.0
0.8
2016
99
90
0.30
0.44
13.6
24.4
25.1
34.3
0.007
N/A
23.2
22.6
9.5
7.8
1.4
1.0
2015
110
101
0.34
0.45
15.8
24.1
22.6
32.8
0.007
N/A
23.9
21.0
10.5
9.5
1.8
1.0
2014
105
94
0.34
0.45
16.8
23.4
23.1
33.1
0.027
N/A
23.0
25.0
11.7
10.1
2.2
1.3
2013
105
84
0.27
0.40
16.7
21.0
22.5
33.6
0.029
N/A
31.0
24.3
10.5
N/A
1.5
1.5
2012
111
91
0.29
0.34
17.8
18.9
23.0
33.4
0.040
N/A
14.6
24.4
11.7
N/A
1.5
1.3
2011
113
90
0.28
0.34
19.9
18.1
24.3
32.0
0.039
N/A
16.9
23.8
9.8
N/A
1.9
1.5
2010
116
79
0.30
0.42
20.1
16.3
23.0
29.2
0.009
N/A
21.7
26.5
12.2
N/A
2.6
1.0
2009
95
76
0.32
0.38
18.9
14.1
19.7
27.9
0.011
0.005
18.0
22.5
11.9
N/A
2.9
1.3
2008
112
85
0.30
0.42
19.8
17.3
19.1
30.8
0.010
0.008
16.8
25.5
13.9
N/A
3.8
1.6
2007
128
96
0.42
0.39
21.6
20.6
23.3
29.0
0.019
0.007
17.5
29.1
12.3
N/A
4.2
1.2
2006
112
89
0.52
0.46
21.4
19.0
22.5
29.5
0.016
0.027
18.3
28.0
13.1
N/A
4.2
1.4
2005
108
86
0.58
0.51
24.4
21.3
20.8
26.0
0.018
0.119
19.7
29.6
N/A
N/A
5.0
1.5
2004
102
82
0.58
0.53
24.1
21.2
18.9
24.2
0.023
0.043
19.1
28.6
N/A
N/A
5.2
1.8
2003
103
106
0.62
0.52
23.8
21.2
19.7
25.9
0.034
0.046
19.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
5.4
1.9
2002
128
86
0.56
0.60
26.8
19.2
21.2
25.6
0.035
0.031
18.3
35.7
N/A
N/A
4.9
2.4
2001
119
95
0.63
0.69
27.9
20.8
20.0
23.7
0.014
0.034
20.6
32.6
N/A
N/A
5.6
2.6
2000
111
94
0.68
0.70
26.7
11.7
19.0
24.5
0.034
0.037
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
5.5
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
118.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
826.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
12%
Transportation
Philadelphia has an excellent public transit system with buses, subways, and regional rail lines. Car commuting is also common. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson has reliable bus services and light rail connections to Denver. However, most residents prefer driving to commute due to its suburban nature.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
347
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Bicycle
2%
0.3%
Bus
11.7%
3.2%
Carpooled
8.7%
10%
Car alone
60%
80.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
4.2%
0%
Subway
2.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
7.8%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Average
34.3 min
26.6 min
Real Estate
Philadelphia’s real estate market offers a broad range from mansions to affordable row houses. Home prices are more affordable compared to other major cities. In contrast, Northeast Jefferson has a more suburban, open feel with more modern homes and condos at lower prices.
Neighborhoods
Philadelphia is known for its diverse neighborhoods each having its own unique vibe, from the historic charm of Old City to youthful energy in University City. Northeast Jefferson, a part of greater Denver, offers a variety of suburban and semi-rural neighborhoods with ample open spaces.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
Houses
733,015
180,978
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
176,726 (97.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
125,208 (70.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
51,518 (29.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$1,659
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$884,573
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$522,903
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
7.3
Renting percentage
45.9%
31.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
1,047.5
Household income disparities
49.5%
40.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
21,689 (19.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
469 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
90,716 (80.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
9,124 (8.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
16,287 (14.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
29,270
15,916
State government workers
16,901
7,028
Unpaid family workers
570
382
Industries and Occupations
Philadelphia's key industries include healthcare, education, and finance, with a growing tech scene. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson, part of the Denver metro area, has a diverse economy with occupations prominent in the technology, energy, and health sectors.
Philadelphia is renowned for its healthcare with top-class research hospitals like the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Northeast Jefferson falls under Jefferson County's robust healthcare system with leading hospitals including Lutheran Medical Center and St. Anthony Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Philadelphia’s infrastructure includes historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and a reliable mass transit system. Meanwhile, Northeast Jefferson provides excellent suburban infrastructure with generous open spaces and parks. The city also boasts a strong road system providing easy access to nearby Denver.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
Northeast Jefferson
TV stations
24
19
Culture and Food
Philadelphia is rich in American history and culture, offering numerous museums and historical sites. It's famous for dining experiences, including Philly cheese steaks and soft pretzels. In contrast, Northeast Jefferson, being part of the Denver area, offers a blend of urban and outdoor cultures with various American and international food options.
Sports Teams
Philadelphia houses popular sports teams across various games like the Phillies (MLB), Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL). For sports lovers, Northeast Jefferson doesn't host any major teams directly, but Denver’s teams like Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), or Rockies (MLB) are close by.
Philadelphia, PA
Northeast Jefferson, CO
Philadelphia, PA and 
Northeast Jefferson, CO : 1,581.3 miles
