Is Duryea Safe, Pros and cons of living in Duryea

Duryea is a borough located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, offering a blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban centers. It is situated in the Wyoming Valley, a region with a rich industrial history that has transitioned to a more diversified economy.

The borough provides a community-focused environment with a population that values its local heritage and neighborly connections. Its location offers residents the benefit of a quieter lifestyle while remaining within reasonable commuting distance to cities like Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for employment and entertainment.

Is it Safe to Live in Duryea?

Duryea is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Duryea is approximately 68% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This includes both violent and property crimes, contributing to a sense of security for its residents.

Violent crime in Duryea is notably low, with rates far below the national average. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes reported, equating to 197 per 100,000 residents, which is 45.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime also remains low, with 25 reported incidents, or 491 per 100,000 people, which is 72.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is also lower than the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Duryea offers a notable advantage in terms of affordability. The median home value in Duryea is around $207,060, which has seen a slight decrease of 0.2% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This median home value is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania state average, making homeownership more accessible for many.

Rentals in Duryea are also relatively affordable compared to national averages. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Duryea is approximately $1,299 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Duryea have an average monthly cost of $1,500, while apartments average around $1,200 (as reported by Zumper).

Duryea’s overall cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, by about 2% (as reported by PayScale). However, housing expenses are 1% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Utilities are 15% higher, and transportation costs are 13% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Grocery prices are 3% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Duryea is supported by a diverse range of industries and proximity to larger employment centers. The most common employment sectors for Duryea residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Common job groups held by residents are in Office & Administrative Support, Material Moving, and Production Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary in Duryea, Pennsylvania, is approximately $47,159 per year, or $22.67 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.2% in March 2026, which was unchanged from the previous month and lower than the U.S. overall rate (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in the broader region include entities in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, providing a stable employment base for the surrounding communities (as reported by Lebanon Valley PA Chamber of Commerce and Develop Tioga).

Climate and Weather

Duryea experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average daily high temperature ranges from 73°F to 83°F during the warm season, which typically lasts from late May to mid-September (as reported by AccuWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 82°F and lows around 63°F (as reported by AccuWeather).

The cold season extends 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 around 34°F (as reported by AccuWeather). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with September typically being the wettest month, averaging 3.6 inches of rain (as reported by AccuWeather). February is generally the driest month, with about 1.5 inches of rain (as reported by AccuWeather).

Education and Schools

Duryea is served by several school districts, offering educational opportunities for its younger residents. The Pittston Area School District is a primary district serving the area, with its senior high school receiving a rating of 3.47 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Other nearby school districts include Riverside School District and Wyoming Area School District (as reported by Niche).

For private education options, Holy Rosary Elementary School is a Catholic school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 (as reported by Niche). When considering schools in Luzerne County, proficiency in math and reading scores are generally lower than the Pennsylvania state average (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community

Duryea has a population of approximately 5,080 residents, with a projected population of 5,195 by 2026 (as reported by Data USA and ZipInfo). The borough is predominantly White, making up about 77.52% of the population, with Hispanic or Latino individuals comprising about 18.06% (as reported by ZipInfo). The median age in Duryea is around 39.4 years (as reported by ZipInfo).

Citizenship is high, with about 95.1% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). A small percentage of residents, around 8.24%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The community is described as tight-knit, with local events that bring neighbors together and foster a sense of belonging (as reported by Trulia).