Is Hellertown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hellertown
Hellertown, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place to live for many. This borough, nestled within the Lehigh Valley, provides a close-knit community feel with a population of just over 6,100 residents (according to the 2020 census). Its location offers a balance between a peaceful environment and proximity to larger employment and cultural centers.
The borough was founded in 1742 by Johann Christoph Heller and his son Johann Simon Heller, who were among the German Palatines who settled in the region. This rich history is preserved through local institutions like the Hellertown Historical Society, which is dedicated to maintaining the heritage of the area. Hellertown provides a sense of rootedness, appealing to those who value community and historical context in their living environment.
Is it Safe to Live in Hellertown?
Hellertown is widely regarded as a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. Overall crime rates are reported to be 67% lower than the national average. This statistic encompasses both violent and property crimes, contributing to a general sense of security for residents.
Violent crime in Hellertown is particularly low, with rates reported to be 68% lower than the national average. Property crime also remains well below national figures, with rates being 51% lower than average (as reported by DoorProfit). These low crime statistics contribute to Hellertown’s reputation as a secure residential destination.
Crime Statistics Overview
The total crime rate in Hellertown is approximately 703 per 100,000 people, a stark contrast to the national average of 2119. This positions Hellertown as one of the safer residential areas in the United States. Residents have a 1 in 143 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Hellertown.
While the overall crime rate is exceptionally low, it is important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Researching specific areas within Hellertown is recommended for those considering a move. However, the overwhelming data points to Hellertown as a community where residents can feel secure in their daily lives.
Cost of Living in Hellertown
Hellertown presents a cost of living that is generally considered more affordable than many other areas, particularly when compared to national averages. The cost of living in Hellertown is reported to be 7% higher than the U.S. national average, but also 244% lower than Pennsylvania’s state average. This suggests a unique affordability within the state context.
Housing costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living. The median home value in Hellertown is approximately $221,900, and the median listing price was around $374.9K as of March 2026. This is considerably below the national average, making homeownership more accessible for many.
Housing Costs
The median home price in Hellertown is around $376,332 as of April 2026, showing a slight increase of 2.8% over the past year. However, other sources indicate a median listing price of $345K as of March 2026. Redfin reported the average home price as $321K last month, down 0.77% year-over-year. These figures suggest a stable, yet dynamic, housing market.
For renters, the median rent in Hellertown is approximately $1,795 as of May 2026, which is 8% lower than the national average. Apartments for rent average around $1,906, with one-bedroom apartments costing about $1,844 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,975. These rental prices offer a more accessible option for those not looking to purchase a home immediately.
Other Living Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Hellertown are also competitive. Food expenses are noted to be 27.1% below the national average. Transportation, energy, and healthcare costs are also reported to be 6.7% lower than the national average. These factors contribute to a manageable overall cost of living for residents.
Job Market and Economy
The economic landscape of Hellertown is characterized by a diverse employment base and a stable job market. The borough itself employs approximately 2.84k people, with the most common employment sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services. This indicates a strong presence of service-oriented industries within the local economy.
Major employers in the wider Lehigh Valley area include notable companies such as Aetna, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Quest Diagnostics, and 7-Eleven. Additionally, the Saucon Valley School District is a significant employer, reflecting the importance of education within the community. Proximity to larger employment hubs in the Lehigh Valley also provides residents with ample job opportunities.
Employment and Salaries
The average salary in Hellertown is reported to be $67,702 annually, or an equivalent of $33 per hour. Another source indicates a median wage of $41.5K per year, with the average salary being around $45,470. The median household income in Hellertown was $76,579 as of a recent report, and $72,813 according to 2026 data.
The unemployment rate in Hellertown is approximately 4.3%. Statewide, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in August 2025, which was below the U.S. national average. This suggests a relatively stable job market within the region.
Major Employers
Key employers contributing to the economic vitality of Hellertown and its surrounding areas include established names across various sectors. These include healthcare providers like Aetna, retail giants such as Dollar General and Dollar Tree, and diagnostic services from Quest Diagnostics. The food service industry is represented by 7-Eleven and Subway, while Harsco operates in the industrial sector.
The education sector is also a significant contributor, with the Saucon Valley School District being a major employer. These diverse employers provide a range of job opportunities, supporting the local economy and offering residents various career paths.
Climate in Hellertown
Hellertown experiences a climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region, with distinct seasons throughout the year. Summers are generally warm, humid, and wet, while winters are cold with snowfall. The weather is generally partly cloudy year-round.
The temperature in Hellertown typically ranges from a low of 23°F in winter to a high of 85°F in summer. These temperatures are rarely extreme, staying between 9°F and 93°F throughout the year. This moderate climate allows for a variety of outdoor activities across different seasons.
Seasonal Temperatures
The hot season in Hellertown lasts for approximately 3.6 months, from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 76°F. July is typically the hottest month, with average highs of 85°F and lows around 66°F. The cold season spans about 3.2 months, from December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 24°F and highs near 38°F.
Precipitation and Rainfall
Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Hellertown, with September being the wettest month, averaging about 3.8 inches of rain. February typically sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 1.8 inches. The average annual rainfall for the broader region is around 50 inches, and average annual snowfall is about 30 inches.
Education in Hellertown
Hellertown is served by the Saucon Valley School District, which is recognized for its high-performing schools. The district consistently ranks among the top 20% of public school districts in Pennsylvania. This strong academic reputation is a significant draw for families with school-aged children.
The district boasts strong performance in key areas, including math proficiency, reading and language arts, and science proficiency. The average math proficiency score in Hellertown schools is 53%, compared to the state average of 38%, and reading proficiency is 70%, versus the state average of 55%.
School Performance
Within the Saucon Valley School District, Saucon Valley Senior High School, Saucon Valley Middle School, and Saucon Valley Elementary School are consistently top-ranked. Saucon Valley Senior High School, for instance, has a graduation rate of 95% and an average SAT score of 1250. These institutions demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and student success.
The student-teacher ratio across the district is 13:1, fostering a supportive learning environment. Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average. This educational strength contributes to Hellertown’s appeal as a family-friendly community.
Demographics of Hellertown
Hellertown is a borough with a population of 6,131 as of the 2020 census. The population is ethnically diverse, with White residents making up the largest portion. In 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituted a significant majority, with other common ethnic groups including Hispanic and those of two or more races.
The median age in Hellertown is 41.5 years, with a slightly higher median age for males (41.8 years) compared to females (40 years). This demographic profile suggests a community with a stable, established population.
Population and Diversity
As of 2024, 98.7% of Hellertown residents are U.S. citizens, a rate higher than the national average. The foreign-born population is approximately 5.7%, which is in line with the national average. The borough’s racial composition includes a significant percentage of White residents, followed by smaller percentages of other races and multiracial populations.
Hispanic or Latino individuals account for about 16.6% of the population. Ancestries commonly found in Hellertown include German, Irish, Italian, Polish, and English, with English being the most commonly spoken language.
Income and Poverty
The median household income in Hellertown is reported to be around $76,579, with other sources indicating figures closer to $90,234 for the 18055 zip code. The poverty rate in Hellertown is approximately 4.8%, which is below the national average. Households led by residents aged 25 to 44 report a median income of $122,946.
Pros and Cons of Living in Hellertown
Hellertown offers a compelling mix of advantages and some considerations for potential residents. The community’s safety, affordability, and strong educational system are significant draws. However, like any town, there are aspects that may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
One of the primary advantages of living in Hellertown is its exceptionally low crime rate, making it a very safe environment. The cost of living, particularly housing, is more affordable than the national average, with reasonable expenses for food and transportation. The Saucon Valley School District provides a high-quality education, consistently ranking among the top in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, Hellertown boasts a close-knit community atmosphere and a pace of life that many find appealing.
Cons
While Hellertown offers many benefits, some may find the job market to be less dynamic than in larger metropolitan areas, with a reported decline in employment. The public transportation options are limited, making car ownership almost essential for navigating the area. Additionally, while generally affordable, the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average.