Is Canonsburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Canonsburg
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled in Washington County, this charming borough provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, balancing a strong sense of community with proximity to the bustling city of Pittsburgh. Its historical roots are evident in its well-preserved architecture and its evolution from a coal and steel town to a more diversified economic landscape.
The community’s appeal is further enhanced by its location along major transportation routes, including Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 19, facilitating easy commutes and access to regional attractions. Canonsburg’s identity is also shaped by its vibrant cultural scene, particularly its recognition as “America’s Small Town Music Capital,” which adds a unique cultural dimension to its character. This blend of history, accessibility, and cultural richness makes Canonsburg an attractive place to consider for those seeking a well-rounded living experience.
Is it Safe to Live in Canonsburg?
Canonsburg is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Canonsburg is 42% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit in 2026). Residents have a lower chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, with a rate of approximately 1 in 481 per year, which is 45% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit in 2026).
Property crime also remains relatively low, with a rate of 1,299.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit in 2026). NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data indicates that Canonsburg is safer than the majority of cities in America, ranking in the 83rd percentile for safety (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Canonsburg is one in 369, compared to one in 47 nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, is generally considered to be slightly lower than the national average. Overall living expenses are approximately 2% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). However, certain categories can be higher, such as utility prices, which are about 22% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Housing costs in Canonsburg are a mixed bag. While some sources indicate housing expenses are 2% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale), others suggest that housing costs are more affordable than the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home value in Canonsburg was around $213,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a median sale price of $210K in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Canonsburg is approximately $1,288 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Housing Market Trends
The Canonsburg housing market is described as somewhat competitive (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home was $210,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 13.6% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes are selling faster than last year, with an average of 55 days on the market compared to 106 days in the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
As of March 31, 2026, the average home value in Canonsburg was $358,324, showing a 1.8% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Homes are going pending in approximately 22 days (as reported by Zillow). In March 2026, there were 111 homes for sale, with 39 new listings (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
The average annual salary in Canonsburg is approximately $53,148, which breaks down to about $25.55 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter as of May 26). The majority of salaries in Canonsburg range between $37,161 and $67,665 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying jobs in the area include Ai Product Manager, Engineering, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Canonsburg’s economy is supported by a range of major employers. CentiMark Corporation, a national commercial roofing contractor, is headquartered in Canonsburg and employs over 3,500 people across North America (as reported by Indeed). Other notable companies with a presence in Canonsburg include Mylan, Ansys, and CONSOL Energy (as reported by Zippia). The borough is also adjacent to the Southpointe office park, which hosts numerous large corporate tenants.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.2% in March 2026, remaining unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is lower than the national average for the same period (as reported by USAFacts). The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates this rate through a monthly survey of the labor force, including those actively seeking employment.
Climate and Environment
Canonsburg experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and generally partly cloudy, while winters are cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 22°F to 83°F, rarely dropping below 6°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The warmest months are July and August, with average daily high temperatures around 82°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The coldest month is January, with average low temperatures around 23°F and highs near 37°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The amount of rainfall in Canonsburg is moderate throughout the year, with an average of 39 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Canonsburg is served by the Canon-McMillan School District, which includes several highly-rated public schools. Canon-McMillan Senior High School, serving grades 9-12, has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole is recognized for its quality, with Niche ranking it among the best school districts in Pennsylvania.
State test scores indicate that 62% of students in the Canon-McMillan School District are proficient in math and 72% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). North Strabane Intermediate School, serving grades 5-6, also receives high marks, with an A grade from Niche and state test proficiency rates of 66% in math and 72% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Canonsburg, PA, is home to a population of approximately 9,680 people (as reported by Data USA). The majority of residents, about 97.9%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for about 8,190 residents, followed by Asian (Non-Hispanic) and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Canonsburg is 37.9 years (as reported by Data USA). The borough has a median household income of $79,227 (as reported by Data USA), with a poverty rate of 6.25% (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 55.6% of residents own their homes (as reported by Data USA).