Is Crafton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crafton
Crafton, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing option for those considering a move. This borough, situated west of downtown Pittsburgh, provides a residential feel with a strong sense of community. Its housing stock features historic character, including Victorian-style homes and craftsman designs, appealing to those who appreciate classic architecture. The area also boasts green spaces like Crafton Park, offering residents opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The cost of living in Crafton is generally considered to be lower than the national average, particularly in housing expenses. This affordability, combined with its proximity to Pittsburgh, presents a compelling case for individuals and families seeking a balance between cost and accessibility. The borough’s development has been shaped by its history, with evidence of earlier cultures predating European settlement, adding a layer of depth to its character.
Is it Safe to Live in Crafton?
Crafton’s crime rate is considered to be moderate, with a crime score that is described as low to moderate by some analyses (StatisNostics). While the overall crime rate is slightly higher than the national average (AreaVibes), specific neighborhood safety can vary significantly. Some analyses indicate that violent crimes are lower than the national average, while property crimes are higher (AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout).
Your chance of being a victim of crime in Crafton depends on the neighborhood, with some areas being considerably safer than others (AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). For instance, southwest neighborhoods are generally considered safer than northwest ones (AreaVibes). The chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 366, and for property crime, it is about 1 in 45 (NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Real Estate
The housing market in Crafton presents a range of options, with properties starting around $100,000 and reaching up to $400,000, depending on size and updates (Homes.com). The median home value in Crafton was approximately $205,800 as of March 2026 (Zillow), while another source indicates a median home value of $185,014 (Livability.com). Redfin reported a median home price of $195,000 in March 2026, noting a significant year-over-year increase in home prices (Redfin).
Rental prices in Crafton are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment being around $1,200 per month (Zillow, HotPads). This is notably lower than the national average rent, which is approximately $1,910 per month (HotPads). The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $950, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,249 per month (Zillow).
Job Market and Economic Outlook
The average salary in Crafton, as of May 2026, is estimated to be around $48,039 per year, or $23.10 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Another source indicates an average annual salary of $69,523 for employees at “Crafton Company” (Indeed), with a typical salary range of $61,082 to $79,098. For Crafton Borough employees, the average annual salary is estimated at $86,557 (Indeed).
The employment sector in Crafton is diverse, with the most common industries for residents including Health Care & Social Assistance, Finance & Insurance, and Retail Trade (Data USA). Major job groups include Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (Data USA). The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.2% in March 2026, which was lower than the U.S. overall rate at that time (USAFacts).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Crafton experiences distinct seasons, with warm, partly cloudy summers and very cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy winters. Temperatures typically range from 23°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 91°F (WeatherSpark). The hottest month is July, with average highs of 83°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows around 24°F (WeatherSpark).
Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with the wettest month being June, averaging 3.4 inches of rain. January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 1.6 inches (WeatherSpark). The area also experiences an average annual snowfall of 36 inches (Livability.com).
Education and Schooling
Crafton Elementary School, serving grades K-6, is part of the Carlynton School District. This elementary school consistently outperforms both the district and the state in math and English Language Arts proficiency (SchoolDigger). In the 2024-2025 school year, 58.4% of Crafton Elementary students were proficient in math, compared to 38.4% for the district and 41.7% for the state (SchoolDigger).
Crafton Elementary School has earned an overall Niche grade of B-minus, with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1 (Niche). The school is noted for its performance in science as well, with 90.7% of students proficient in 2023-2024, significantly higher than district and state averages (SchoolDigger).
Demographics and Community Profile
Crafton is home to a population of approximately 5,961 residents (Data USA). The borough is predominantly White, with 7.78 times more White non-Hispanic residents than any other race or ethnicity (Data USA). As of 2024, 3.32% of residents were born outside the country (Data USA).
The median age in Crafton is 43.3 years (Data USA, Livability.com). The population is distributed across age groups, with the largest segments being those aged 25-44 and 45-64 (Data USA). Approximately 9.62% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is lower than the national average (Data USA).