Is Lower Burrell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lower Burrell
Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, offers a glimpse into a community that balances suburban tranquility with accessible amenities. Nestled in Westmoreland County, this city provides a distinct living experience for its residents. It is a place where the pace of life allows for a deeper connection with the surroundings and the community itself.
The city is characterized by its residential feel, with a significant portion of its inhabitants being homeowners. This ownership rate suggests a stable community invested in its environment. Lower Burrell’s location also places it within proximity to larger metropolitan areas, offering a blend of local charm and regional connectivity.
Is it Safe to Live in Lower Burrell?
Lower Burrell presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in the city is notably lower than the national average, positioning it favorably for those prioritizing security. This safety is further underscored by its ranking within the top 75% of cities for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of comparable municipalities across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When examining crime specifics, the property crime rate in Lower Burrell is reported to be below the national average, suggesting a lower likelihood of experiencing theft or burglary (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While violent crime rates are considered about average for communities of similar size, the combined lower rates for both property and violent crimes contribute to a perception of safety. Residents often describe the east part of the city as the safest, with fewer incidents reported annually compared to other areas (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Crime Statistics Overview
The crime rate in Lower Burrell is approximately 16.77 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This figure is considered lower than the average US city (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 1154, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is around 1 in 361 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The cost of crime per resident in Lower Burrell is estimated at $257 annually, which is less than both the national and Pennsylvania state averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These figures suggest that while crime exists, its impact and cost are relatively contained within the city compared to broader averages.
Demographics and Community Profile
Lower Burrell is home to a population of approximately 11,633 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in the city is around 46.8 years (as reported by Data USA), indicating a population that is generally more mature, with a substantial segment of retirees. This demographic composition often translates to a quieter, more settled community atmosphere.
The racial makeup of Lower Burrell is predominantly White, accounting for about 94.65% of the population (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups are present in smaller percentages, contributing to the city’s diverse, though largely homogenous, character. The vast majority of residents, 99.9%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Population Characteristics
With a median age of 46.8 years, Lower Burrell has a population that is older than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This age distribution suggests a community that may appeal to those seeking a peaceful environment. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more males than females (as reported by Data USA).
The foreign-born population in Lower Burrell is very small, at approximately 0.808% of residents (as reported by Data USA). This low percentage indicates a community with deep local roots and a limited recent influx of international residents.
Cost of Living and Housing Market
The cost of living in Lower Burrell is generally considered to be slightly lower than the national average. While some expenses, like utilities and transportation, may be higher, overall costs are managed, making it an accessible place to live (as reported by PayScale). The median home price in Lower Burrell is around $198,600 (as reported by Data USA), which is significantly lower than the national average median property value (as reported by Data USA).
The homeownership rate in Lower Burrell is notably high, at 84.5% (as reported by Data USA). This high rate suggests that many residents are invested in their homes and the community. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $855 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), which is considerably lower than the national average rent (as reported by Apartments.com).
Housing Costs and Trends
In March 2026, the median sale price of homes in Lower Burrell was approximately $185,000, showing a slight year-over-year decrease (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Lower Burrell tend to sell within an average of 51 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median list price for a home in Lower Burrell is $219,150 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
The average home value in Lower Burrell is approximately $200,396, reflecting a 5.8% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Rental prices in Lower Burrell are also more affordable than the national average, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $855 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Lower Burrell’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 5,476 residents (as reported by Data USA). The primary industries employing the city’s residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Lower Burrell is around $41,354 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with hourly rates averaging about $19.88 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Lower Burrell stands at 3.3% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is considered typical and suggests a relatively stable job market. The most common job types held by residents include Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Industries
Key industries in Lower Burrell include Health Care & Social Assistance, which employs the largest number of residents, followed by Manufacturing and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries in the area are Finance & Insurance, and Utilities (as reported by Data USA).
While specific major employers are not detailed, the prevalence of healthcare, manufacturing, and retail suggests a diverse employment base. This variety can offer a range of opportunities for job seekers within the community.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Lower Burrell experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and partly cloudy, while winters are very cold, snowy, and predominantly cloudy (as reported by Time and Date). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 22°F to 83°F, with extreme temperatures below 6°F or above 90°F being rare (as reported by Time and Date).
The average annual precipitation in Lower Burrell is about 43 inches, with approximately 29 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically June, while January sees the least amount of rain (as reported by Time and Date).
Temperature and Precipitation
The warm season in Lower Burrell spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 74°F (as reported by Time and Date). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 64°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 46°F (as reported by Time and Date). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 24°F and highs of 37°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Education and School System
Lower Burrell is served by the Burrell School District, which provides educational services for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is rated as above average, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 32% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, Bon Air Elementary School is noted for strong performance, while Charles A. Huston Middle School and Stewart Elementary School appear to have lower test scores and rankings compared to state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Burrell High School has a graduation rate of 87.9% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
School District Performance
The Burrell School District receives an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). Academically, it scores a B+, with particular strengths in College Prep and Clubs & Activities, both earning an A- (as reported by Niche). The district is ranked among the best in Pennsylvania for teachers and overall district quality (as reported by Niche).
While the elementary schools generally perform well, the middle and high schools in the district show opportunities for improvement in test scores and rankings compared to the state (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This suggests a need for focused efforts to enhance secondary education outcomes.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lower Burrell
Lower Burrell offers a compelling mix of affordability and a peaceful suburban lifestyle, making it an attractive option for many. The lower-than-average cost of living, particularly in housing, combined with a generally safe environment, are significant draws. The high homeownership rate also points to a stable and engaged community.
However, the job market may present challenges for those seeking high-paying positions, as the average salary is moderate. Additionally, while the overall climate is pleasant for much of the year, winters can be quite cold and snowy. The educational system shows some disparity in performance between elementary and secondary levels, which could be a consideration for families with school-aged children.