Is Greensburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Greensburg
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of small-city charm and suburban convenience, situated approximately 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The city, named after Major General Nathanael Greene of the Continental Army, serves as the county seat of Westmoreland County and is part of the broader Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Its location within the Laurel Highlands provides a scenic backdrop, combining historical roots with modern amenities.
The community has evolved from its industrial past, centered around coal mining, into a more diversified economy. Today, Greensburg is recognized as a commercial hub for the Laurel Highlands region, with a significant presence in service industries, professional offices, and retail. This transition has shaped its character, making it a place where residents can find a balance between a quieter lifestyle and access to the amenities of a larger metropolitan area.
Is it Safe to Live in Greensburg?
Greensburg demonstrates a generally favorable safety profile, with overall crime rates reported as lower than the national average. Analysis of FBI crime data indicates that your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Greensburg is approximately 1 in 101 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This suggests a secure environment for its residents when compared to many other communities across the United States.
While the overall crime rate is encouraging, specific types of crime warrant attention. Violent crime in Greensburg occurs at a rate that is higher than in many communities of similar size nationally, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at 1 in 365 (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, property crime rates are around the national average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Further analysis of crime statistics reveals a more nuanced picture. Greensburg’s crime rates are reported as 57.1% lower than the national average overall (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are 25.1% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 63.6% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). In the most recent reported crime year, Greensburg recorded zero homicides (according to AreaVibes), contributing to a profound sense of security for its inhabitants.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is generally considered to be more affordable than the national average. One report indicates that the cost of living in Greensburg is 9% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to housing, which is noted as being more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
When examining specific expense categories, variations exist. While housing costs are lower than the national average, transportation and utility prices can be higher. For instance, utility prices are noted as being 22% higher than the national average, and transportation expenses are 11% higher (according to Payscale). Grocery costs are also slightly lower than the national average, by about 2% (according to Payscale).
Overall monthly expenses for a single person in Greensburg are estimated at around $2,186, and for a family of four, approximately $4,780 (according to Salary.com). These figures make Greensburg one of America’s less expensive cities (according to Salary.com), offering financial advantages for residents compared to many other urban areas.
Housing Costs
Housing in Greensburg presents an attractive option for potential residents seeking affordability. The median home value in Greensburg is approximately $238,469, showing a 1.5% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). This median home value is notably lower than the national median, which stands at $204,900 (according to HouseCashin).
Rental prices in Greensburg are also competitive. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,200 per month, which is 38% lower than the national average (according to Zumper). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average cost is about $875, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,100 per month (according to Zumper).
The housing market indicates stability, with a year-over-year change in the median sale price of 0% (according to Realtor.com® Research). This stability, combined with lower-than-average housing costs, makes Greensburg a financially accessible option for both homebuyers and renters.
Job Market and Economy
Greensburg’s economy has transitioned from its historical reliance on coal mining to a more service-oriented and diversified base. Major employers in the area include Excela Health, which is headquartered in Greensburg, along with Tribune-Review and Hillandale Farms (according to Wikipedia). These key organizations contribute significantly to the local employment landscape.
The city also serves as a commercial center, boasting over 5,000,000 square feet of retail space, positioning it as a significant retail market in Western Pennsylvania (according to the city’s official economy page). Light to moderate industry and service industries are prevalent, with several industrial parks located just outside the city limits.
The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.2% as of March 2026 (according to Macrotrends). While specific local unemployment data for Greensburg is not readily available, the broader state figures provide context for the regional job market. The average annual salary in Greensburg is approximately $42,540, or about $20.45 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
Excela Health stands as a prominent employer in Greensburg, with its headquarters located in the city (according to Wikipedia). This healthcare system plays a vital role in the local economy and community well-being. Other significant companies with a presence in Greensburg include Spreadshop and Westmoreland Community Action (according to Zippia).
The retail sector also provides substantial employment opportunities. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and McDonald’s have a significant presence, offering numerous positions across various roles (according to Indeed.com). These companies contribute to the diverse employment options available to Greensburg residents.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry also maintains a State Office Building in Greensburg, employing nearly 300 individuals (according to Wikipedia). This government presence adds another layer to the city’s employment base, complementing the private sector and healthcare industries.
Climate and Weather
Greensburg experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 74°F from late May to mid-September (according to Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 63°F.
Winters in Greensburg are very cold and snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping. The cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 46°F (according to Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 23°F and highs of 38°F.
Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 22°F to 84°F, with rare occurrences outside of 6°F to 91°F (according to Weather Spark). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in wind speed, with the windier period occurring from mid-November to late April, and calmer conditions prevailing from late April to mid-November.
Education
Greensburg is served by the Greensburg Salem School District, which caters to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is recognized as above average, holding a B rating on Niche. It is ranked among the top school districts in Pennsylvania, placing 216th out of 494 districts (according to Niche). This ranking reflects a comprehensive analysis of academic performance, teacher quality, and student life.
Within the district, individual schools also receive ratings. Greensburg-Salem High School has an overall B- grade, with 46% of students proficient in math and 55% in reading, according to state test scores (according to Niche). The district as a whole demonstrates a commitment to education, though it faces socioeconomic challenges, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Higher education opportunities are also available in Greensburg. Seton Hill University is located in the city, and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is also nearby, offering residents access to advanced academic programs and continuing education. These institutions contribute to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the community.
Demographics
As of the most recent data, Greensburg has a population of approximately 14,741 residents (according to Point2Homes). The median age in the city is around 37.9 years (according to Point2Homes), indicating a mix of age groups within the community. The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with 48.4% male and 51.6% female residents (according to Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Greensburg is predominantly White, with approximately 91.1% of the population identifying as such (according to Census Dots). Other racial groups include Black or African American residents at 2.8%, Asian residents at 1.1%, and Hispanic residents at 1.5% (according to Census Dots). A portion of the population also identifies as Multiracial, making up 3.4%.
In terms of household income, the average annual household income in Greensburg was reported as $82,606 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). This figure represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year. The median income for households led by residents aged 25 to 44 is approximately $74,107, while those led by individuals aged 45 to 64 earn a median of $82,083 (according to Point2Homes).