Is Lehighton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lehighton

Is it Safe to Live in Lehighton?

Lehighton, Pennsylvania, presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 50% lower than the national average, and the town boasts a crime safety grade of A (as reported by DoorProfit). Violent crime rates are also notably lower, with residents having about a 1 in 476 chance of being a victim annually, which is 45% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property crime rates in Lehighton are also below the national average. The estimated property crime rate is 30% lower than the national average, meaning residents have about a 1 in 78 chance of being a victim of property crime each year (as reported by DoorProfit). While Lehighton is considered safe, it’s important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood, and localized research is always recommended (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Lehighton is quite affordable, standing at 92 on an index where 100 is the national average, indicating it is 8% lower than the national average (as reported by Area Vibes). Housing costs are a significant contributor to this affordability, being 29% lower than the national average (as reported by Area Vibes). The median home value in Lehighton is approximately $277,947 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental prices in Lehighton are also competitive. The average rent is around $1,479 per month (as reported by Zillow), with a range from $900 to $10,000 (as reported by Zillow). This makes Lehighton an attractive option for those seeking more budget-friendly housing compared to many other areas (as reported by Area Vibes, Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Lehighton is approximately $49,000 annually, or $23.56 per hour (as reported by Zippia). This figure can vary, with some sources indicating an average annual salary for employees at Lehighton Borough around $85,196 (as reported by Salary.com). The unemployment rate in Lehighton borough was 6.1% in 2023, showing a decrease from previous years (as reported by CensusDepth).

Lehighton has historically been an industrial hub, with the Lehigh Valley Railroad being a major employer in the past (as reported by Wikipedia). Today, the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation in Lehighton works to support local businesses and community success, indicating ongoing efforts to foster economic growth (as reported by Carbon Chamber & Economic Development).

Climate and Weather

Lehighton experiences a climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 64°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 22°F and highs of 35°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The area receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with September being the wettest month, averaging 3.8 inches of rain. February is the driest, with about 1.6 inches of rainfall (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall is also a characteristic of the winter season.

Education and Schools

Lehighton Area School District serves the community, with schools like Lehighton Area Elementary School and Lehighton Area High School. Lehighton Area Elementary School has a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 6/10 (as reported by Homes.com). Lehighton Area High School holds a Niche grade of B- and a GreatSchools Rating of 6/10 (as reported by Homes.com, Niche).

The district offers a variety of courses and extracurricular activities for students. While academic performance metrics like math and reading proficiency vary, the schools aim to provide a supportive learning environment (as reported by Homes.com, Niche).

Demographics and Community

Lehighton has a population of approximately 5,268 residents (as reported by World Population Review). The median age is around 36.8 years (as reported by World Population Review). The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for about 92.41% of the population, with smaller percentages of Asian and multiracial individuals (as reported by World Population Review).

The community is described as having a sparse suburban feel, with a mix of renters and homeowners (as reported by Niche). Many retirees reside in Lehighton, and the residents tend to be conservative (as reported by Niche). The median household income is approximately $64,651 (as reported by World Population Review).

Pros and Cons of Living in Lehighton

Lehighton offers several advantages, including a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing (as reported by Area Vibes, Zillow). The crime rates are also considerably lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of safety (as reported by DoorProfit, AreaVibes). The town provides a more laid-back, sparse suburban atmosphere, which can be appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle (as reported by Niche).

However, potential drawbacks include a job market that may offer fewer high-paying opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, with an average salary around $49,000 (as reported by Zippia). While schools are rated moderately, they may not offer the same breadth of resources as larger districts (as reported by Niche). The community is also described as less diverse, with a predominantly White population (as reported by World Population Review, Niche).