Is Clarks Summit Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clarks Summit
The charming borough of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled in Lackawanna County, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents seeking a peaceful place to call home. Its well-regarded school district and generally low crime rates contribute to its appeal for families and individuals alike.
Clarks Summit is a borough in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, located northwest of Scranton. It is known for its small-town charm and proximity to larger cities. The community offers a friendly environment with a focus on connection and a good quality of life.
Is it Safe to Live in Clarks Summit?
Clarks Summit is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The borough has a crime rate that is 76% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, with a rate that is 87% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Clarks Summit is approximately 1 in 194, which is considerably lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also below average, making it less likely for residents to experience theft or burglary (according to NeighborhoodScout). The Clarks Summit Police Department is noted for its community engagement and qualified officers, contributing to the overall sense of security.
Crime Statistics
The overall crime rate in Clarks Summit is substantially lower than the national average. Specifically, violent crime rates are about average for communities across America, but property crime rates are well below the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). In a 2016 report by SafeWise, Clarks Summit Borough was ranked as the 10th safest city in Pennsylvania out of 963 municipalities, based on FBI crime data from 2014.
Community Safety Initiatives
The Clarks Summit Police Department is recognized for its proactive approach to community safety. The department emphasizes interaction with residents, which is considered a significant asset in maintaining a secure environment. This focus on community policing helps to foster trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the citizens they serve.
Cost of Living in Clarks Summit
The cost of living in Clarks Summit is generally considered affordable, with expenses often falling below national averages in several key categories. Housing costs, in particular, are notably lower than the national average, making homeownership and renting more accessible for many. This affordability contributes to a higher quality of life for residents.
Housing Costs
The median home value in Clarks Summit was approximately $234,900 in 2024 (according to Data USA). This is significantly lower than the national average median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Clarks Summit is around 73% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Median rent in Clarks Summit varies by source, with some indicating around $1,460 per month (as of April 2026, according to Zumper) and others suggesting approximately $1,784 per month (according to Zillow Rentals data). Rent prices are generally lower than the national average. For example, the median rental price is reported as $1.5K per month (according to Realtor.com® Research).
Utilities and Groceries
While housing is affordable, utility costs in Clarks Summit are about 15% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Grocery prices are also slightly higher, being 3% above the national average (as reported by PayScale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are approximately 13% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Clarks Summit boasts a stable job market with diverse employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare and education. The average household income provides a comfortable standard of living, and the unemployment rate remains competitive. Major employers in the area contribute to the local economy and offer a range of career paths for residents.
Average Salary and Income
The average annual household income in Clarks Summit was reported as $113,803 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). The median household income in 2024 was $92,083 (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). For renters, the median household income was approximately $63,333 (according to Point2Homes).
The average salary in Clarks Summit is around $43,117 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, the median wage is estimated at $39.3K per year, with the 75th percentile earning around $53.5K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Clarks Summit is generally low and competitive. While specific current figures for Clarks Summit are not readily available, broader trends suggest a stable employment landscape. Historically, the unemployment rate has been below national averages.
Major Employers
Key industries in Clarks Summit include healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). Major employers contributing to the local economy include Abington Heights School District, Beacon – Keystone Community Resources, and Reboot (as noted by Zippia). Other significant employers in the broader Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area include various healthcare systems and educational institutions.
Climate and Weather
Clarks Summit experiences a four-season climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from mild in the spring and fall to more extreme in the summer and winter months.
Temperature and Precipitation
The warm season in Clarks Summit lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 71°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 80°F and lows around 61°F. The cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 41°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 20°F and highs around 32°F (as reported by WeatherWorld.com).
The area experiences a wetter season from early April to late August, with a greater than 30% chance of precipitation on any given day. June typically sees the most wet days. The drier season spans from late August to early April. Precipitation includes rain and snow, with snow being more common during the winter months.
Seasonal Averages
Average monthly temperatures in Clarks Summit hover around 65°F in the summer months, with winter temperatures dropping significantly. For example, January averages have a low of 20°F and a high of 32°F (as reported by WeatherWorld.com). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with higher amounts in the summer months. Snowfall is a significant factor during the winter, contributing to the cold-season climate.
Education in Clarks Summit
Clarks Summit is served by the highly-rated Abington Heights School District, which consistently receives strong rankings for its public schools. The district offers a comprehensive educational experience from elementary through high school, with a focus on academic achievement and student development. Schools in the area generally perform well on state tests, indicating a high level of educational quality.
School District Performance
The Abington Heights School District is ranked among the top school districts in Pennsylvania. It is recognized for its strong academic programs, with high proficiency rates in math and science (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district also boasts high graduation rates and low dropout rates, contributing to its excellent reputation.
Top-Ranked Schools
Within Clarks Summit, several schools are recognized for their quality. Clarks Summit Elementary School, Abington Heights Middle School, and Abington Heights High School are consistently ranked among the best public schools in the area (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). These institutions provide a solid educational foundation for students.
Student Demographics
The student body in Clarks Summit’s public schools reflects a diverse population, though minority enrollment is less than the state average. Approximately 16% of the student body is considered minority, with a majority being Asian (as reported by Top Public Schools). The student-teacher ratio is generally favorable, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
Demographics of Clarks Summit
Clarks Summit is a predominantly White community with a median age that is slightly higher than the national average. The population is comprised of a stable number of households, with a significant portion being families. The community is largely composed of U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage of foreign-born residents.
Population and Age Distribution
As of the most recent data, Clarks Summit has a population of approximately 5,073 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Clarks Summit is around 43.8 years (as reported by World Population Review), which is slightly higher than the national median age. The population is distributed across various age groups, with a notable segment of residents aged 45 to 64.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Clarks Summit is largely White, with 92.5% of locals identifying as Caucasian (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages, including African American (0.3%) and Asian (0.3%). Approximately 4.3% of residents identify with two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 3.73% of the population (as reported by Data USA).
Household and Citizenship Status
Clarks Summit has about 2,317 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of these households, 56.2%, are families. Approximately 98% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).