Leading Indicators: Philadelphia Baseline 2025

In the past 25 years, the City Philadelphia has seen much progress: its population has grown, its job base has rebounded, the poverty rate has fallen 8 points, it has experienced a major construction boom, its restaurants and tourism sector win national accolades, it is poised to host major events in 2026 such as the FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary – and the Philadelphia Eagles just won the Superbowl.  Yet despite this progress, the city grapples with entrenched economic disparities that threaten the well-being of many of its residents. Traditional metrics often highlight macroeconomic achievements, yet they can obscure the daily struggles faced by individuals and communities. Now, with shifting federal policies on business regulations, tax structures, and funding for social programs, Philadelphia stands at a crossroads—these changes could either accelerate growth or deepen inequities, depending on how they unfold. This is why tracking these shifts with reference to their baseline is critical: understanding their real-time impact allows us to anticipate risks, seize opportunities, and ensure that progress is inclusive, not just incidental. To truly understand and strengthen Philadelphia’s economic resilience, we must examine indicators at the micro, meso, and macro levels.

The Leading Indicators: Philadelphia Baseline 2025 series aims to be this comprehensive analysis. By linking individual outcomes, neighborhood dynamics, and citywide competitiveness, this series provides stakeholders with actionable insights to design targeted interventions that promote equity, enhance resilience, and improve the quality of life for all Philadelphians.  

We intend for this series to become an annual edition of Leading Indicators, a baseline against which future trends may be measured.