Marcus Hook, known as the “Cornerstone of Pennsylvania”, as well as a one-time haven for pirates like Blackbeard, is a historic riverfront borough rooted in its maritime and industrial heritage. The community has a small-town atmosphere, with schools and parks a short walk away. The town features events like the Pirate Festival and the annual Memorial Day Parade.
Marcus Hook proudly maintains a commitment to green space and has long been a “Tree City USA”. The town is known for being patriotic. Marcus Hook, PA, offers a small-town vibe centered around its Delaware River waterfront and historic charm. With diverse and affordable housing options and easy access to Philadelphia via nearby transit, Marcus Hook is a great place to live. You’ll love the small-town riverfront lifestyle when living in Marcus Hook PA.
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Where Is Marcus Hook, PA?
Marcus Hook is a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, located about 23 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Marcus Hook is part of the Philadelphia Metro area.
Map of Marcus Hook, PA
Check out this map so you know your way around while living in Marcus Hook PA.
Marcus Hook PA Population and Demographics
The Marcus Hook population is 2,236. Marcus Hook’s Irish and Italian influences are rooted in early 20th-century industrial labor. The Italian community established a vibrant “Little Italy” and founded Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in 1917 to serve Italian-speaking residents.
Today, this legacy endures in traditional, local, family-run eateries like Italiano’s. The massive Irish population in town, which is one of the country’s highest concentrations, is centered around community landmarks like Lefty’s Irish Pub. These ancestries living in Marcus Hook PA have helped shape the town’s religious institutions and tight-knit neighborhood identity.
Marcus Hook Racial and Ethnic Demographic
- White: 74.9%
- Black or African American: 15.6%
- Hispanic or Latino: 6.6%
- Two or more races: 3.0%
Other Marcus Hook Demographics
- Population density: 2,017.5 per square mile
- Median age: 33.4
- Sex ratio: 47.1% males, 52.9% females
- Median household income: $50,952
- Educational attainment: 90.2% high school degree or higher, 5.8% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Veteran population: 87 veterans
Is Marcus Hook PA Safe?
Safety is paramount for those living in Marcus Hook PA, and the borough is well-served by the Marcus Hook Police Department. With 11 sworn officers, the department is committed to enhancing the community’s quality of life through professional service and maintaining a safe environment by vigorously upholding the law. The overall crime rate in Marcus Hook stands at 1,485 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 30% below the national average. The violent crime rate is 289 per 100,000 people, 20% below the national average.
Marcus Hook PA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Marcus Hook PA is 9% lower than the national average. Housing makes up the bulk of the Marcus Hook cost of living, and housing costs in the borough are 40% lower than the U.S. average, making Marcus Hook a great place to buy a home. The median sale price of a home in Marcus Hook is $185,000, and the average square foot cost is $90.
Take a look at the current homes for sale in Marcus Hook PA. The rent in Marcus Hook is $1,683 per month for an 834-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafé. For comparison, the average rent in nearby Philadelphia is $1,973. For houses for rent in Marcus Hook PA, you can expect to pay around the $2,000 range.
Typical Marcus Hook Living Expenses
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 liter of milk: $1.39
- Dozen eggs: $4.44
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.04
- Average Marcus Hook monthly utility bill: $255.37
Source: Numbeo, Philadelphia Metro
The Best Neighborhoods in Marcus Hook
Housing in Marcus Hook is made up mostly of historic townhouses and row houses, which combined add up to about 50% of its real estate. Those living in Marcus Hook PA also have a number of modest single-family houses, many of which are Colonial-style homes.
Marcus Hook is known for being walkable, where schools, parks, and other amenities are close by, regardless of where you live. Some homes in Marcus Hook offer serene riverfront views. The business district is nearby, offering a variety of local shops and casual dining options. Nearby entertainment typically revolves around the riverfront and Market Square Memorial Park.
Marcus Hook PA Weather & Climate
Living in Marcus Hook PA comes with a humid continental climate, ushering in cold winters and hot summers. In winter, temperatures range from the low 20s to the mid-30s, with occasional snowfall. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures typically in the 80s and 90s. Spring and fall feature milder temperatures, along with regular showers and thunderstorms.
Marcus Hook enjoys four distinct seasons each year. It rains about 43 inches per year in Marcus Hook, above the US average of 38 inches. You’ll see about 13 inches of snow per year in Marcus Hook. The US average is 28 inches. On average, there are 205 sunny days per year in Marcus Hook, right at the US average. The best time of year to visit Marcus Hook is from early June to early July and from early August to late September.
Things to Do in Marcus Hook PA
Marcus Hook offers a rich blend of local history, community parks, and easy access to the broader cultural offerings of the region. In addition, you’ll find convenient shopping options like the Willowbrook Shopping Center, the Northtowne Plaza, and the Springfield Mall. Here are some popular things to do near Marcus Hook PA:
Market Square Memorial Park
Market Square Memorial Park is a picturesque riverfront destination with green space and scenic views of the Delaware River. It’s also home to a memorial that commemorates soldiers. The park is a hub for numerous events, including the Summer Music Festival, the annual Pirate Festival, and various holiday celebrations. It’s home to the Sun Seamen’s memorial faces, which also honor the forty-one brave officers who lost their lives in World War II on the Sun Oil Company Tankers.
4 E Delaware St, Marcus Hook, PA 19061, (610) 485-1341
Bette’s Family Fun Center
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Bette’s Family Fun Center is an expansive, 12,500-square-foot indoor play facility specifically designed for children aged 10 and under. Highlights include multiple bounce houses, inflatable slides, a Spider Mountain climbing area, and a large jungle gym. A dedicated Toddler Town provides a safe, fenced-off space tailored for children four and under. It’s a must-visit for families living in Marcus Hook PA.
2971 W Dutton Mill Rd, Aston Township, PA 19014, (484) 480-4789
The Candlelight Theatre
The Candlelight Theatre is a popular dinner theater, offering professional Broadway-caliber theatre and dining in a cozy converted barn. The theatre specializes in high-quality musicals and also hosts comedy nights and other events for you to check out while living in Marcus Hook PA.
2208 Millers Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810, (302) 475-2313
Additional Attractions Near Marcus Hook, PA:
If you want to do more while living in Marcus Hook PA, there are recreational opportunities centered on its scenic riverfront and community-focused green spaces. Between Green Street, Market Street, and Delaware Avenue, you’ll find plenty of community involvement.
Market Square Memorial Park offers scenic views of the Delaware River, walking paths, and picnic pavilions near the Marcus Hook Community Center. Mickey Vernon Park features lighted ball fields and a playground dedicated to Mickey Vernon, a local MLB legend. Rocco Gaspari Park offers tennis and street hockey courts. The WalkWorks Program provides a marked two-mile route connecting historical landmarks like the Plank House and Viscose Village.
Marcus Hook PA Restaurants
Marcus Hook’s dining scene is mostly casual, independently owned eateries offering hearty portions and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. Classic Italian restaurants and pizzerias dominate the landscape, but you’ll also find diners, Mexican cuisine, Asian flavors, and more. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Marcus Hook:
Italiano’s
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Italiano’s is a popular, family-run restaurant, highly regarded for its authentic, Southern Italian cuisine served in a cozy, intimate setting. Known for its generous portions of pasta dishes, chicken parmigiana, and fresh-baked garlic breadsticks, Italiano’s is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) establishment, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite wine or beer with their meal. Check it out while living in Marcus Hook PA.
5 W 10th St #4511, Marcus Hook, PA 19061, (610) 485-6575
Sungate Diner
The Sungate Diner is known for its homestyle American cuisine, substantial portions, and reasonable prices. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering an extensive menu that includes classic omelets, hotcakes, and hearty dinner entrees like chicken parmigiana.
1000 Green St, Marcus Hook, PA 19061, (610) 494-8084 2-9472
Di Costanza Sandwich
Di Costanza Sandwich opened in 1925 as the legendary originator of the Italian hoagie. The eatery is famous for its massive, meat-packed sandwiches on fresh rolls, most notably “The Original Italian.” Di Constanza is acclaimed for some of the best, authentic cheesesteaks in the county, served in an old-school, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favorite amongst those living in Marcus Hook PA.
1930 Market St, Linwood, PA 19061, (610) 494-3616
Jobs in Marcus Hook PA
Marcus Hook and its surrounding area are primarily driven by the energy, federal government, economic development, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, centered around its strategic deep-water port on the Delaware River. Its close proximity to Downtown Philadelphia offers additional employment possibilities.
One of the largest employers is Energy Transfer Marcus Hook, a premier 800-acre natural gas liquids hub that utilizes massive underground caverns and refrigerated tanks to store and process propane, ethane, and butane for local and global distribution. They used to be called Sunoco Refinery. Energy Transfer employs roughly 1,000 full-time workers in Pennsylvania, including those at Marcus Hook.
Other major employers near Marcus Hook include The Boeing Company, United Parcel Service (UPS), Wawa, and Prospect Crozer Keystone Health System. If you’re looking for a job in Marcus Hook, check out current Marcus Hook job opportunities on Indeed and other online job boards.
Schools in Marcus Hook PA
Students in Marcus Hook are served by the Chichester School District, enrolling nearly 3,000 students across its six schools. Children in Marcus Hook typically attend Marcus Hook Elementary School, Chichester Middle, and Chichester Senior High in nearby Boothwyn. The high school maintains a solid 87% graduation rate and is ranked as the second most diverse high school in Delaware County.
The Chichester School District strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment that empowers students to achieve individual academic success and develop personal and civic responsibility. The focus is on equipping students with 21st-century college and career readiness skills, so they can thrive in an evolving, diverse global community.
If you are interested in a private school education for your children while living in Marcus Hook PA, some of the top schools in the area include Episcopal Academy, Tower Hill School, and Archmere Academy.
For further education options, the area around Marcus Hook has some excellent colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, Villanova University, and Haverford College.
The local Mary M. Campbell Marcus Hook Public Library offers access to books, movies, digital media, and online research tools like MyHeritage for genealogy research. Find programs for all ages, including Book Folding workshops, LEGO Club, and Story Time for young children, in the events calendar.
Marcus Hook PA Statistics & Information
- Marcus Hook county: Delaware County
- Marcus Hook area: 1.63 square miles
- Marcus Hook zip code: 19061
- Marcus Hook area codes: 484, 610
- Marcus Hook elevation: 30 feet
- Marcus Hook time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Marcus Hook: Philadelphia International Airport, 10.6 miles away
FAQs About Marcus Hook
What Movie Is Being Filmed in Marcus Hook, PA?
Marcus Hook has been used as a filming location for productions, including recent HBO work for Task in Delaware County and the 2005 film One Last Thing…, which was set and partially filmed there.
Is Marcus Hook PA a Good Place to Live?
Yes, residents describe Marcus Hook as a friendly, close-knit community with parks and historic sites.
What Is the Crime Rate in Marcus Hook, PA?
Marcus Hook’s crime rate is lower than the national average, with crime rates at 1,485 per 100,000 people. Both violent and property crimes contribute to this rate compared with many communities in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.
Is Marcus Hook in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Marcus Hook is a borough in Pennsylvania, located in Delaware County in the southeastern part of the state.
Did Blackbeard Live in Marcus Hook?
There are historical references connecting pirates to Marcus Hook and the surrounding Delaware River area in colonial times, including lore about pirate activity and connections to figures like Blackbeard, but Blackbeard’s documented base and life were centered elsewhere. Marcus Hook’s early history includes pirate trade and activity along the river during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Moving to Marcus Hook? Let Suburban Solutions Help
At Suburban Solutions, we can help you and your family when moving to Marcus Hook. This is a great town for families with children. Whether you’re relocating nearby to Upper Chichester and Lower Chichester or across state lines to a new town altogether, we’ll make sure you get to your new home quickly.
We can help you with local moving, long distance moving, or packing. Give our Marcus Hook movers a call at 610-314-6868 to get started on a free quote!
