Is Scranton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life, making it an attractive option for those seeking a change of scenery. Known for its historical significance and as the fictional home of Dunder Mifflin from “The Office,” the city provides a distinct character. Understanding the various facets of living in Scranton, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and climate, is essential for anyone considering a move.
This guide delves into the specifics of what it’s like to reside in Scranton. We will explore the city’s safety profile, the financial aspects of living there, employment opportunities, and the local environment. Additionally, we’ll touch upon the educational landscape and the diverse population that calls Scranton home, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for potential new residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Scranton?
Scranton’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 16 crimes per one thousand residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 356, and the property crime rate is 13 per one thousand population (according to NeighborhoodScout). These figures indicate an above-average chance of experiencing property crime compared to other communities across the U.S.
When compared to the state of Pennsylvania, Scranton’s crime rate is higher than 86% of its cities and towns. However, when looking at cities of similar population size, Scranton’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average, suggesting it is safer than most comparable-sized cities nationally (according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime accounts for 47% of all reported crimes in Scranton, with 1,551 violent offenses per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national rate of 379 per 100,000 (according to MVSK Law Firm). The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Living Expenses
Housing Market Trends
The housing market in Scranton presents a more affordable entry point compared to national averages. As of March 2026, the median home price in Scranton was $216,000, showing a 7.8% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Scranton typically sell within 25 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price for a home in Scranton is $190,000 (according to Prop:Metrics), with an average home value of $181,950, which has seen a 2.0% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).
For those considering renting, the average rent in Scranton, PA, is approximately $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is 35% lower than the national average rent (as reported by Zillow). Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,050 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,250 per month (as reported by Zillow). The median rent is reported as $1,484 per month as of May 2026, with a 3.3% increase from the previous year (as reported by Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
Scranton’s overall cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. It is estimated to be 10.5% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly advantageous (as reported by Apartments.com). Utilities in Scranton are about 3.4% higher than the national average, while transportation costs are 1.1% higher (as reported by Apartments.com). Groceries are approximately 2.2% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Realtor.com identified Scranton as the fifth city with the lowest cost of living. For $100 worth of necessities, residents pay only $91.90 (as reported by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®). To live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents in Scranton, an estimated salary of around $66,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
Scranton’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Key industries include healthcare, logistics, warehousing, transportation, finance, insurance, real estate, advanced manufacturing, and building construction trades (as reported by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce). Prominent companies that have a significant presence include Geisinger Health System, University of Scranton, Walmart, and Amazon (as reported by Lensa and Indeed.com).
Other notable employers include Bank of America, Lockheed Martin, and CPG International Holdings LP (as reported by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Zippia). The region benefits from its strategic location, a readily available labor pool, and access to customized job training programs, making it attractive for national corporations (as reported by Lehigh Valley Health Network).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is approximately $58,654 annually, which translates to about $28.20 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Another source indicates the average salary for jobs in Scranton is $62,591 per year, or an hourly rate of $30 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Scranton was $50,739 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau data via CUBIT).
The unemployment rate in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area was 5.00% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.66% (as reported by YCharts). In May 2024, the average hourly wage for workers in this metropolitan area was $26.59, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Scranton experiences distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 20°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 5°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by an independent climate data website). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 72°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 82°F and a low of 63°F.
The cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 21°F and a high of 34°F (as reported by an independent climate data website). The city receives significant seasonal variation in monthly rainfall, with September typically being the wettest month, averaging 3.6 inches of rain.
Climate Data
The average annual temperature in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was 53.2°F for the period of February 2024 to January 2025 (as reported by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information). This places it at the 71st rank out of 73 cities for average temperature during that period. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in monthly rainfall, with September being the month with the most precipitation.
The month with the least rainfall in Scranton is February, averaging 1.5 inches. While summers are warm and wet, winters are characterized by freezing temperatures and snowfall. The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round, contributing to a varied outdoor experience throughout the year.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Districts
Scranton offers a range of educational options for its residents. Scranton High School has an overall Niche grade of B, with 1,819 students in grades 7-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 32% of students are proficient in math and 66% in reading (as reported by Niche). Scranton School District, serving PK-12, has an overall Niche grade of C, with 9,266 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Within the district, 13% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading (as reported by Niche). For private education, Scranton Preparatory School is a highly rated private Catholic school with an overall Niche grade of A, serving grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. After graduation, 98% of its students attend a four-year college (as reported by Niche).
Population and Diversity
Scranton is home to a population of approximately 76,000 people, making it the 7th most populated city in Pennsylvania (as reported by US Census Bureau data via CUBIT). The projected population for 2026 is 75,630, indicating a slight decline (as reported by US Census Bureau data via CUBIT). The largest racial/ethnic groups in Scranton are White (64.9%), followed by Hispanic (17.9%) and Black (6.6%) (as reported by US Census Bureau data via CUBIT).
Of Scranton’s residents, 11.3% were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median age for Scranton residents is 37.2 years (as reported by US Census Bureau data via CUBIT). While the majority of residents are White, Scranton exhibits diversity with significant Hispanic and Black populations contributing to its cultural landscape.