Is Allentown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Allentown

Allentown, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and community charm, making it a compelling choice for those considering a relocation. This city in the Lehigh Valley provides a diverse economic landscape, a distinct four-season climate, and a rich cultural tapestry. Understanding the nuances of daily life, from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and educational institutions, is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to this vibrant Pennsylvania city.

This guide delves into the key aspects of living in Allentown, providing a comprehensive overview to assist in your decision-making process. We will explore the safety of its neighborhoods, the financial considerations of residing there, the strength of its job market, and the quality of its educational offerings. Furthermore, we will examine the city’s climate and its demographic makeup to paint a complete picture of life in Allentown.

Is it Safe to Live in Allentown?

Allentown presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are notably higher than the national average. The city experiences a crime rate of 18.69 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to NeighborhoodScout). This means that the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is approximately 1 in 55 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. While some areas, like Downtown and Overlook Park, have higher crime scores, many neighborhoods, such as Rose Garden, Hamilton Park, and Woodlawn Park, are classified as Grade A or A-, indicating low crime levels (as reported by DoorProfit). The northern part of the city is generally considered the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to the southern neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime

Violent crime statistics in Allentown show rates that are higher than the national average for certain categories. For instance, the rate of assault is 185.4 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 282.7 (as reported by Niche). Similarly, murder rates are 3.2 per 100,000 residents, below the national average of 6.1 (as reported by Niche).

The risk of violent crime in Allentown is 56% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 169 chance per year of being a victim (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 15 per 1,000 population, indicating an above-average chance of experiencing theft, burglary, or motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Property Crime

Property crime statistics in Allentown indicate a higher occurrence compared to national averages. The rate of burglary is 121.2 per 100,000 residents, while the national rate is 500.1 (as reported by Niche). Theft rates stand at 1,252 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national figure of 2,042.8 (as reported by Niche).

The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Allentown is 1 in 65 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This elevated rate suggests that residents should take precautions to protect their belongings and property. The overall crime index for Allentown is 172, with 100 being the national average, indicating a higher-than-average crime presence (as reported by DoorProfit).

Pros and Cons of Living in Allentown

Allentown offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The cost of living is a significant factor, with overall expenses being only slightly higher than the national average. Housing costs are a notable exception, being generally more expensive than the national average.

The job market presents opportunities, supported by major employers in healthcare and industry. However, the climate can be a con for those who dislike extreme temperatures, as winters are cold and summers can be hot and humid. The city’s diverse population and cultural offerings are definite pros.

Housing Costs

Housing in Allentown is generally more expensive than the national average. The median listing price for a home in Allentown was approximately $277,450 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This median price is 42% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin).

Rents in Allentown are also a consideration. The average rent for an apartment in Allentown is around $1,479 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure is 10% lower than the national average rent price of $1,641 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is about $1,810 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market

Allentown’s job market is robust, with a diverse range of industries and major employers. The healthcare sector is a significant contributor, with Lehigh Valley Health Network being the largest employer in the Lehigh Valley, employing nearly 8,000 individuals (as reported by Wikipedia). Other key industries include manufacturing and retail trade (as reported by Data USA).

Major companies headquartered in Allentown include Air Products and PPL Corporation (as reported by Wikipedia). The average annual salary in Allentown is approximately $57,731 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), though specific roles and industries can offer higher compensation. For example, healthcare positions often yield higher salaries (as reported by Data USA).

Climate

Allentown experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with average January temperatures around 30°F and average snowfall of approximately 33 inches per year (as reported by NOAA and NOAA). The coldest nights can drop to around 4°F, with historical records of -15°F (as reported by NOAA).

Summers are warm to hot and humid, with July’s average temperature around 76°F (as reported by NOAA). High temperatures can reach the mid-80s to low-90s, with historical records of 104°F (as reported by NOAA). Annual precipitation is around 47.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (as reported by NOAA).

Demographics and Diversity

Allentown is a diverse city, with a significant Hispanic population. The largest racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (56.3%), followed by White (28.9%) and Black (9.8%) (as reported by US Census Bureau). The city’s population is projected to be around 128,085 in 2026 (as reported by US Census Bureau).

The median age of Allentown residents is 33.1 years (as reported by US Census Bureau). A notable portion of the population, 24%, was born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). This diversity contributes to the city’s cultural richness and unique community character.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Allentown is slightly higher than the national average. It is approximately 1.6% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). However, this figure can vary depending on lifestyle and specific expenses.

Housing costs are a significant driver of the cost of living, with housing expenses being 7.6% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Utilities are also slightly more expensive, at 3.4% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Conversely, grocery prices are 2.4% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Average Salary and Income

The average annual salary in Allentown is approximately $57,731 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income was reported as $55,494 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau). This income level supports the city’s cost of living, though some households may face financial challenges, as 16.6% of families live in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau).

When considering the cost of living, it’s recommended to aim for a salary around $79,000 before taxes for a single adult with no dependents to live comfortably (as reported by Apartments.com). This accounts for estimated annual expenses in housing, groceries, and other goods and services.

Median Home Price and Rent

The median home price in Allentown has seen an increase, with recent data showing it at approximately $255,000 (as reported by Redfin). Other sources indicate a median listing price of $277,450 (as reported by Realtor.com®) and a median home value of $206,600 (as reported by Niche). These figures suggest a competitive housing market.

Rental costs in Allentown are generally lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is around $1,479 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), which is 10% lower than the national average. The median rental rate in Allentown is $1,550 per month (as reported by Signature Properties).

Unemployment and Major Employers

The unemployment rate in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area was at 4.50% as of the latest reports (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the region. The most common employment sectors in Allentown include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).

Key employers in Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley include Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products, and PPL Corporation (as reported by Wikipedia). These major employers provide a stable job market for residents. Other significant companies include Amazon and FedEx Freight (as reported by Lensa and Indeed.com).

Climate Details

Allentown’s climate is characterized by distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 30°F, while July, the warmest month, averages about 76°F (as reported by NOAA). The city receives an average of 47.4 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by NOAA).

Winter snowfall averages around 33 inches per year, with February often being the snowiest month (as reported by NOAA). Summers can be hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s and occasional heatwaves reaching into the 90s (as reported by NOAA). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months.

School Ratings

The quality of schools in Allentown varies, with some districts and individual schools receiving higher ratings than others. The Allentown City School District has an overall Niche grade of C- (as reported by Niche). However, surrounding districts like Parkland School District and Salisbury Township School District receive higher ratings, with Niche grades of A- and B+ respectively (as reported by Niche).

Within the Allentown City School District, individual schools also receive mixed reviews. For example, Executive Education Academy Charter School has a rating of 4.18 out of 5 (as reported by Niche), while Ritter Elementary School and Union Terrace Elementary School both have C- ratings (as reported by Niche). Parents often look to surrounding suburban districts for higher-rated educational opportunities.