Is Carnegie Safe, Pros and cons of living in Carnegie
Carnegie, Pennsylvania, offers a suburban feel within the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area, blending a sense of community with access to urban amenities. This borough provides a unique living experience shaped by its history, diverse population, and evolving economic landscape. Residents often appreciate the local charm and the convenience of being a short commute away from the cultural and professional opportunities of Pittsburgh.
The area is characterized by a mix of housing options, from historic homes to more modern developments, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. Carnegie’s community spirit is evident in its local events and its resident-focused initiatives. As you consider a move to Carnegie, understanding the various facets of life here, from safety and cost of living to employment and climate, will be crucial in making an informed decision.
Is it Safe to Live in Carnegie?
Carnegie presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with a crime rate that is notably lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Carnegie is 43% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are particularly low, standing at 89.2% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing safety (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes, while more common than violent crimes, are also below the national average, at 34.1% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Within Carnegie, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, with some areas considered safer than others. Residents generally find the northwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of crime in Carnegie varies, ranging from 1 in 33 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 65 in the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). For context, Allegheny County as a whole has a total crime rate of 443 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average of 1,857 per 100,000 (as reported by Map AI).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Carnegie offers a range of options, with varying price points for both renters and buyers. The median listing price for homes in Carnegie is approximately $218.6K (as reported by realtor.com®). For those looking to rent, the median rent stands at around $1,475 per month (as reported by realtor.com®). However, other sources indicate a different average rent, with Apartments.com reporting an average rent of $888 per month as of May 2026, which is 46% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
The cost of living in Carnegie is also influenced by housing expenses, which are generally lower than the national average. Housing costs are approximately 11.3% lower than the national average, with a median monthly cost of $1,065 for a single person and $1,952 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). For renters, the median gross rent in Carnegie is $999 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The median home value in Carnegie is approximately $226,916, showing a 2.0% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Carnegie shows some variability in pricing. While Apartments.com suggests an average rent of $888 per month, Zumper indicates a median rent of $1,195 for all bedroom counts and property types as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper). Zillow reports an average rent of $1,200 in Carnegie, with houses renting between $695 and $2,495 (as reported by Zillow). The average apartment size in Carnegie is around 554 square feet (as reported by Apartments.com).
Rent prices have seen a slight increase over the past year, with a 0.7% rise, averaging about $6 more per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For those considering renting, a monthly income of approximately $2,960, or $35,520 annually, is recommended to live comfortably, based on the general guideline of not paying more than 30% of income on rent (as reported by Apartments.com).
Economic Landscape and Employment
Carnegie’s economy is part of the broader Allegheny County, which has a robust job market with diverse employment opportunities. The average annual salary in Carnegie is approximately $46,983, which breaks down to about $22.59 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources suggest a higher median income for Carnegie, with Point2Homes reporting a median household income of $34,375 for renters in 2022, and Data Commons indicating a median income of $46,822 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).
Major employers in the broader Allegheny County area include large healthcare systems, educational institutions, and technology companies. While specific major employers for Carnegie itself are not detailed, the proximity to Pittsburgh offers access to a wide range of industries. The unemployment rate in Allegheny County was 4.3% as of February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), which is lower than the long-term average of 5.16% for the county (as reported by YCharts).
Income and Salary Averages
The median household income in Carnegie varies across different reports. Point2Homes notes that households led by residents aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $92,823, while those led by individuals aged 45 to 64 earn approximately $88,475 (as reported by Point2Homes). For the entire Allegheny County, the average annual household income was $110,063 in 2024, with a median income of $78,548 (as reported by Point2Homes). Carnegie’s own median income was reported as $46,822 in 2024 by Data Commons.
The salary range in Carnegie typically falls between $34,882 and $56,623 annually for the majority of positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying jobs in the area include Nurse Practitioner, Surgical Tech, and Registered Nurse RN (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For general workers, the estimated hourly pay in Carnegie is around $16.63 per hour (as reported by Indeed).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Carnegie experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 23°F to 83°F throughout the year, with rare occurrences below 6°F or above 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 74°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 83°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Winters are cold, with average daily high temperatures below 46°F from early December to early March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 24°F and highs near 37°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Carnegie receives an average of 41 inches of precipitation annually, with the wettest month being June, averaging 3.4 inches of rain (as reported by Plantmaps). The area also experiences an average of 31 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by Plantmaps).
Seasonal Weather Details
Throughout the year, Carnegie’s weather can vary significantly. The period from late March to late August sees a higher chance of wet days, with June having the most, averaging 11.9 days with precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the drier season extends from late August to late March, with January having the fewest wet days, averaging 6.7 days (as reported by Weather Spark).
The annual average precipitation is around 41 inches, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). However, June tends to be the wettest month with approximately 4.2 inches of precipitation, while January sees the least, with about 3.24 inches (as reported by Plantmaps).
Demographics and Community Profile
Carnegie is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, with a population of approximately 7,723 as of 2026. The population has seen a slight decline, decreasing by about 4.87% since the 2020 census (as reported by Carnegie, PA Population 2026). The borough is home to a diverse population, with White residents making up about 79.89%, followed by Black or African American residents at 10.38% (as reported by Carnegie, PA Population 2026). Other racial and ethnic groups are represented in smaller percentages.
The median age in Carnegie is 40.4 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (48.5 years) compared to males (38.2 years) (as reported by Carnegie, PA Population 2026). The poverty rate in Carnegie is approximately 11.66% (as reported by Carnegie, PA Population 2026), which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA). As of 2024, 7.53% of Carnegie residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
Population Trends and Diversity
Carnegie’s population has experienced a slight decrease, with a projected annual decline rate of -0.85% (as reported by Carnegie, PA Population 2026). The borough has a population density that contributes to its community feel. In terms of race and ethnicity, Carnegie’s demographic makeup is primarily White, with a significant Black or African American population, and smaller representation from Asian, Native American, and other racial groups (as reported by Carnegie, PA Population 2026).
The population of Carnegie is composed of approximately 7.98k people, with 97.6% being citizens (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition includes a majority of White (Non-Hispanic) residents, followed by Black or African American residents, and then those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data USA). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 2.18% of the population (as reported by Data USA).
Education and School Ratings
Information regarding specific school ratings for Carnegie, PA, is not directly available in the provided search results. However, Carnegie is part of the Montour School District, which serves the surrounding areas. For detailed information on school performance, district-wide statistics, and individual school ratings, it would be necessary to consult resources that specifically cover school performance data, such as Niche.com or GreatSchools.org, which were not included in the initial search scope.
The broader Allegheny County has a significant student population, with a notable number of graduates from universities like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong educational presence within the region, suggesting a commitment to academic development across various levels.
Major Employers and Job Market
While specific major employers within Carnegie are not detailed in the provided data, the borough benefits from its proximity to Pittsburgh and the wider Allegheny County, which hosts a diverse range of industries and large companies. Key sectors in Allegheny County include healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing. For instance, major healthcare providers and prominent universities are significant employers in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, offering numerous job opportunities.
The unemployment rate in Allegheny County was 4.3% as of February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is lower than the county’s long-term average of 5.16% (as reported by YCharts). The job market in Carnegie, being part of a larger metropolitan area, provides access to a variety of employment fields, from professional services to retail and healthcare.
Job Market Trends
The job market in Carnegie and the surrounding Allegheny County area is influenced by the economic vitality of Pittsburgh. The presence of major corporations and institutions creates a dynamic employment landscape. Reports indicate that jobs in fields such as healthcare, technology, and education are prevalent throughout the region. Carnegie itself has a mix of local businesses and opportunities that contribute to its employment base.
The average salary in Carnegie is around $46,983 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary significantly based on the specific role, industry, and experience level. The employment opportunities within Allegheny County are extensive, ranging from entry-level positions to highly specialized careers, reflecting the diverse economic structure of the region.