Is Sharon Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sharon
Sharon, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it a compelling option for those considering a move. Nestled in Mercer County, this city provides a distinct living experience shaped by its local economy, community atmosphere, and natural surroundings. Understanding the various facets of life in Sharon is key to determining if it aligns with your lifestyle preferences and needs.
This comprehensive overview delves into the critical aspects of residing in Sharon, covering safety, the cost of living, housing, employment opportunities, climate, education, and the diverse demographics that form its community. By examining these elements, prospective residents can gain a clearer picture of what to expect when making Sharon their home.
Is it Safe to Live in Sharon?
Safety in Sharon, Pennsylvania, presents a nuanced picture with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate in Sharon is comparable to the average US city, with a B- grade indicating a similar level of safety (as reported by AreaVibes). However, specific neighborhood variations exist, with the northeast part of the city generally considered the safest and the west neighborhoods experiencing more incidents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Violent crime rates in Sharon are higher than the national average, specifically 81.9% higher per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates, however, are lower than the national average by 16.9% (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Sharon is approximately 1 in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Crime Statistics Overview
Examining crime statistics reveals that over a five-year period, Sharon recorded 683 violent crimes and 990 property crimes. The average violent crime rate is 139.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 31.7% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Property crime averages 225.4 per 100,000 residents, also above the national average by 37.8% (as reported by Crime Explorer).
These figures highlight areas where crime prevention and community awareness are particularly important. The cost of crime per resident in Sharon is approximately $451 per year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure reflects tangible costs associated with the criminal justice system, victim expenses, and lost economic contributions from offenders.
Housing and Cost of Living
Sharon, Pennsylvania, is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index in Sharon is 79, meaning it is 21% less expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to housing, which is notably lower than the national figures.
The median home value in Sharon is $78,800, which is considerably lower than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). Similarly, the median rent in Sharon is $827, compared to the national median rent of $1,413 (as reported by Niche). This makes Sharon an attractive option for individuals and families seeking to manage their living expenses effectively.
Housing Market Insights
The housing market in Sharon shows a homeownership rate of 53%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a significant portion of residents are renters. The median property value has seen a slight decrease, falling from $79,100 to $78,800 between recent years (as reported by Data USA).
Rental prices in Sharon are also notably below the national average. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is approximately $900 per month (as reported by Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average cost is around $650, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $800 (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Sharon, Pennsylvania, is characterized by a diverse range of employment sectors, though recent data indicates a slight decline in overall employment. From a recent year to the next, employment in Sharon declined by 3.55%, with the number of employees decreasing from 5.53k to 5.33k (as reported by Data USA).
Key employment sectors in Sharon include Health Care & Social Assistance, which employs a substantial number of residents, followed by Retail Trade and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups are in Sales & Related Occupations, Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA).
Employment and Income
The average salary in Sharon is approximately $53,350 per year, which translates to about $25.65 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $48,900 annually, with an average salary of $61,689 per year (as reported by Zippia and SalaryExpert).
The median household income in Sharon is reported around $45,670 (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The unemployment rate in Sharon is noted to be higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). For context, the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.2% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).
Climate and Environment
Sharon, Pennsylvania, experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures in Sharon typically range from 17°F to 83°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is around 42 inches, with an average of 48 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summer in Sharon is generally warm and partly cloudy, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 83°F and a low of 59°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, and predominantly cloudy skies. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 35°F and a low of 18°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The period from May to September is considered the most comfortable time to visit Sharon, offering mild temperatures and comfortable humidity levels (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average of 42 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June typically sees the most precipitation, while January experiences the least (as reported by Time and Date).
The city’s weather patterns are influenced by its Midwestern location, offering a full spectrum of seasonal changes. Residents can expect a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with snowfall contributing to the winter landscape.
Education and Demographics
Sharon, Pennsylvania, is served by the Sharon City School District, which includes five public schools catering to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 29% of students are proficient in math and 41% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
The demographic profile of Sharon shows a population of approximately 12,936 residents (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The racial composition is primarily White (around 71.5%), followed by Black or African American (around 17.7%), with smaller percentages for multiracial, Hispanic, and Asian populations (as reported by Census Reporter and Point2Homes).
Community Profile
The median age in Sharon is 43 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Data USA). The population is distributed across various age groups, with a significant portion in the 45 to 64 bracket (as reported by Point2Homes).
Citizenship is high in Sharon, with 99.5% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The city has a homeownership rate of 53% (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is about 18.4 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
The economic landscape of Sharon, Pennsylvania, is supported by several major employers across various sectors. Within Mercer County, key employers include Wabtec US Rail Inc., State Government, Wal-Mart Associates Inc., Joy Cone Company, and Steward Sharon Regional Health System (as reported by Penn-Northwest Development Corporation).
Other significant employers contributing to the local economy include UPMC Horizon, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, and NLMK Pennsylvania Corp. (as reported by Penn-Northwest Development Corporation). The Health Care & Social Assistance sector is a notable employer in Sharon itself (as reported by Data USA).
Employment Opportunities
The most common employment sectors for Sharon residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a diversified job market, though recent trends show a slight decline in overall employment (as reported by Data USA).
Companies like McDonald’s, Dollar General, and the United States Postal Service are among those with a presence in Sharon, offering various employment opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com). The presence of educational institutions and healthcare systems also contributes to the employment base.