Is Natrona Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Natrona Heights
Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, offers a glimpse into suburban living with a blend of affordability and community spirit. Located within Allegheny County and part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, it presents a unique character shaped by its history and current residents. This community provides a look at life outside the major urban centers, with its own set of advantages and considerations for those thinking of moving.
The town’s setting provides a sense of place, with local amenities and a connection to the surrounding region. Understanding the various facets of Natrona Heights, from its economic landscape to its social fabric, is key to appreciating what it has to offer as a place to call home. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at the community.
Is it Safe to Live in Natrona Heights?
Natrona Heights presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is reported to be around 19.74 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered slightly lower than the average for U.S. cities, earning it a “B” grade for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
When examining violent crime specifically, the rate is approximately 2.033 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime also remains at manageable levels, with a rate of 13.39 per 1,000 residents yearly (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These figures suggest that while crime exists, it is not disproportionately high compared to national averages, contributing to a sense of security for those living in the area.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Natrona Heights offers a degree of affordability. The median listing price for homes is approximately $167,400 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This median price indicates a market that is accessible for many potential buyers, especially when compared to higher-cost regions.
Rental prices also reflect this affordability, with the average rental price in the nearby Natrona neighborhood being around $1,202 per month (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This makes Natrona Heights a potentially attractive option for those seeking to rent rather than buy, offering a cost-effective living situation.
Cost of Living
Natrona Heights is noted for its cost of living, which is generally lower than the national average. Overall living expenses are about 3% lower than the U.S. national average and 33% lower than Pennsylvania’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This lower cost is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to manage their budget effectively.
Key areas contributing to this affordability include housing costs, which are about 11.3% lower than the national average for rent (as reported by Salary.com). Food expenses are also considerably lower, running about 22.4% below the average (as reported by Salary.com), making daily living more economical.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The employment landscape in Natrona Heights is supported by a mix of retail, service, and industrial sectors. Major employers in the area include large retail chains like Walmart and Dollar General, which provide numerous job opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com). Service industry giants such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell also contribute significantly to local employment (as reported by Indeed.com).
Beyond retail and food services, other notable employers include CVS Health and Allied Universal, indicating a diverse job market. The presence of these companies helps to provide a range of employment options for residents, from entry-level positions to more specialized roles.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania, as of March 2026, stood at 4.2% (as reported by USAFacts), which is lower than the national average at that time. While specific data for Natrona Heights’ unemployment rate is not consistently available across sources, the state-level figures suggest a relatively stable job market.
The average salary can vary by profession. For example, registered nurses in Natrona Heights earn an average of $62,929 per year, which is below the national median but adjusted for the local cost of living results in a purchasing power equivalent to $64,543 (as reported by NurseWala). The average individual income in Natrona Heights is reported around $42,723 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), with a median household income of $62,247 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org), placing it around the national average.
Climate and Environment
Climate Averages
Natrona Heights experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. May typically sees average temperatures around 71°F, with nighttime lows feeling like 51°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The area receives an average of 6.52 inches of rain in May, with about 11 rainy days during the month (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).
Winters are cold, with average January temperatures around 3.03 inches of precipitation (as reported by Time and Date). Summers are generally mild to warm. The area can experience frost formation in the spring and fall, with temperatures dropping as low as 35°F at times (as reported by AccuWeather).
Environmental Factors
The environmental quality in Natrona Heights is tied to its suburban and industrial surroundings. While specific environmental reports for Natrona Heights are not readily available, the broader Allegheny County has faced environmental challenges associated with its industrial past. However, the region also benefits from natural features and ongoing efforts toward environmental improvement.
The climate contributes to the natural beauty of the area, with varying weather patterns throughout the year. Residents can expect a range of conditions, from snowy winters to warm summers, influencing outdoor activities and the local ecosystem.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
The educational landscape in Natrona Heights is primarily served by the Highlands School District. The district’s overall testing ranking is rated 4 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in this district show average math proficiency scores of 30%, below the state average of 38% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Highlands Senior High School, part of this district, has a graduation rate of 87.9%, slightly below the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Both the middle and high schools face socioeconomic challenges, with high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, indicating a significant level of economic disadvantage among the student population (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics
Natrona Heights has a population with a predominantly White demographic, making up about 91.02% of the population (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). Other racial groups are present in smaller percentages, including Black or African American at 4.29% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
The median age in Natrona Heights is notably older than the national average. One source indicates a median age of 44.8 years (as reported by Places.US.Com), while another places it at 49.2 years (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This suggests a community with a significant portion of older residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Natrona Heights
Pros
Natrona Heights offers a cost of living that is notably lower than both the national and state averages (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to housing, with median home prices and rental rates being quite accessible (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, Realtor.com®). The crime rate, particularly violent crime, is reported to be around the national average or lower, contributing to a sense of safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout).
The community provides a suburban feel with access to amenities, while still being part of the larger Pittsburgh metropolitan area. This offers a balance between a quieter lifestyle and proximity to urban opportunities. The job market, supported by major retail and service employers, provides employment options for residents (as reported by Indeed.com).
Cons
One of the primary drawbacks is the quality of local schools. The Highlands School District, serving Natrona Heights, is ranked in the bottom half of Pennsylvania school districts, with below-average test scores and proficiency rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com, BestNeighborhood.org).
Additionally, while overall crime is manageable, specific neighborhoods may experience varying levels of property crime. The median age of the population is also higher than the national average, which may indicate fewer amenities or opportunities geared towards younger demographics (as reported by Places.US.Com, BestNeighborhood.org).