Is Sharon Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sharon Hill

Sharon Hill, a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the vibrant energy of Philadelphia. This community is characterized by its dense suburban feel, a direct result of its compact size of just 0.77 square miles, which supports a population density of approximately 8,211 people per square mile (Suburban Solutions).

The borough is home to a diverse and multigenerational population, with a significant portion under 18 and a notable group of residents aged 65 and older (Suburban Solutions). This demographic mix contributes to a dynamic community fabric, appealing to families, young professionals, and long-time residents alike. Sharon Hill’s appeal is further enhanced by its walkability, local parks, and community events, all within easy reach of major transit lines.

Is it Safe to Live in Sharon Hill?

Sharon Hill is generally considered a moderately safe place to live, with crime rates that are comparable to many urban suburbs near large cities (Suburban Solutions). While specific FBI crime data for the borough is not individually tracked due to its size, regional statistics from the greater Philadelphia metro area offer context.

Within the broader Philadelphia metro, there is a reported 1 in 23 chance of being a victim of any crime, with a total crime rate of 4,432 incidents per 100,000 people (Suburban Solutions). The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime is approximately 1 in 121, and property crime affects about 1 in 28 residents (Suburban Solutions). Many residents highlight the strong sense of community involvement and the presence of local police support as key factors contributing to the area’s perceived safety and small-town atmosphere (Suburban Solutions).

However, it’s important to note that Sharon Hill’s overall crime rate is reported to be 2% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 0.35 daily crime occurrences, with 0.04 being violent crimes and 0.31 being property crimes (AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout indicates that Sharon Hill’s crime rate is higher than 92% of Pennsylvania’s cities and towns of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Sharon Hill is 1 in 47 (NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically regarding property crime, the rate in Sharon Hill is 19 per one thousand population, meaning there’s an above-average chance of becoming a victim compared to other U.S. communities (NeighborhoodScout). Motor vehicle theft is noted as being particularly prevalent in Sharon Hill, with rates higher than many other areas nationally (NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime also occurs at a higher rate than in most communities, with a 1 in 431 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime such as robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder (NeighborhoodScout). Despite these statistics, some sources suggest that violent crimes in Sharon Hill are 34.4% lower than the national average, while property crimes are 9% higher (AreaVibes).

Demographics and Community

Sharon Hill is home to approximately 6,356 residents, with a population density of about 8,211 people per square mile, contributing to its dense suburban character (Suburban Solutions). The median age in Sharon Hill is around 33 to 34.4 years, indicating a community with a mix of age groups (Suburban Solutions, Point2Homes). A notable portion of the population, about 34.2%, is under 18, while 13.1% are 65 or older, reflecting a diverse, multigenerational community (Suburban Solutions).

The racial composition of Sharon Hill is diverse. As of recent data, about 49.5% of residents identify as Black or African American, 25.5% as White, and 15.8% identify with two or more races (Suburban Solutions). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 12.1% of the population (Suburban Solutions). Another report indicates 75.56% Black or African American and 17.49% White (Data USA, Point2Homes). The borough has a substantial percentage of foreign-born residents, approximately 8.6% (Suburban Solutions). In terms of citizenship, about 96.9% of residents are U.S. citizens (Data USA).

The educational attainment within Sharon Hill shows that 86.1% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, with 15.2% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (Suburban Solutions). The community consists of roughly 2,122 households, with an average household size of 2.99 people (Suburban Solutions). Housing tenure is split, with 56.9% of homes being owner-occupied and 43.1% being renter-occupied (Suburban Solutions).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Sharon Hill is slightly above the national average, aligning with broader trends in the Philadelphia metro area. The regional Cost of Living Index is reported at 108.9 (Suburban Solutions). A family of four in the county may need around $114,875 annually to live comfortably (Suburban Solutions). While overall living expenses are higher than the national average, housing in Sharon Hill tends to be more affordable compared to many surrounding suburbs (Suburban Solutions).

However, housing prices have been increasing, with the median home price in Sharon Hill reported at $285,000, representing a 28.4% increase from the previous year (Suburban Solutions). Other data indicates a median home value of $165,197 (Livability.com) and a median property value of $173,300 (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Sharon Hill is approximately 58% (Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (Data USA).

Rental costs in Sharon Hill are also a consideration. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,500 per month, which is about 23% lower than the national average (Zumper). Houses for rent in Sharon Hill average around $1,797 per month, while apartments have a median rent of $1,250, with one-bedroom units averaging $1,125 and two-bedroom units at $1,250 (Zumper). For renters, the median household income was $43,713 in a recent year, leading to a rent-to-income ratio of 42.6% (Point2Homes).

Job Market and Economy

Sharon Hill’s economy is supported by several key industries, with residents often finding employment in healthcare, education, retail, warehouse/logistics, and public administration (Suburban Solutions). The borough’s strategic location near major transit routes and I-95 facilitates commuting to job opportunities throughout the Philadelphia region, including business hubs like Center City and University City (Suburban Solutions).

The average salary in Sharon Hill is approximately $45,009 per year, or about $22 per hour, which is slightly below the national average (Suburban Solutions). Other reports suggest an average salary of $22.30 an hour or $46,385 per year as of May 2026 (ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Sharon Hill was reported as $63,403 (Suburban Solutions), while other sources cite $75,130 (Point2Homes) or $66,520 (Livability.com).

The economy of Sharon Hill employs a significant number of people, with the largest sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Transportation & Warehousing, and Manufacturing (Data USA). The highest-paying industries include Finance & Insurance, Public Administration, and Transportation & Warehousing & Utilities (Data USA). Major employers in the area include retail giants like Walmart, logistics companies such as FedEx and UPS, and service providers like CVS Health and the United States Postal Service (Indeed).

Climate and Weather

Sharon Hill experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Summers are typically warm, humid, and wet, while winters are characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year (Time and Date).

The temperature in Sharon Hill typically ranges from 26°F to 87°F across the year, rarely dropping below 14°F or exceeding 94°F (Time and Date). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 77°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 70°F (Time and Date).

Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 27°F and highs of 41°F (Time and Date). The borough receives approximately 51 inches of precipitation annually, spread over about 82 rainy days, with August being the wettest month (AccuWeather, WeatherBug).

Education

Public schools in Sharon Hill serve a student population where minority enrollment is high, with 92% of the student body being non-White, predominantly Black students (Niche). This contrasts with the Pennsylvania public school average of 39% minority enrollment (Niche).

The academic performance of Sharon Hill public schools shows that about 18% of students are proficient in math, compared to the Pennsylvania average of 38%. Reading proficiency is at 31%, which is lower than the statewide average of 55% (Niche). Consequently, schools in Sharon Hill have an average ranking that places them in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (Niche).

Sharon Hill School, serving grades K-8, has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (Niche). Proficiency scores for math are around 10-13%, and for reading, they are about 30-31% (Homes.com, Niche). These schools are part of the Southeast Delco School District (Niche).