Is Aliquippa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Aliquippa

Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, located along the Ohio River, is a community with a rich industrial past that is actively working towards a revitalized future. Once a hub for steel manufacturing, the town has faced economic challenges but is now seeing signs of growth and investment. This transformation is attracting new attention from those seeking a place to live that offers a blend of affordability and a developing community spirit.

For individuals considering a move to Aliquippa, understanding the local landscape is crucial. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, housing market trends, employment opportunities, and the overall quality of life. The following information aims to provide a comprehensive overview to assist in making an informed decision about Aliquippa as a potential new home.

Is it Safe to Live in Aliquippa?

When evaluating the safety of Aliquippa, crime statistics indicate a mixed but improving picture. The city has recorded a lower violent crime rate than the national average, standing at 55.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 47.5% below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Property crime rates are also below the national average, at 66.9 per 100,000 residents, or 59.1% lower than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).

However, some specific crime categories show rates above the national average. For instance, the rate of rape is 11.1 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 3.5 per 100,000 residents (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Similarly, aggravated assault rates are also higher than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). While overall crime rates are favorable, a deeper look into specific crime types is warranted for a complete understanding of safety in Aliquippa.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

Aliquippa’s housing market presents an attractive option for many, with costs significantly lower than both national and state averages. The median home value in Aliquippa is approximately $199,055, showing a 6.7% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This is considerably less than the national median home value of $393,134 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The median listing price in Aliquippa is around $199,900 (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Rental prices in Aliquippa are also notably affordable. The average rent across all property types is approximately $1,200 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is substantially lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Zillow). For those seeking a specific unit, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $775, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,193 (as reported by Apartments.com).

The housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling in an average of 96 days (as reported by Redfin). Some homes may receive multiple offers, and on average, homes sell for about 5% below the list price (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a market where buyers may find opportunities, though some level of competition exists.

Cost of Living and Affordability

Aliquippa offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living in Aliquippa is approximately 11% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This affordability extends to several key expense categories, though some utilities may be higher.

Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this lower cost of living, being around 43% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). While utility prices are about 22% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale), and transportation costs are also slightly higher at 11% above the national average (as reported by PayScale), these increases are offset by savings in other areas. Grocery prices in Aliquippa are about 2% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale), and healthcare costs are approximately 5% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Employment Opportunities

Aliquippa’s job market is showing signs of revitalization, with recent investments contributing to new employment opportunities. The average annual salary in Aliquippa is around $46,000 per year, or $22.12 per hour (as reported by Zippia). The median household income in Aliquippa was $50,188 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Recent economic development news highlights positive trends. Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $40 million expansion at the Aliquippa Industrial Park, expected to create 80 new jobs (as reported by WPXI). This expansion by Versatex, a manufacturer of outdoor living products, aims to double its manufacturing capacity and build upon its existing workforce in the area (as reported by PA Department of Community & Economic Development). These developments signal a growing industrial sector and potential for increased employment within the community.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.2% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), which is a healthy indicator for the state’s job market. While specific unemployment data for Aliquippa is not readily available, the state and regional trends suggest a supportive environment for job seekers.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Aliquippa experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 22°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 5°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by NOAA). The warm season generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures surpassing 74°F.

July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 64°F (as reported by NOAA). Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 23°F and highs of 36°F (as reported by NOAA).

Cloud cover also varies seasonally. The clearest part of the year typically runs from late May to mid-November, with August being the clearest month. The cloudier period begins in mid-November and lasts until late May, with January being the cloudiest month, often experiencing overcast or mostly cloudy skies (as reported by NOAA).

Education and School Ratings

Aliquippa’s educational landscape includes both elementary and secondary school options, with varying performance metrics. Aliquippa Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of C- and serves students in grades K-6. It has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, proficiency in math is at 5%, and in reading, it is at 17% (as reported by Niche).

Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School also holds an overall Niche grade of C-. It serves students in grades 7-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 5% of students are proficient in math and 19% in reading (as reported by Niche). The Aliquippa School District as a whole has a Niche rating of C- (as reported by Niche).

While the schools have received mixed reviews, some aspects are highlighted, such as diversity and opportunities for athletes. The district is noted for being more diverse than Pennsylvania overall (as reported by Census Dots). Some reviews suggest that while academics may move at a slower pace, opportunities for advanced placement courses and college credits exist through partnerships (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Aliquippa is a city with a population of approximately 9,079 people, showing a slight decline from the 2020 Census figure of 9,238 (as reported by Census Dots). The community is diverse, with White residents making up about 53.6% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 34.7% (as reported by Census Dots). Hispanic residents constitute about 5.1% of the population, with smaller percentages for multiracial and Asian populations (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Aliquippa is 47.5 years, which is older than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Aliquippa is 22.9%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA). The community is characterized by a strong sense of local identity, with a history deeply tied to its industrial roots.

A significant portion of residents, 97.7%, are U.S. citizens, a rate higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Most residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 23.3 minutes, which is shorter than the national average commute time (as reported by Data USA). The average household owns two cars (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Aliquippa

Living in Aliquippa offers a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The most significant pro is the affordability, with a cost of living that is 11% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale) and housing costs considerably below national and state averages (as reported by Zillow, Realtor.com®). This makes homeownership and renting more accessible for many.

Another advantage is the community’s ongoing efforts toward revitalization and economic development, evidenced by recent investments and job creation (as reported by WPXI). The climate, while having distinct seasons, is generally temperate, avoiding extreme temperatures for most of the year (as reported by NOAA). The demographic makeup offers a diverse community, noted as being more diverse than Pennsylvania overall (as reported by Census Dots).

However, Aliquippa also faces challenges. While overall crime rates are favorable compared to the national average, specific crime statistics, such as for aggravated assault and rape, are higher than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). The poverty rate is also higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Furthermore, the school district’s overall ratings are mixed, with C- grades from Niche, suggesting areas for academic improvement (as reported by Niche).