Is East Stroudsburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in East Stroudsburg

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban charm and accessible amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a new place to call home. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains region, the borough provides a natural setting with proximity to outdoor recreational activities. Its location also offers convenient access to major transportation routes and larger metropolitan areas.

The community is characterized by a diverse population and a developing economic landscape. Residents often appreciate the balance between a quieter lifestyle and the availability of urban conveniences. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of East Stroudsburg, covering essential aspects for potential new residents.

Is it Safe to Live in East Stroudsburg?

East Stroudsburg’s crime rates indicate a mixed picture when compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is 23% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 34% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes, using 2024 FBI data). Property crime rates are also 21% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes, using 2024 FBI data).

However, other analyses suggest a different perspective. East Stroudsburg has a crime rate that is higher than 84% of other cities and towns in Pennsylvania (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, based on FBI crime data). When compared to communities of similar population size, its crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, based on FBI crime data).

The property crime rate in East Stroudsburg is 10.30 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of becoming a victim of property crime varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 49 in the southeast to 1 in 170 in the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The overall crime index for the 18301 ZIP code is 103, which is 3% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit, using FBI UCR data).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in East Stroudsburg presents a range of options for buyers and renters. As of March 31, 2026, the average home value in East Stroudsburg was $309,993, showing a slight decrease of 0.0% over the preceding year (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price for homes was $304,967 as of February 28, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental costs are also a significant factor for those considering a move. The average rent in East Stroudsburg is approximately $1,895 per month as of May 2, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). More recent data from May 2026 indicates an average rent of $1,489 per month, which is 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Rent.). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,489 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,788 per month (as reported by Rent.).

Information regarding the overall cost of living index for East Stroudsburg is not readily available from a single comprehensive source. However, the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) provides cost of living data for various urban areas, though specific data for East Stroudsburg requires membership access (as reported by C2ER).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in East Stroudsburg is approximately $49,000 per year, translating to an hourly rate of about $23.56 (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a city average salary of $51,605 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate for the East Stroudsburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is available through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from FRED shows monthly unemployment rates, with annual data available up to 2023 (as reported by FRED, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Major employers in the Monroe County area, which includes East Stroudsburg, represent a diverse range of industries. Key employers include Tobyhanna Army Depot, Sanofi Pasteur, and LVHN – Pocono Hospital (as reported by Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation). Other significant employers include East Stroudsburg School District, St. Luke’s Hospital-Monroe Campus, and East Stroudsburg University (as reported by Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation).

Climate and Environment

East Stroudsburg experiences a climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 6°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 83°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The coldest period is from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 22°F and highs of 36°F (as reported by Weather Spark). East Stroudsburg receives an average of about 42.8 inches of snow annually (as reported by NOAA).

The clearest part of the year is generally from late June to early November, with September being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudiest period runs from early November to late June, with January being the cloudiest month (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Demographics

The East Stroudsburg Area School District serves the educational needs of the community. The district holds an overall Niche grade of B minus (as reported by Niche). East Stroudsburg Senior High School South also receives a B+ overall Niche grade, with specific strengths in diversity and college preparation (as reported by Niche).

East Stroudsburg’s population is approximately 9,319, reflecting a decrease from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The demographic breakdown includes approximately 56.6% White, 19.2% Black, and 18.8% Hispanic residents (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in East Stroudsburg is 33.8 years (as reported by World Population Review).

Universities in East Stroudsburg awarded 1,426 degrees in 2023, with the student population being predominantly White, followed by Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino students (as reported by Data USA). East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is a notable institution within the area (as reported by Niche).