Is Jeannette Safe, Pros and cons of living in Jeannette
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, nestled in Westmoreland County, presents a blend of historical industrial roots and modern community living. Originally known as “The Glass City,” its foundation in 1888 was driven by the glass manufacturing industry, which once accounted for a significant portion of global production. Today, the city continues to evolve, retaining elements of its manufacturing heritage while adapting to new economic landscapes.
The community’s identity is shaped by its past and present, offering a unique character to its residents. Understanding the various facets of life in Jeannette, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this part of Pennsylvania.
Is it Safe to Live in Jeannette?
Crime Rates
Jeannette’s crime rate is a point of consideration for potential residents. The city has a crime rate that is 25% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). However, specific statistics indicate that violent crimes in Jeannette are 53.4% higher than the national average, with 551 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, property crime rates are 65.4% lower than the U.S. average, with 609 property crimes per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes).
Your chance of becoming a victim of a crime in Jeannette is about 1 in 87 (as reported by AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout data from 2021 indicates that your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Jeannette is 1 in 182, while property crime is 1 in 153 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). It’s important to note that safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city.
Neighborhood Safety Variations
While overall crime statistics provide a general overview, safety levels can differ across Jeannette’s neighborhoods. Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 33 in the central neighborhoods to 1 in 82 in the northeast (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Researching specific neighborhoods before deciding to move or visit is strongly recommended. This detailed approach can offer a more nuanced understanding of safety beyond the city-wide averages. Understanding these variations is key to making an informed decision about where to settle within Jeannette.
Cost of Living in Jeannette
Housing Expenses
The cost of housing in Jeannette is notably lower than the national average. Housing expenses are 31% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home value in Jeannette is approximately $114,400 (as reported by Data USA), and the median property value was $174,394 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for homes is $165,000 (as reported by Housing Market Trends).
For renters, the median housing cost is around $876 per month, with a median gross rent of $863 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The average rent in Jeannette is $1,300, which is 35% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow and Zumper). This affordability extends to rental properties, making Jeannette an accessible option for those seeking to rent.
Overall Affordability
Jeannette’s overall cost of living is 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This general affordability is influenced by various expense categories. Utility prices are 22% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), while transportation expenses, like bus fares and gas prices, are 11% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Grocery prices are 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and healthcare costs are 5% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These combined factors contribute to Jeannette being a more budget-friendly place to live when compared to many other areas in the United States.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Historically, Jeannette has been an industrial hub, with companies like the Elliott Company playing a significant role. The Elliott Company is currently the city’s largest employer (as reported by Wikipedia). Other companies contributing to the industrial landscape include Jensen Steam Engine Mfg. Co., Inc. (as reported by Wikipedia).
The Jeannette Industrial Park houses various businesses, including Tech 2000 Woodworks, Inc., Caseworks Inc., and Stellar Precision Components (as reported by Westmoreland County Official Website). Ebara Elliott Energy is also a notable employer in the area (as reported by Westmoreland County Chamber).
Employment and Income
The unemployment rate in Jeannette stands at 4.6% (as reported by Point2Homes). The average annual household income in Jeannette was $70,057 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income was reported as $49,188 (as reported by Data USA and ERI SalaryExpert).
For renters, the median household income was $24,329 in 2022 (as reported by Point2Homes). The average salary in Jeannette is approximately $19.65 per hour or $40,877 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Jeannette range between $29,493 and $50,263 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Seasons
Jeannette experiences a climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range in the 70s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop into the 20s Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide). The warmest month is July, with an average maximum temperature of around 84.5°F, and the coldest month is January, with an average minimum temperature of about 19.8°F (as reported by Plantmaps).
The annual average temperature is approximately 51.2°F (as reported by IDcide). Temperature variations between day and night are moderate in summer, with differences reaching up to 23°F, and fairly limited in winter, averaging around 18°F (as reported by IDcide).
Precipitation and Snowfall
The annual average precipitation in Jeannette is around 43.76 inches (as reported by Plantmaps). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with May being the wettest month, averaging about 4.17 inches of rain (as reported by Plantmaps). Another source indicates an average annual rainfall of 44 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Snowfall is a notable part of Jeannette’s winter climate. The average annual snowfall is around 30 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with January typically being the snowiest month. Snowfall usually begins in November and can extend through March (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
School District Performance
Jeannette, PA, is served by public schools that show varied performance levels. The Jeannette City School District received an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). Public schools in Jeannette have an average ranking of 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of Pennsylvania public schools (as reported by Niche).
Students in Jeannette exhibit strong proficiency scores in math and reading compared to the state average. Math proficiency is at 57% and reading proficiency is at 74% (as reported by Niche). This indicates a solid educational foundation provided by the local school system.
Top-Ranked Schools
Within the Jeannette City School District, some schools stand out for their performance. McCullough Elementary School, Harrison Park Elementary School, and Penn Middle School are among the top-ranked institutions (as reported by Niche). Penn Middle School is noted for ranking among the top middle schools in Pennsylvania, often achieving a 5-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
McCullough Elementary and Harrison Park Elementary also receive high rankings, recognized among the top elementary schools in the state with 5-star ratings (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). These schools demonstrate exceptional test scores that exceed state and district averages.
Demographics and Community
Population and Age Distribution
Jeannette has a population of approximately 8,657 residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The median age in Jeannette is 47 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Current Population Data). The population is distributed with about 13% under 15, 9.1% between 15-24, 25.6% between 25-44, 29.4% between 45-64, and 22.9% aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Gender-wise, 49.3% of Jeannette’s population is male, and 50.7% is female (as reported by Point2Homes). The city has a total of 4,316 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Jeannette is predominantly White, making up approximately 79% of the population (as reported by Demographics and Current Population Data). Black or African American residents constitute about 10.4% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes and Current Population Data). Smaller percentages are represented by other races, including Asian and those of two or more races.
Citizenship is high in Jeannette, with 98.3% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a community with a strong connection to the United States, with a small percentage of foreign-born residents and non-citizens.