Is Dunmore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dunmore

Dunmore, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban comfort and accessible urban amenities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled in Lackawanna County, this borough provides a community feel with proximity to larger cities, including Scranton. Its history is rooted in industrial growth, particularly in coal, brick, stone, and silk, which fueled its population expansion in earlier centuries.

The area is characterized by a generally pleasant climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Residents can expect a cost of living that is slightly lower than the national average, contributing to its overall affordability. Dunmore presents a unique living experience, balancing its historical roots with modern conveniences and community-focused living.

Is it Safe to Live in Dunmore?

Dunmore generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often below national averages. Violent crime rates in Dunmore are significantly lower than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime reported as 1 in 1,583. Property crime rates also tend to be below the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at 1 in 210.

While overall crime rates are considered low, specific neighborhood safety can vary. Some reports indicate that Dunmore’s overall crime rate is comparable to the average U.S. city, earning it a C+ grade in safety. The chance of being a victim of crime can differ by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others.

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Dunmore is reported to be well below the national average. Incidents such as assault, rape, murder, and armed robbery occur less frequently in Dunmore compared to many other parts of the country. The violent crime rate is approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is notably lower than both the national and state averages.

Property Crime Trends

Property crime rates in Dunmore are also reported to be below the national average. This category includes offenses like theft, burglary, and vehicle theft. Year-over-year, crime in Dunmore has seen a decrease, contributing to its reputation as a relatively safe community.

Housing Costs and Affordability

Dunmore offers a degree of housing affordability, with median home prices generally falling below the Pennsylvania average. As of April 2026, the median home price was reported at $249,000. Another report indicated a median home value of $185,300, and some sources place the median home cost around $184,055.

Rental costs in Dunmore are also considered more affordable than the national average. The average rent in May 2026 was reported at $998 per month, which is 39% lower than the national average. This affordability extends to various apartment sizes, with one-bedroom units averaging $998 per month and two-bedroom units averaging $1,173 per month.

Median Home Prices

The median sale price for homes in Dunmore has seen some fluctuation, with recent reports indicating figures around $249,000 to $255,000. These prices are generally lower than the state average, making homeownership more accessible for many. For instance, one report noted Dunmore’s median home price was $184,055, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average of $222,630.

Rental Market Overview

The rental market in Dunmore is characterized by its affordability compared to national benchmarks. With an average rent of $998 per month as of May 2026, it presents a cost-effective option for renters. The rental market has experienced a slight increase in prices over the past year, with a 2.4% rise.

Job Market and Economy

Dunmore’s job market is supported by a diverse range of industries, with major employers contributing to its economic stability. While specific local employment figures can fluctuate, the broader Lackawanna County region benefits from a strong business climate and a readily available labor pool. Major employers in the greater Scranton area, which includes Dunmore, are active in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

The average salary in Dunmore is approximately $45,951 annually, or about $22.09 per hour, as of April 26. However, other sources suggest a median household income of around $71,302 or $74,568. The unemployment rate in Lackawanna County was 4.3% as of March 2025.

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries in the Dunmore area and its surroundings include healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Several large companies operate within or near Dunmore, providing a significant number of employment opportunities. These include entities like Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Maid-Rite, and Road Scholar Transport.

Additionally, large national companies such as UPS, McDonald’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and CVS Health have a presence in Dunmore, contributing to the local job market. The healthcare sector is also a significant employer, with institutions like Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City playing a role in the region’s economy.

Salary and Wage Information

The average annual salary in Dunmore is around $45,951, with most salaries falling between $32,217 and $56,439. For specific roles, registered nurses can expect to earn approximately $87,000 annually, while an accountant might earn around $82,000. The median household income is reported to be in the range of $71,302 to $74,568.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Dunmore experiences a climate typical of northeastern Pennsylvania, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and can be wet, while winters are cold and snowy. The temperature typically varies throughout the year, ranging from lows around 20°F in winter to highs near 82°F in summer.

The warmest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 81°F. The coldest period is in January, with average low temperatures near 21°F and highs around 34°F. Annual precipitation averages about 44 inches, with September being the wettest month, receiving around 3.6 inches of rain.

Temperature Ranges

Throughout the year, temperatures in Dunmore generally range from 20°F to 82°F, with rare extremes below 5°F or above 89°F. The warm season, from late May to mid-September, sees daily high temperatures above 72°F. Conversely, the cold season, from early December to mid-March, has daily high temperatures below 43°F.

Precipitation and Snowfall

Dunmore receives an average of 44 inches of precipitation annually, encompassing both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow. Snowfall is a significant aspect of the winter weather, with an average of 52 inches per year. The month of September typically sees the most rainfall, while February experiences the least.

Education in Dunmore

Dunmore School District serves the educational needs of the borough’s students. The district is home to public schools that cater to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. While overall rankings can vary, the district is noted for its graduation rate, which has been stable over recent years.

According to recent data, the Dunmore School District has a graduation rate of 92%. The district’s average testing ranking places it within the bottom 50% of school districts in Pennsylvania. Math proficiency scores are around 35%, and reading proficiency scores are about 52%, compared to state averages.

School District Performance

Dunmore School District is ranked among the bottom 50% of all school districts in Pennsylvania based on combined math and reading proficiency data for the 2022-2023 school year. Despite this, the district maintains a graduation rate of 92%. There are two public schools serving approximately 1,458 students within the district.

Student Demographics and Diversity

The student body in Dunmore School District reflects a certain level of diversity, with minority enrollment at 26%. This percentage is lower than the Pennsylvania public school average. The racial makeup of the student population includes a majority of Hispanic and Black students.

Demographics and Population

Dunmore has a population of approximately 14,042 residents as of the 2020 census, with a projected growth to around 14,366 by 2026. The borough is experiencing a slight annual growth rate of about 0.41%. The median age in Dunmore is around 40.3 years, indicating a population that is neither predominantly young nor elderly.

The racial composition of Dunmore is predominantly White, making up about 88.6% of the population. Other racial groups include Asian, Black or African American, and those identifying with two or more races, though in smaller percentages. Hispanic or Latino residents constitute a smaller portion of the population.

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Dunmore is approximately 40.3 years. The population distribution shows about 16.7% of residents are under 18, and 21.5% are 65 or older. For every 100 females, there are approximately 91.0 males.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The majority of Dunmore residents identify as White, representing approximately 88.6% of the population. Other racial groups are present in smaller numbers, including Asian (2.36%), Black or African American (2.02%), and those identifying with two or more races (4.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population is around 2.3%.