Is Pelham Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pelham

Pelham, New York, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place to live for many. The town is known for its highly-rated school system and a strong sense of community. However, potential residents should be aware of the high cost of living and housing.

The cost of living in Pelham is significantly higher than the national average. Overall living costs are 48% higher than the U.S. national average and 77% higher than New York’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This is largely driven by housing expenses, which are 53.9% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Food, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs also contribute to the elevated expenses, being generally higher than the national averages (as reported by Salary.com).

Is it Safe to Live in Pelham?

Pelham, NY, generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is 45% below the national average, and the town has a crime safety grade of A- (as reported by DoorProfit). Violent crime rates are also lower than the national average, with residents having approximately a 1 in 312 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually (as reported by DoorProfit).

Violent Crime Rates

The estimated violent crime rate in Pelham is 320.3 per 100,000 residents (as reported by DoorProfit). This rate is 16% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Specific violent crime rates include murder at 2.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Aggravated assault is reported at 264.3 per 100,000 residents, just 1% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property Crime Rates

Property crime in Pelham is slightly above the national average. The estimated property crime rate is 2,099.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Larceny and theft are the most common property crimes, with a rate of 1,644.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, 17% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Burglary rates are significantly lower than the national average, at 156.1 per 100,000 residents (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing and Real Estate

The housing market in Pelham is characterized by high prices and strong demand. The average home value in Pelham is approximately $1,360,404, showing a 12.8% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes was $1,639,167 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Home Prices and Sales

As of March 2026, home prices in Pelham were down 10.3% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $309,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell after 71 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). In March 2026, 42 homes were sold in Pelham, a slight decrease from 43 homes sold the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

The rental market in Pelham also reflects high costs. The average rent is $2,350 per month, which is 17.5% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Other sources indicate the average rent for an apartment is $2,252, a 3.95% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $2,338, while a two-bedroom unit averages $2,074 (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

Pelham’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with a growing employment sector. The town employs approximately 3.62k people, and employment grew by 1.83% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers

Key employers in Pelham include Pico Electronics, Barksdale Home Care Services Corp., Pelham Public Schools, the New York Athletic Club, and De Cicco & Sons grocery (as reported by Wikipedia). Archie Comics is also based in Pelham (as reported by Wikipedia).

Salaries and Wages

The average annual salary in Pelham is approximately $55,895 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This breaks down to about $26.87 per hour, or $4,657 per month (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage is around $50,700 annually, with most salaries falling between $38,941 and $68,250 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Pelham experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The warm season typically lasts from June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 75°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 84°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Temperature and Precipitation

The cold season runs from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Time and Date). Pelham receives an average of 49 inches of precipitation annually, with August being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is common in the winter, with an average of 28 inches annually, primarily falling in February (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Pelham is recognized for its high-performing public school system. The Pelham Union Free School District serves the community, with 99% of students attending public schools (as reported by Niche). The district consistently ranks among the top in New York State, with an overall Niche grade of A+ (as reported by Niche).

School Performance

Students in Pelham achieve high proficiency scores in math and reading, with 82% proficient in math and 81% in reading (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked schools in the district include Colonial School, Prospect Hill School, and Siwanoy School (as reported by Niche). Pelham Memorial High School also performs well, ranking highly among New York high schools (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Demographics

Pelham has a population of approximately 7,310 residents (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). The demographic makeup is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for about 67% of the population (as reported by Niche). Hispanic residents make up about 15% of the population (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

In Pelham, 92.4% of residents are citizens, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is around 19.5%, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Pelham is 38 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

Pros and Cons of Living in Pelham

Pelham offers a desirable suburban lifestyle with excellent schools and a safe environment, but at a considerable cost. The town’s proximity to New York City is a significant draw, providing access to employment and cultural opportunities. Residents appreciate the strong community feel and the high quality of life.

However, the high cost of living and housing are substantial drawbacks. The expense of homeownership and renting can be prohibitive for some. While the job market is stable, salaries may not always keep pace with the cost of living.

Climate in Pelham

Pelham, New York, experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching 84°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are cold and snowy, with January lows averaging 26°F (as reported by Time and Date). The town receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with April typically being the wettest month (as reported by Time and Date).

Employment and Major Employers

The primary industries in Pelham are educational services, healthcare, and professional services (as reported by Data USA). Major employers include the local school district, Pico Electronics, and the New York Athletic Club (as reported by Wikipedia). The job market is stable, though salaries may not fully offset the high cost of living.

Housing Market Overview

Pelham’s housing market is competitive, with high median home values and prices. The median home value is over $1.3 million (as reported by Zillow), and homes sell relatively quickly. Rental prices are also significantly above the national average, making housing a major expense for residents.

Demographic Profile

The majority of Pelham’s residents are White, with a notable Hispanic population (as reported by Niche). The population is well-educated, with a high percentage holding bachelor’s or advanced degrees (as reported by Niche). The median age is 38 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

Cost of Living Index

Pelham’s cost of living index is substantially higher than the national average. Housing costs are a primary driver, but other expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities also contribute to the overall expense (as reported by Salary.com). This high cost of living is a significant factor for individuals and families considering a move to Pelham.

Unemployment Rate

Specific unemployment rate data for Pelham is not readily available from the search results. However, the town’s employment growth rate of 1.83% suggests a relatively stable job market (as reported by Data USA).

Average Salary Insights

The average annual salary in Pelham is around $55,895 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). While this provides a baseline, it’s important to consider this figure in the context of the high cost of living. The median household income is considerably higher, at $269,026 as of 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), indicating a wide range of income levels within the community.

Climate Details

Pelham’s climate is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual precipitation is around 49 inches, with most falling as rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages about 28 inches annually, typically occurring from December to March (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

School District Performance

The Pelham Union Free School District is highly acclaimed, consistently ranking among the top in New York. It boasts high student proficiency rates in math and reading and is rated A+ by Niche (as reported by Niche). The district’s commitment to academic excellence is a major draw for families.

Demographic Breakdown

Pelham’s population is diverse, with a significant portion of residents born outside the U.S. (as reported by Data USA). While White residents form the largest demographic group, there is representation from various ethnic backgrounds (as reported by Niche). The population is also well-educated, with a high percentage of residents holding advanced degrees (as reported by Niche).