Is Willow Street Safe, Pros and cons of living in Willow Street

Is it Safe to Live in Willow Street?

Willow Street generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is notably lower than the national average, with violent crimes occurring less frequently than in many other U.S. communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates a low risk of becoming a victim of crime in Willow Street.

Property crime rates in Willow Street are about average when compared to other towns and cities across the United States. Your chance of being a victim of any crime in Willow Street is approximately 1 in 137 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). While the east part of the city is considered the safest by residents, the crime rate is generally low across the board, with the ZIP code 17584 specifically noted for its safety (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Willow Street is slightly higher than the national average. Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,659, and for a family of four, around $5,856 (as of March 2026, according to Salary.com). These costs are influenced by housing, transportation, and food prices.

Housing costs in Willow Street are higher than the Pennsylvania state average. The median home value was $314,700 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), and the median listing price is $375,000 (according to Realtor.com®). This is higher than the Pennsylvania average median home price of $213,000 (as reported by Livability.com).

Rental prices in Willow Street are also above the national average. The average rent is approximately $1,887 per month (as of May 2026, according to Apartments.com), which is 15% higher than the national average. For comparison, the median rent across the U.S. is $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Willow Street has seen a slight decline in employment. Between 2023 and 2024, employment decreased by 5.9%, with approximately 4,230 residents employed (as reported by Data USA). Key industries for residents include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and educational services.

The median household income in Willow Street is $109,675 (as reported by Data USA). The average per capita income is $56,795, with a poverty rate of 3.29% (as reported by Data USA). The average salary for all jobs in Willow Street is approximately $43,062 per year, or $20.70 per hour (as of May 2026, according to ZipRecruiter).

Major employment sectors for Willow Street residents include Management Occupations, Education Instruction and Library Occupations, and Production Occupations. Major employers in the region are not explicitly detailed, but the presence of the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center suggests a focus on skilled trades and vocational training (as reported by Data USA).

Climate

Willow Street experiences a climate with moderate temperatures and average rainfall. The average annual temperature is around 62°F high and 43°F low (as reported by Livability.com). The area receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually and about 20 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by Livability.com).

Monthly rainfall averages around 3.2 inches, with daily averages of about 0.1 inches (as of 2021-2026, according to WillyWeather). There is a 30% chance of rain on average in May (as reported by WillyWeather).

Education

Public schools in Willow Street are highly rated, contributing to the area’s appeal for families. Schools are evaluated based on state test scores, student-teacher ratios, and overall district quality (as reported by Niche). Hans Herr Elementary School and Pequea Elementary School both received an “A minus” rating, with student-teacher ratios of 16:1 and 16:1 respectively (as reported by Niche).

The Lampeter-Strasburg School District and Penn Manor School District serve the Willow Street area. These districts are recognized for their commitment to academic excellence and providing a supportive learning environment. The Lancaster County Career and Technology Center also offers specialized educational programs for students in the area (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Demographics

Willow Street has a population of approximately 9,647 residents, with a median age of 54.1 years (as reported by Data USA). The population is aging, with a significant portion of residents over 65 years old (41.1% as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Willow Street is predominantly White, accounting for about 81.9% of the population. Other racial groups include Hispanic (7.6%), Asian (2.7%), Black or African American (2.3%), and Multiracial (1.9%) (as reported by Census Dots). There has been a notable increase in the Hispanic population since the 2020 Census.

In terms of household composition, Willow Street has approximately 4,255 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of residents, about 59%, rent their homes, while 41% are homeowners (as reported by Niche).