Delco among counties with highest eviction rates

The Associated Press reported over the summer how, in some cities, eviction filings are about 50% higher than they were before the pandemic.

A new report has zoned in on evictions in Pennsylvania, which are following this increasing trend.

A joint project by PolicyLink and the Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, the report is formally titled “Advancing Pennsylvania’s Housing Futures: Sealing Eviction Records for Housing Stability and Economic Prosperity.”

Over 114,000 people had evictions filed against them across the state last year, reads the report. Although a moratorium was put in place on evictions for a brief period of time, the study notes how the majority of these evictions took place “in less populated, suburban areas like York County” prior to the COVID outbreak, then began to spread to rural areas after the outbreak.

“…evictions are becoming an even larger problem for suburban and rural communities,” the report elaborates. “For example, in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, the share of evictions in the suburban areas of these metro areas has increased 11 and 5 percent, respectively.”

York County actually led the state with evictions in 2022 with an eviction filing rate of 16.4 percent. Lehigh County came next with 13.8 percent, then Delaware County in third at a 11.5 percent rate. Sullivan County, on the other hand, saw the lowest rate with 0.8 percent.

“A prosperous future for Pennsylvanians is possible and achievable, but the correct policies must be in place for this future to happen,” the report concludes. “State legislators have the ability to help families stay together, promote workforce development, stabilize communities, and ensure the health and safety of renters across the Commonwealth.”