Is Clearfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clearfield
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, offers a glimpse into a community shaped by its industrial past and poised for a future that balances tradition with evolving economic landscapes. Nestled in a region with a rich history, the borough presents a distinct character, drawing from the natural beauty of its surroundings and the resilience of its residents. This profile delves into the multifaceted aspects of Clearfield, examining its safety, economic vitality, and the overall quality of life it provides.
The area’s demographic makeup reflects a community with deep roots, where a significant portion of the population has long-standing ties to the region. Understanding these foundational elements is key to appreciating the unique fabric of Clearfield, PA, as it continues to navigate the complexities of modern American life. This exploration aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering Clearfield as a place to call home.
Is it Safe to Live in Clearfield?
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, presents a nuanced picture regarding safety, with crime statistics that indicate a rate slightly lower than the national average. The borough has earned a crime safety grade of A, suggesting it is generally a secure environment for its residents (as reported by DoorProfit). This positive assessment is supported by data showing that the overall crime rate in Clearfield is estimated to be 51% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Violent crime rates in Clearfield are also considerably lower than national figures, with specific categories like murder, aggravated assault, and robbery all falling below the average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime, while more prevalent than violent crime, also remains below the national average, with larceny/theft being the most common offense (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents generally perceive the southwest part of the city as the safest, with crime incidents being lowest in the west (as reported by Clearfield, PA Crime Maps and Statistics).
Violent Crime Overview
The estimated violent crime rate in Clearfield, PA, stands at 198.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 48% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This translates to a low probability of residents becoming victims of violent crime, approximately 1 in 504 each year (as reported by DoorProfit). Specific violent crime categories, such as murder, show significantly lower rates compared to national figures, with a rate of 2.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Aggravated assault rates are also notably lower, at 143.5 per 100,000 residents, marking a 47% decrease from the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Similarly, robbery rates are substantially lower, at 38.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 48% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). These statistics collectively paint a picture of a community where violent offenses are not a widespread concern, contributing to a general sense of security for those living in Clearfield.
Property Crime Trends
Property crime in Clearfield, PA, is more common than violent crime but remains below national averages. The estimated property crime rate is 1,294.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This means residents have approximately a 1 in 77 chance of being a victim of property crime annually (as reported by DoorProfit).
Larceny/theft is the most frequent property crime, with a rate of 965.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 31% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Vehicle theft also shows a lower-than-average rate at 206.9 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Burglary rates are also reduced, standing at 122.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 55% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Clearfield
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, offers a cost of living that is notably more affordable than both the national average and the average for the state. The cost of living index for Clearfield is 13% less than the national average, making it an economically attractive option for residents (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, from housing to general expenses.
The median home price in Clearfield, PA, is approximately $100,800 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), which is significantly lower than many other areas. Renting is also a more budget-friendly option, with average rents for two-bedroom apartments around $900 to $1,100 (as reported by Zillow). These favorable housing costs contribute substantially to the overall lower cost of living in the area.
Housing Costs and Homeownership
The housing market in Clearfield, PA, presents a compelling case for affordability, with both home prices and rental rates being well below national averages. The median home value in Clearfield, PA, is around $134,055, showing a modest increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate in Clearfield, PA, is 54.8% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a substantial number of residents own their homes.
For those considering renting, the market offers various options. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment can be found for an average of $900 to $1,100 per month (as reported by Zillow). This affordability in housing is a significant factor contributing to Clearfield’s appeal as a place to live, allowing residents to allocate more of their budget to other needs and desires.
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Clearfield, PA, also contribute to its affordability. Food costs in Clearfield are reported to be less affordable than the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). However, when considering the overall cost of living, the lower housing expenses significantly offset these costs, leading to a more manageable financial situation for residents.
The average commute time in Clearfield is 19.4 minutes, which is relatively short and can contribute to savings in transportation costs (as reported by Data USA). With an average of two cars per household, residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, a common trend in many suburban and smaller city environments (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, has an economy that has historically been influenced by its industrial base, and it continues to evolve with a diverse range of employment opportunities. The average annual salary in Clearfield is approximately $44,635, with most salaries falling between $30,254 and $55,155 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This salary range provides a baseline for understanding the earning potential within the local job market.
The unemployment rate in Clearfield County, PA, was 4.80% as of January 2026, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a relatively stable job market with opportunities for employment. Major industry sectors contributing to the local economy include healthcare and social assistance, transportation and warehousing, retail trade, and manufacturing (as reported by Clearfield County, Pennsylvania).
Major Employers and Industries
Clearfield County boasts a variety of major employers across different sectors, providing a diverse employment landscape. Healthcare and Social Assistance is a significant industry, with 302 employer units and 6,363 employed individuals (as reported by Clearfield County, Pennsylvania). Retail Trade also plays a substantial role, featuring 316 employer units and 4,469 employed individuals (as reported by Clearfield County, Pennsylvania).
Manufacturing and Transportation and Warehousing are also key contributors to the job market, with 105 and 168 employer units respectively (as reported by Clearfield County, Pennsylvania). Notable employers within the county include DuBois Regional Medical Center, Wal-Mart Associates Inc., and State Government (as reported by Top 50 Employers Clearfield County). These entities form the backbone of the local economy, offering a wide array of job possibilities for residents.
Salary and Wage Information
The average annual salary in Clearfield, PA, is around $44,635, which equates to approximately $21.46 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage in the county is approximately $40,700 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries can vary significantly based on occupation and experience, with some top-paying jobs including Neurology PA, Hotshot Owner Operator, and Engineering roles (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
For those seeking higher earning potential, roles such as Registered Nurses can earn an average of $69,842 annually (as reported by Clearfield, PA). Entry-level positions typically range from $21,450 to $30,409, while senior roles can command salaries from $75,205 to $120,000+ (as reported by Clearfield, PA). This salary spectrum highlights the opportunities for career growth and financial advancement within Clearfield.
Climate and Weather
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, experiences a four-season climate characterized by distinct variations between warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature ranges from a low of approximately 17°F in January to a high of about 82°F in July (as reported by Clearfield, Pennsylvania, myPerfectWeather). This temperature range offers a typical continental climate experience.
The region receives a moderate amount of snowfall, with around 53 inches annually, and January is typically the snowiest month (as reported by Clearfield, Pennsylvania, myPerfectWeather). Total annual precipitation is relatively high, averaging 42 inches, with June often being the wettest month (as reported by Clearfield, Pennsylvania, myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Temperature Variations
Clearfield’s climate features a warm season that generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 72°F (as reported by Clearfield Climate). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 60°F (as reported by Clearfield Climate).
Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, during which average daily high temperatures remain below 43°F (as reported by Clearfield Climate). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures fluctuating between a low of 20°F and a high of 34°F (as reported by Clearfield Climate). These seasonal shifts dictate the rhythm of life in Clearfield, influencing outdoor activities and daily routines.
Precipitation and Sunshine
Clearfield receives a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging about 42 inches annually (as reported by Clearfield, Pennsylvania, myPerfectWeather). This precipitation includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, hail, and freezing rain. June is typically the wettest month, with an average precipitation of around 3.7 inches (as reported by Clearfield Climate).
The city enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, with approximately 2,201 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by Clearfield, Pennsylvania, myPerfectWeather). July tends to be the sunniest month, while January is the cloudiest. The climate offers about 161 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between May and September (as reported by Clearfield, Pennsylvania, myPerfectWeather).
Demographics and Population
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, is a community with a population that has seen some fluctuations over the years, currently standing at approximately 5,962 people as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The borough is part of the DuBois, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, reflecting its regional significance (as reported by Wikipedia).
The demographic profile shows a predominantly White population, with 93.1% identifying as such in 2010 (as reported by Wikipedia). Other racial groups are present in smaller percentages, including African American, Asian, and individuals identifying with two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute a small portion of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).
Population Trends and Diversity
As of the 2020 census, Clearfield’s population was 5,962, a slight decrease from previous years (as reported by Wikipedia). The borough’s racial makeup is largely characterized by a White majority, with 93.1% in 2010 (as reported by Wikipedia). African Americans constitute 2.6%, while Asian residents make up 1.6% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).
Hispanic or Latino individuals represented 1.4% of the population in 2010 (as reported by Wikipedia). While the population size has seen minor shifts, the demographic composition reflects a community with a long-established character. The median age in Clearfield was 41 years as of the 2020 census, indicating a population that skews slightly older than the national average (as reported by Wikipedia).
Household and Family Structure
In Clearfield, PA, approximately 38.5% of households are comprised of individuals living alone, and 17.2% of these include someone aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The average household size is 2.13 people, and the average family size is 2.83 (as reported by Wikipedia). These figures suggest a mix of single-person households and families within the borough.
The age distribution shows that 20.4% of the population is under 18, while 20.2% are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia). This distribution indicates a significant portion of the population comprises both younger individuals and seniors. The median income for a household was $27,414, and for a family, it was $40,095 (as reported by Wikipedia), which is below the national median, reflecting the economic landscape of the area.
Education and School Ratings
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, offers a range of public schools, with the Clearfield Area School District serving a significant number of students. The district has an average testing ranking of 3 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public school districts in Pennsylvania (as reported by Clearfield Area School District). This ranking is based on combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
The district’s math proficiency score averages 30%, and the reading proficiency score averages 41% (as reported by Clearfield Area School District). These scores are below the state averages, indicating areas for potential improvement within the district’s educational offerings. The graduation rate for the Clearfield Area School District has been around 87% over the past five school years (as reported by Clearfield Area School District).
Public School Performance
Within Clearfield County, several elementary schools are recognized for their performance, including Oklahoma Elementary School, Curwensville Area Elementary School, and Wasson Avenue Elementary School, which are ranked among the top public schools (as reported by Clearfield County, PA public schools). However, the overall testing rank for schools in Clearfield County is an average of 5 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (as reported by Clearfield County, PA public schools).
The student-teacher ratio within the Clearfield Area School District is approximately 12:1 (as reported by Clearfield Area School District). Minority enrollment constitutes about 5% of the student body, which is less than the Pennsylvania public school average (as reported by Clearfield Area School District). This demographic is primarily Hispanic, similar to the state average (as reported by Clearfield Area School District).
Higher Education and Other Schools
While specific details on higher education institutions directly within Clearfield, PA, are limited in the provided search results, the region is part of broader statistical areas that may include such facilities. The Clearfield Area School District itself serves 2,066 students across its public schools (as reported by Clearfield Area School District). The district aims to provide education from elementary through high school levels.
For those seeking educational opportunities beyond K-12, proximity to larger urban centers or online learning platforms would likely be the primary avenues. The focus within the immediate Clearfield area appears to be on the K-12 public education system, with efforts to improve academic outcomes and graduation rates being ongoing (as reported by Clearfield Area School District).
Pros and Cons of Living in Clearfield
Clearfield, Pennsylvania, offers a distinct living experience with a blend of affordability and community charm, alongside some challenges typical of smaller industrial towns. The cost of living is a significant advantage, being considerably lower than the national average, particularly in housing expenses. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their budgets effectively.
The town’s safety record, with crime rates below the national average, further enhances its appeal as a place to settle down. However, the job market, while having major employers, may present lower average salaries compared to larger metropolitan areas, and the educational system’s performance rankings suggest room for improvement.
Advantages of Clearfield
One of the primary advantages of living in Clearfield is its affordability, especially concerning housing costs. The median home price is substantially lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible (as reported by Zillow and ERI Economic Research Institute). This financial benefit extends to rental costs as well, which are also more budget-friendly.
The community’s safety is another significant pro, with overall crime rates and violent crime rates well below national averages (as reported by DoorProfit). This creates a secure environment for residents. Additionally, Clearfield offers a more relaxed pace of life, which can be appealing to those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Disadvantages of Clearfield
Despite its affordability and safety, Clearfield faces certain disadvantages. The job market, while supported by key industries, offers average salaries that are lower than those found in larger urban centers (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This could be a deterrent for highly specialized professionals or those seeking rapid career advancement with higher earning potential.
Furthermore, the educational system in Clearfield County, particularly the Clearfield Area School District, has received rankings that place it in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania school districts based on test scores (as reported by Clearfield Area School District). This may be a concern for families prioritizing top-tier public education for their children.