Is Bellefonte Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bellefonte
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, offers a unique living experience nestled in the Nittany Valley. This charming borough, the county seat of Centre County, provides a blend of small-town appeal with access to the amenities of the nearby State College metropolitan area. Its historic architecture and scenic surroundings contribute to its distinctive character.
The community is known for its close-knit atmosphere, where local businesses and a slower pace of life are valued. Bellefonte’s location offers residents the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of central Pennsylvania while remaining conveniently located for employment and recreation. This combination makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Is it Safe to Live in Bellefonte?
Bellefonte generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 16.97 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade). The northeast part of the city is considered the safest, while your chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 39 in the southeast to 1 in 107 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade).
When compared to other cities, Bellefonte’s crime grade is a B+, indicating it is safer than 74% of cities in the United States (according to CrimeGrade). The cost of crime per resident is $233 annually, which is less than both the national and Pennsylvania state averages (according to CrimeGrade). While specific crime statistics can fluctuate, the general trend suggests a secure living environment.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Bellefonte presents a range of options for potential buyers and renters. The median listing price for homes in Bellefonte is approximately $394.9K (according to Realtor.com). Homes are spending a median of 25 days on the market, indicating a relatively active sales pace (according to Realtor.com).
For those interested in renting, the average rent in Bellefonte is around $1,327 per month (according to Zillow). This is notably lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (according to Zillow). The median home value in Bellefonte is approximately $309,022, showing a slight increase over the past year (according to Zillow).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Bellefonte is comparable to the national average, with some expenses being higher and others lower. Housing costs in Bellefonte are approximately 1% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, when looking at broader expenses, living in Bellefonte can be less expensive than the national average, with housing costs being 43.6% lower at $677 per month for a single person and $1242 per month for a family of four (according to Salary.com).
Groceries, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also generally lower than the national average. Food expenses are about 22.4% below average, and energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are about 4.8% lower (according to Salary.com). These factors contribute to a monthly expense of approximately $1820 for a single person and $4116 for a family of four, making Bellefonte more affordable than many other U.S. cities (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Bellefonte’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers. Key institutions include the Bellefonte Area School District, Centre County Government, and Geisinger Health System (according to Wikipedia). Other significant employers in the region encompass Graymont, Hilex Poly, Restek, and Weis Markets (according to Wikipedia).
The government sector is also a notable employer, with both state and federal agencies having a presence. This variety of employers in education, healthcare, retail, and government provides a stable employment base for the community.
Employment and Unemployment
Bellefonte’s economy, as part of Centre County, generally experiences one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. The unemployment rate in Bellefonte stands at 0.7% (according to Point2Homes). This is significantly lower than the typical rate of 4% to 5% for many areas, suggesting strong job prospects and a thriving local economy (according to Point2Homes).
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Bellefonte saw a slight decline of -1.31%, with the number of employees decreasing from approximately 3.43k to 3.38k (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are educational services, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade (according to Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Temperatures
Bellefonte experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies between 21°F and 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 90°F (according to Time and Date). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 72°F.
July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 63°F (according to Time and Date). The cold season spans from December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 22°F and highs of 35°F (according to Time and Date).
Precipitation
Bellefonte receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. The wet season extends from March to September, with a greater than 30% chance of a wet day (according to Time and Date). June typically has the most wet days, averaging 11.6 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
The driest season occurs from September to March. January experiences the fewest wet days, averaging 6.3 days (according to Time and Date). The month with the most rainfall is June, with an average of 3.5 inches, while January receives the least, with an average of 1.3 inches (according to Time and Date).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Bellefonte, PA public schools have an average ranking of 5 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (according to Niche). However, specific schools within the Bellefonte Area School District show stronger performance. Benner Elementary School, Marion-Walker Elementary School, and Pleasant Gap Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (according to Niche).
The Bellefonte Area School District itself is ranked within the top 30% of all school districts in Pennsylvania, with a graduation rate of 95% (according to SchoolDigger). Math proficiency in Bellefonte schools is 46%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania average of 38%, and reading proficiency is 56%, slightly above the state average of 55% (according to Niche).
Demographics
Bellefonte has a population of approximately 6,009 people as of the most recent data (according to Data USA). The majority of residents are White, accounting for about 91.2% of the population, followed by those identifying as Two or More races (4.8%) and Asian (2%) (according to Data USA). The median age in Bellefonte is 42.5 years (according to Point2Homes).
The borough has a citizenship rate of 98%, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). Approximately 3.06% of residents were born outside the country. The poverty rate in Bellefonte is 13.06%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (according to Point2Homes).