Is Braddock Safe, Pros and cons of living in Braddock
Braddock, Pennsylvania, located in Allegheny County, offers a unique blend of historical significance and a more affordable cost of living compared to many other areas. Situated just east of Pittsburgh, it provides a small-town atmosphere with convenient access to urban amenities. This borough, with a past deeply intertwined with industrial growth, is now navigating its path toward revitalization, presenting a distinct character for potential residents.
The decision to relocate to any new town involves careful consideration of various factors, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and community life. Braddock presents a compelling case for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle, particularly in its housing market. However, like any community, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that are important to understand before making a move.
Is it Safe to Live in Braddock?
The overall crime rate in Braddock is a significant concern, with reports indicating it is substantially higher than both the national and state averages. One source suggests the crime rate is 688% above the national average, with a concerningly high chance of being a victim of violent crime (1 in 36) and property crime (1 in 8) (as reported by DoorProfit). This elevated crime level has led to Braddock receiving an “F” safety grade from some analyses, indicating it is safer than only a small percentage of U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit).
However, it is important to note that safety can vary considerably by neighborhood within Braddock. Some analyses suggest that the northeast part of the city is considered the safest, while other sources indicate a higher crime rate in the northwest parts of Braddock (as reported by AreaVibes, DoorProfit). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 14 in the south to 1 in 23 in the northeast (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime, including larceny/theft, burglary, and vehicle theft, is more prevalent than violent crime in Braddock, which aligns with national trends (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Braddock
Braddock presents a compelling financial advantage for potential residents due to its significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average. The overall cost of living in Braddock is approximately 13% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability is largely driven by the housing market, where expenses are considerably less than the national average.
Housing costs in Braddock are notably lower, with a median home price of $50,000 (as reported by Data USA). Median rent is also considerably lower, reported at $660 per month (as reported by Data USA) or $1,300 per month (as reported by Home.com), making it an attractive option for renters. Utilities, however, can be higher, with prices 22% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
The median property value in Braddock stands at $50,000, which is considerably lower than the national median (as reported by Data USA). This figure has seen a decrease of 12.7% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Braddock is also lower than the national average, at 34.9% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the median gross rent is reported around $684 per month (as reported by Data USA). Other sources indicate a median rent of $1,300 per month (as reported by Home.com) or $942 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is approximately 41.6% for renters, indicating a significant portion of income goes towards housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes).
Income and Employment
The median household income in Braddock was $37,813 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure represents a substantial growth of 54.4% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). However, other sources cite a median household income of $40,104 (as reported by Point2Homes) or $37,813 (as reported by World Population Review). The average annual salary in Braddock is approximately $44,077 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Braddock is notably higher than the national average. One report indicates the unemployment rate is 143% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The employment rate is currently 74.53% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Major Employers and Job Market
The economy of Braddock employs approximately 624 people, with the largest industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). Other significant employment sectors include Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Occupations and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include UPMC, UnitedHealth Group, Giant Eagle, and United States Steel Corporation (as reported by Indeed.com).
The job market shows some growth, with employment increasing by 1.79% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). However, a significant portion of the working population is employed in professional or administrative positions, while a smaller percentage are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes).
Climate in Braddock
Braddock experiences distinct seasonal variations in its climate. Summers are generally warm and partly cloudy, while winters are cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy (as reported by AccuWeather). The temperature typically ranges from a low of 23°F in the winter to a high of 83°F in the summer (as reported by AccuWeather).
The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with daily high temperatures falling below 46°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 24°F (as reported by AccuWeather).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Braddock, with seasonal variations. June typically sees the most rainfall, averaging about 3.4 inches, while January receives the least, with an average of 1.6 inches (as reported by AccuWeather). The period from late March to late August is generally wetter, with a greater than 31% chance of a wet day during this time.
June has the highest number of wet days, averaging around 12.1 days with measurable precipitation. This pattern of rainfall contributes to the varying weather conditions experienced throughout the year in Braddock.
Education in Braddock
The educational landscape in Braddock is served by the Woodland Hills School District, which has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). The district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 17% of students are proficient in math and 28% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
Within the Braddock area, several public schools are available, including Propel Charter School – Braddock Hills, which serves K-12 students and has a Niche rating of 3.64 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy, part of the Woodland Hills School District, serves PK-5 students and holds a Niche rating of 4.5 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
School Ratings and Performance
While Braddock Hills High School has a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10, it reports an average GPA of 3.19 and a graduation rate of 84.5% (as reported by Homes.com). Other schools in the vicinity, like Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, also serve the Braddock community, offering various grade levels and receiving different Niche ratings (as reported by Niche).
The quality of education can vary, and prospective residents are encouraged to research specific school performance data and reviews to find the best fit for their educational needs. The Woodland Hills School District is also recognized as one of the most diverse school districts in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Braddock
Braddock has a population of approximately 2,039 residents, with a notable increase since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The borough is predominantly Black or African American, making up about 72.2% of the population, with a significant multiracial population at 18.1% (as reported by Census Dots). White residents constitute a smaller percentage, around 7.7% (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Braddock is around 31.5 years (as reported by World Population Review), which is younger than the state and national averages. The population distribution shows approximately 17.3% are children under 15, and 13.6% are between 15 and 24 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults aged 25 to 44 comprise 26.8% of the population, with another 23.4% in the 45 to 64 age bracket (as reported by Point2Homes).
Population Trends and Diversity
Braddock has experienced a population decline over the long term, with a significant decrease since its peak in 1920 (as reported by Wikipedia). However, recent estimates show an increase in population from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The borough’s racial composition is significantly more Black than the state average, and it ranks high statewide for its Black population share (as reported by Census Dots).
The share of White residents in Braddock is considerably lower than the state average, and this population has seen a notable decline since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). Braddock is more Black and more multiracial than many of its neighboring communities (as reported by Census Dots).
Household and Family Structure
Braddock has approximately 971 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these households, 43% are families, while the remaining 57% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Braddock is 27.5%, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
The median household income is $37,813, with a poverty rate of 27.46% (as reported by World Population Review). This indicates a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, with the largest demographic groups affected being males and females aged 25-34 and females aged 55-64 (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Braddock
Braddock offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by Payscale, Data USA). Its proximity to Pittsburgh provides access to urban amenities and employment opportunities while maintaining a small-town feel (as reported by Rent. Blog).
However, Braddock faces challenges with a higher crime rate compared to national averages, which is a significant factor for potential residents to consider (as reported by DoorProfit, AreaVibes). The median household income is also lower than the national average, and the poverty rate is notably high (as reported by AreaVibes, Data USA).
Key Advantages
The most significant advantage of living in Braddock is its affordability. Housing costs, both for buying and renting, are substantially lower than the national and state averages (as reported by Payscale, Data USA). This financial benefit can allow residents to allocate more resources to other areas of their lives.
The community’s historical character, combined with its proximity to Pittsburgh, offers a unique living experience. Residents can enjoy the benefits of a smaller community while still having easy access to the cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities available in a major metropolitan area.
Key Disadvantages
The elevated crime rates are a primary concern in Braddock, requiring careful consideration and potentially influencing where one chooses to live within the borough (as reported by DoorProfit, AreaVibes). The higher unemployment rate compared to the national average also presents a challenge for the local job market (as reported by AreaVibes).
Furthermore, the higher poverty rate and lower median household income suggest economic disparities within the community. These factors, combined with the crime statistics, necessitate thorough research into specific neighborhoods and a realistic assessment of the local environment.