Is Berwick Safe, Pros and cons of living in Berwick

Berwick, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a noteworthy place to consider for a new home. This northeastern Pennsylvania borough provides a distinct community feel, with a population of approximately 10,317 residents (as of the most recent Census data). Its location in Columbia County places it within a region known for its natural beauty and accessible amenities. The town’s demographic makeup shows a predominantly White population, with 90.4% identifying as such, followed by Black or African American at 4.1%.

The cost of living in Berwick presents an attractive proposition for many, generally falling below national and state averages. Overall living expenses are estimated to be 5% lower than the U.S. national average and 6% lower than Pennsylvania’s state average. This affordability is significantly influenced by housing costs, which are notably lower than the national average. For renters, the median monthly rent is approximately $950, while the median home value is around $127,997. This economic landscape can provide a more manageable financial foundation for residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Berwick?

Berwick demonstrates a generally safe environment, with crime rates that are significantly lower than national averages. The overall crime rate in Berwick is reported to be 47.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, violent crimes are substantially lower, with a rate that is 83.7% below the national average.

This lower incidence of crime contributes to Berwick’s safety perception. The violent crime rate in Berwick is 1.804 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. When considering property crimes, Berwick also shows favorable statistics, with a rate that is 40.1% lower than the national average. Berwick ranks in the 82nd percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 82% of cities nationwide.

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in Berwick offers a welcoming entry point for potential homeowners and renters alike. The median listing price for homes in Berwick is approximately $225,000. This median price reflects a year-over-year increase of 13.24%, indicating a stable and appreciating market.

For those considering renting, the median rent price in Berwick is around $1,100 per month. This figure is considerably lower than the national average, making Berwick an accessible option for renters. The median home value is also notably lower than the national average, standing at $127,997. This affordability extends to rental costs, which are approximately 36.4% lower than the national average.

Overall Cost of Living

Berwick’s cost of living is a significant draw for individuals and families seeking affordability. The overall cost of living is 5% lower than the U.S. national average and 6% lower than the Pennsylvania state average. This cost advantage is attributed to lower expenses in key areas such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.

For singles, the estimated monthly cost of living is around $2,359, while for a family of four, it is approximately $5,194. These figures are also lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly advantageous, as they are 44.0% lower than the national average. This economic environment allows residents to potentially maintain a higher quality of life within a more manageable budget.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Berwick’s employment landscape is supported by a variety of industries and employers. Key sectors contributing to the local economy include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. Major companies with a presence in Berwick include Dollar General, Weis Markets, and PPL.

Other significant employers contributing to the job market are Community Health Systems, Sheetz, and Talen Energy. The J. M. Smucker Company is also a notable presence in the manufacturing sector within Berwick. These companies offer a range of employment opportunities across various skill levels and professional fields.

Employment and Unemployment

The employment rate in Berwick is influenced by the broader economic conditions of the region. The unemployment rate in the Bloomsburg-Berwick Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has seen fluctuations, as is typical with economic cycles. As of the latest available data, employment in Berwick has shown growth, with an increase of 0.858% from the previous year.

The majority of Berwick’s working population is employed in professional or administrative positions, accounting for 69.4% of the workforce. Hands-on and service-based jobs comprise the remaining 30.6%. A significant portion, 75.4%, of residents are employed by private companies, with 10.4% working in the public sector.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Population and Diversity

Berwick is a borough with a population of approximately 10,317 residents, showing a slight decrease of 0.02% since the 2020 Census. The population is composed of 47.6% males and 52.4% females. The racial makeup is predominantly White, at 90.4% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 4.1%, and 2.6% identifying with two or more races.

The median age in Berwick is around 40.5 years. The age distribution shows approximately 16.2% of the population are children under 15, with 12.6% in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults aged 25 to 44 constitute 27.4% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 25.6%. Residents aged 65 and older represent about 18.3% of the population.

Income and Household Statistics

The median household income in Berwick was reported as $49,800 in 2024, indicating a positive year-over-year change of 9.8%. The average annual household income was $64,985. For homeowners, the median income is $84,325, allowing for a maximum of $1,967 per month in housing costs.

For renters, the median household income was $29,199 in 2022, with a rent-to-income ratio of 32.8%. Berwick has 4,643 households, with an average of two members per household. Of these, 56.8% are families, and 43.2% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. Approximately 83.4% of the local population lives above the poverty line (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Seasons

Berwick experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 16°F to 81°F. The warmest month is July, with average highs around 80°F and lows of 59°F.

Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 32°F and lows of 17°F. The period from May to September is generally considered to have comfortable weather, with daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F. The town experiences approximately 153 days per year with comfortable weather conditions.

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

Berwick receives an average annual precipitation of 49 inches, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snowfall. The month with the most precipitation is typically September, with an average of 5 inches. Snowfall averages around 40 inches annually.

The climate is described as warm and wet during the summers and freezing and snowy in the winters, with partly cloudy conditions year-round. A wet day is defined as one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The chance of a wet day is higher from April to September, with June having an average of 11.5 wet days. The drier season extends from September to April, with January having the fewest wet days, averaging 6.5.

Education System

School Ratings and Performance

Berwick’s public school system serves students across several institutions. Berwick Area School District receives an overall Niche grade of B-. The district’s schools collectively have an average math proficiency score of 36% and a reading proficiency score of 53%.

The top-ranked public schools in Berwick include Salem Elementary School, Berwick Area Middle School, and West Berwick Elementary School. Salem Elementary School is noted for its student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Berwick Area High School has a B- rating on Niche and a 6/10 GreatSchools Rating. State test scores indicate that 32% of students at the high school are proficient in math and 67% in reading.

Educational Opportunities

The Berwick Area School District educates a significant portion of the local student population, with 89% of K-12 students attending public schools. The district includes four public schools serving approximately 2,473 students. For higher education, Niche users from the Berwick Area School District show interest in institutions like Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg and Penn State.

Berwick Area High School offers various academic programs, including AP courses, with an average SAT score of 1150. The school also has a graduation rate of 89%. The overall student-teacher ratio in the district is a point of focus, with specific schools like Salem Elementary School having a ratio of 12:1.