Is Shamokin Safe, Pros and cons of living in Shamokin

Is it Safe to Live in Shamokin?

Shamokin presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant careful consideration. The city experiences a crime rate of 28.53 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered slightly higher than the average for U.S. cities, and Shamokin ranks in the 37th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 37% of other cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).

When examining specific crime categories, Shamokin’s violent crime rate is 459 per 100,000 individuals, which is 27.7% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates, however, are 60.5% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest area, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying significantly by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent Crime Overview

Violent crime in Shamokin is a concern, with a rate of 4.699 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This places the city in the 22nd percentile for safety regarding violent crime, indicating it is less safe than 78% of cities nationwide (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Shamokin is approximately 1 in 219 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in Shamokin is reported at a rate of 6.93 per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is considered about average for cities across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of being a victim of property crime in Shamokin is 1 in 144 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Shamokin

Shamokin is known for its affordability, offering a significantly lower cost of living compared to both state and national averages. The median home value in Shamokin is approximately $52,300 (according to Kurby AI), which is substantially lower than the national average. This affordability extends to rent as well, with a median rental price of $950 per month (as reported by Shamokin Housing Market).

The overall cost of living in Shamokin is 3% higher than the U.S. national average, but remarkably 161% lower than Pennsylvania’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This cost of living is driven by housing, transportation, and food expenses, though these remain competitive (as reported by Salary.com). The median household income in Shamokin is $32,753 (according to Kurby AI), which is below the national average, but the low housing costs make homeownership accessible.

Housing Costs

Housing in Shamokin is a major draw for those seeking affordability. The median home value is around $52,300 (as reported by Kurby AI), with some sources listing it as high as $60,400 (as reported by Data USA). The median listing price for homes is approximately $70,000 (as reported by Shamokin Housing Market).

For renters, the median rent is $950 per month (as reported by Shamokin Housing Market), though other sources indicate an average rent of $800 (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate in Shamokin is approximately 59.6% (as reported by Data USA).

Utilities and Transportation

Utility costs in Shamokin are also relatively affordable. For example, the electricity rate is 16.5¢/kWh, with an estimated monthly bill of $149, which is 81% below the national average (as reported by Kurby AI). Transportation expenses are also a factor in the cost of living, with an average commute time of 32.1 minutes (as reported by Data USA).

Job Market and Economy

Shamokin’s job market is characterized by a significant portion of its residents commuting outside the city for employment. Approximately 91.6% of employed Shamokin residents commute elsewhere for work (as reported by City of Shamokin). The primary industries employing residents include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Shamokin has seen fluctuations, with some reports indicating it as high as 8.7% (as reported by Kurby AI) and others as low as 1% (as reported by Niche). The average salary in Shamokin is around $44,000 annually, with an average hourly pay of $21.0 (as reported by Zippia). For those employed by the City of Shamokin, the average annual salary is approximately $82,042 (as reported by Zippia).

Major Employers

While many residents commute, key employers within Northumberland County, which includes Shamokin, are Weis Markets Inc., State Government, and Conagra Foods (as reported by Northumberland County). Geisinger Health System is also a significant employer in the region (as reported by Lensa). The Shamokin Area School District is also a notable employer within the community (as reported by Northumberland County).

Employment Trends

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Shamokin saw a decline of -11.1% (as reported by Data USA). Key sectors that have added jobs in Shamokin include Health Care and Social Assistance and Accommodation and Food Services (as reported by City of Shamokin). However, the Retail and Manufacturing sectors have experienced significant job losses over the years (as reported by City of Shamokin).

Climate in Shamokin

Shamokin experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature typically ranges from 20°F to 83°F annually and rarely drops below 5°F or exceeds 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 82°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 21°F and highs of 34°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The annual precipitation averages 45 inches, with September typically being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 31 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures

Throughout the year, Shamokin’s temperatures vary considerably. The warm season, from late May to mid-September, sees daily high temperatures averaging above 73°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cold season, from early December to early March, has average daily high temperatures below 44°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall and Snowfall

Shamokin receives an average of 45 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically September, with an average of 3.6 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season generally runs from late August to early April (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall averages around 31 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Demographics of Shamokin

Shamokin is a city with a population of approximately 6,853 residents as of recent data (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is predominantly White, with 82.15% identifying as White (Non-Hispanic) (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups include Hispanic or Latino at 8.9%, and smaller percentages for those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data USA).

The median age in Shamokin is around 39 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population distribution shows about 17.9% are children under 15, with 16.5% being 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 47.6% males and 52.4% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

Population and Diversity

Shamokin has a population of 6,853 residents, with a slight annual decline (as reported by Point2Homes). The city is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with 99.4% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The percentage of residents born outside the country is very small, at 0.948% (as reported by Data USA).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Shamokin is approximately 39.1 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The age demographic includes about 22.2% under 18, and 21.9% aged 65 and older (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender breakdown shows 48% male and 52% female residents (as reported by Niche).

Education in Shamokin

The Shamokin Area School District serves the community, operating four schools: one elementary, two middle schools, and one high school (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district as a whole receives a C+ overall grade (as reported by Niche). However, it ranks among the bottom 50% of all public schools in Pennsylvania for overall academic performance (as reported by Niche).

Shamokin Area Elementary School, serving Prekindergarten-4th grade, is ranked in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania schools for math and reading proficiency (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics). The district has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a predominantly low-income student population (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). While the high school has a relatively good graduation rate, standardized test scores across the district are generally below state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School District Performance

The Shamokin Area School District is ranked 496 out of 606 districts in Pennsylvania and holds a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.com, reflecting consistently low academic performance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district’s student-teacher ratio is 13:1, which is equal to the state average (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics).

Academic Achievement

Academic achievement within the Shamokin Area School District is a concern, with proficiency rates in math and reading falling below state averages (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics). For instance, math proficiency is at 29%, and reading proficiency is at 37%, both significantly lower than Pennsylvania’s state averages (as reported by National Center for Education Statistics). The high school’s Keystone Exam proficiency rates are also noted as low, particularly in Algebra I and Biology (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Pros and Cons of Living in Shamokin

Shamokin offers a unique blend of affordability and small-town charm, but potential residents should also be aware of its drawbacks. The most significant advantage is the remarkably low cost of living, particularly in housing, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers, retirees, and those seeking to escape high urban costs (as reported by Kurby AI). The community is described as having a close-knit feel, where neighbors know each other and local businesses thrive (as reported by Kurby AI).

However, Shamokin faces challenges related to safety and economic opportunity. Crime rates are higher than the national average, particularly for violent crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). The job market also presents difficulties, with a large percentage of residents commuting outside the city for work and a decline in employment sectors like retail and manufacturing (as reported by City of Shamokin).

Advantages of Shamokin

The primary advantage of Shamokin is its affordability. The median home value is exceptionally low, making homeownership attainable for many (as reported by Kurby AI). This financial accessibility allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the strain of high living expenses. The town’s close-knit community atmosphere also contributes to its appeal, offering a sense of belonging and neighborly connection.

Disadvantages of Shamokin

On the downside, Shamokin struggles with higher-than-average crime rates, especially concerning violent offenses (as reported by AreaVibes). The local economy also presents challenges, with a significant portion of the workforce commuting elsewhere and a history of job losses in key industries (as reported by City of Shamokin). Additionally, the educational system in Shamokin faces academic performance issues, with schools ranking below state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).