Is Pittston Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pittston
Is it Safe to Live in Pittston?
Pittston demonstrates a strong safety profile, with crime rates significantly below national averages. Violent crime is particularly low, with a chance of being a victim of one in 1,549 (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, standing at approximately 496 per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). Overall, Pittston is considered safer than the majority of cities in the United States (NeighborhoodScout).
The city’s commitment to safety is reflected in its low crime statistics. Pittston boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates among U.S. cities, making it an attractive place for those prioritizing personal security (AreaVibes). The overall crime rate is considerably less than the national average, contributing to a sense of security for residents (AreaVibes).
Living in Pittston: An Overview
Pittston, Pennsylvania, is a city with a population of approximately 7,600 residents (Data USA). It is situated in Luzerne County, within the Wyoming Valley, on the east side of the Susquehanna River and the south side of the Lackawanna River. The city is roughly midway between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.
The median age in Pittston is around 40.3 years (Data USA). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with a smaller percentage of Hispanic and African American residents (Data USA, Niche). Most residents are U.S. citizens, with a small percentage born outside the country (Data USA).
Demographics and Diversity
Pittston’s population is diverse, though predominantly White (Data USA, Niche). According to recent data, about 79% of the population identifies as White, with Hispanic or Latino individuals making up around 13% (Niche). African Americans constitute about 4% of the population, and other racial groups represent smaller percentages (Niche).
The city’s population includes a mix of ages, with approximately 20.3% under 18 and 18.4% aged 65 or older (Wikipedia). The median age is 40.3 years (Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows slightly more females than males (Wikipedia).
Climate and Weather
Pittston experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons (Wikipedia). Summers are warm and can be wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F from late May to mid-September (Wikipedia, myPerfectWeather). July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 64°F (myPerfectWeather).
Winters are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 44°F from December to March (Wikipedia). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 22°F and highs of 35°F (myPerfectWeather). The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with September being the wettest month and February the driest (myPerfectWeather).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Pittston is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing expenses are particularly affordable, with a median home value significantly below the national median (Data USA, Niche). This affordability extends to rental properties as well.
Overall, Pittston’s cost of living is approximately 2% higher than the national average, but this can vary based on individual circumstances (Payscale). Housing costs are about 1% lower than the national average, while utility prices are about 15% higher (Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as gas prices, are also slightly higher than the national average (Payscale).
Housing Market Overview
The median home value in Pittston is around $126,800 (Data USA), with some sources indicating a slightly higher median listing price of $215,000 (Realtor.com®). Home prices have seen an increase over the past year, with some reports showing a 3.2% year-over-year growth in median home price (Prop:Metrics). The homeownership rate in Pittston is approximately 46.9%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA).
Rental prices in Pittston are also relatively affordable. The median rent for an apartment is around $1,112 per month, with 1-bedroom units averaging $1,000 and 2-bedroom units at $1,150 (Zumper). Houses for rent can be more expensive, averaging around $1,500 per month (Zumper).
Cost of Living Factors
While housing is affordable, other cost of living factors should be considered. Utility prices in Pittston are about 15% higher than the national average (Payscale). Transportation costs, including gas prices, are also higher than the national average by about 13% (Payscale).
Food expenses in Pittston are generally in line with or slightly higher than the national average (Payscale, myPerfectWeather). Healthcare costs are notably lower than the national average, by about 25% (Payscale). This mix of lower housing and healthcare costs alongside higher utility and transportation expenses contributes to Pittston’s overall cost of living profile.
Job Market and Economy
Pittston’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, although employment has seen a slight decline in recent years. The sectors that employ the most residents include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing (Data USA). Major employers in the area include large retail and service companies, as well as some manufacturing entities (Indeed, Lensa, Zippia).
The average salary in Pittston is around $49,483 per year, with an average hourly pay of approximately $24.0 (Zippia). However, salary data can vary, with some sources reporting a median wage of $40.8K annually (ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Pittston is currently around 3.2% (Niche), which is lower than the state average.
Major Employers and Industries
Key employers in Pittston include large national retailers and logistics companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and UPS (Indeed, Lensa). Other significant employers include Amazon, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and Dollar General (Indeed). Berry Global is also a notable company with a presence in the area (Lensa).
The primary industries supporting employment in Pittston are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). The manufacturing sector includes companies involved in various production processes (Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce).
Employment and Unemployment Trends
Employment in Pittston has experienced a slight decrease, with a decline of approximately 3.23% from the previous year (Data USA). The employment rate is currently around 94.35% (BestNeighborhood.org). The unemployment rate in Pittston is reported at 3.2% (Niche), which is below the Pennsylvania state average of 4.2% (USAFacts). This indicates a relatively stable job market.
Education and Schools
Pittston is served by the Pittston Area School District, which includes several public schools catering to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a total enrollment of approximately 3,191 students across four schools (Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio is about 17:1, which is in line with the state average (Public School Review).
While the district has a high graduation rate of 93%, its overall testing performance is ranked in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania school districts (Public School Review). Math proficiency is at 28%, and reading proficiency is at 43%, both below the state averages (Public School Review).
School District Performance
The Pittston Area School District is ranked in the bottom 50% of all school districts in Pennsylvania based on combined math and reading proficiency (Public School Review). However, the district’s graduation rate of 93% is a strong point, indicating success in retaining and graduating students (Public School Review).
Specific schools within the district show varying performance. Pittston City Intermediate Center has shown higher proficiency rates in math and English Language Arts compared to other schools in the district (SchoolDigger.com). Pittston Area Senior High School boasts the highest graduation rate within the district (SchoolDigger.com).
Student Demographics and Resources
Minority enrollment in the Pittston Area School District is around 26%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania public school average (Public School Review). The district spends approximately $17,061 per student, with variations among its schools (SchoolDigger.com). A significant percentage of students, ranging from 44.27% to 61.11%, are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating socioeconomic challenges within the student population (SchoolDigger.com).
Pros and Cons of Living in Pittston
Pittston offers a blend of affordability and community charm, making it a potentially appealing place to live. Its lower cost of living, particularly in housing, is a significant draw for many. The city also benefits from a strong sense of community and a relatively safe environment, with crime rates lower than national averages.
However, potential residents should consider the mixed performance of the local school district and the slightly higher costs for utilities and transportation. While job growth has seen a recent decline, the unemployment rate remains relatively low. The climate offers distinct seasons, which can be a pro for those who enjoy variety but a con for those preferring milder weather year-round.
Pros
The most significant advantage of living in Pittston is its affordability, especially concerning housing costs, which are well below the national median (Data USA, Niche). The city is also considered safe, with low crime rates compared to national and state averages (NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). Pittston offers a dense suburban feel with access to amenities like bars and restaurants (Niche).
The climate, while having cold winters, provides warm summers, and the area experiences all four distinct seasons (Wikipedia, myPerfectWeather). For retirees, Pittston is noted as a place where many reside, suggesting a potentially quieter lifestyle (Niche).
Cons
The school district’s academic performance ranks in the bottom 50% in Pennsylvania, which could be a concern for families with school-aged children (Public School Review). While housing is affordable, utility and transportation costs are higher than the national average (Payscale). Employment growth has seen a recent decline, although the unemployment rate remains low (Data USA, Niche).
The climate can be a con for those who dislike cold, snowy winters, with average low temperatures in January around 22°F (myPerfectWeather). The median age is relatively high, which might indicate a less dynamic social scene for younger individuals (Wikipedia).