Is Exton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Exton
Exton, Pennsylvania, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to major transportation routes and the Philadelphia metropolitan area. It is a growing community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and good schools. The area provides a balance of residential comfort and access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for various residents.
Historically, Exton’s development is linked to its position as a trading route, with its name possibly originating from an “X” marking a significant intersection on early maps. Today, it’s a census-designated place in Chester County, recognized for its accessibility and community feel. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to Exton, covering essential aspects of life in the area.
Is it Safe to Live in Exton?
Exton is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is reported at 458 crimes per 100,000 people, which is notably lower than the national average (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). Violent and property crime rates are also substantially reduced, contributing to the community’s secure environment.
The West Whiteland Police Department is responsible for maintaining safety within Exton. While the overall crime rate is low, specific neighborhoods may experience variations. For instance, residents often consider the southwest part of Exton to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). Burglary rates are also reported as much lower than the average U.S. city, with Exton ranking in the 86th percentile for safety in this regard (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Exton
The cost of living in Exton is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. Overall, Exton is about 9% more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and Salary.com). Housing costs, in particular, are significantly higher, being 126% above the national average (as reported by Payscale). This higher cost of living also extends to utilities, which are about 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Despite the elevated costs, Exton’s median household income is also considerably higher than the state average. The median household income stands at $120,489, which is 40% higher than the statewide median (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). This higher income level helps to offset some of the increased expenses associated with living in the area. For a family of four, the Economic Policy Institute estimates that an annual income of $128,862 is needed to afford living in Exton.
Housing Market
Exton’s housing market reflects its higher cost of living, with median home prices and rents above the national averages. The median home value in Exton was approximately $535,100 (as reported by Kurby AI), and the median listing price is around $779,000 (as reported by Redfin). The median price per square foot is $174 (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide), and the median property value was $554,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the median rent in Exton is approximately $2,242 per month (as reported by Zumper and ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). Other sources indicate the median rent to be around $2,586 per month (as reported by Zillow) or $2,022 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Rental prices can range from about $1,500 for a one-bedroom to over $4,000 for a three-bedroom, with townhomes also available for rent (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide).
Demographics of Exton
Exton is a growing community with a diverse population, characterized by a significant presence of young families and a median age that is lower than the rest of Pennsylvania. The population was recorded at 5,622 residents in the 2020 census, and it has seen an increase of 16% between 2010 and 2020 (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). The median age in Exton is 33.8 years (as reported by Niche and Point2Homes).
The racial and ethnic makeup of Exton shows a notable proportion of Asian residents alongside a White majority. White non-Hispanic residents constitute approximately 65.9% of the population, followed by Asian residents at about 27.9% (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). Other demographic data indicates that 65.39% of residents are White, 24.66% are Asian, and smaller percentages identify with other races or multiple races (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche).
Age and Gender Distribution
Exton’s population is relatively young, with a substantial percentage of residents in their 30s and a significant number of individuals under 18. Approximately 24% of residents are in their 30s, and 23% are under the age of 18 (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide). The median age of 33.8 years is also lower than the state average (as reported by Niche).
The gender distribution in Exton shows a slightly higher proportion of females. The data indicates approximately 53% female and 47% male residents (as reported by Niche). For every 100 females, there are about 88.5 males (as reported by Point2Homes). This balance contributes to the community’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Job Market and Economy
Exton boasts a robust job market with a strong emphasis on professional, scientific, technical, finance, and healthcare sectors. Employment in Exton has seen growth, with a 5.92% increase from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Finance & Insurance, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Exton is significantly lower than the national average, indicating strong job prospects and a thriving local economy. The employment rate is currently 97.18% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org and Point2Homes), and the unemployment rate stands at 2.9% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is well below the typical 4-5% considered normal. This low unemployment rate suggests a stable job market for those seeking employment in the area.
Major Employers and Salary Information
Several prominent companies operate in and around Exton, contributing to its diverse employment landscape. Major employers include companies like Ricoh, American Hospital Services Group, Genesis HealthCare, Walmart, FedEx, and Target (as reported by Zippia, Lensa, and Indeed.com). These companies span various industries, from technology and healthcare to retail and logistics.
The average salary in Exton is competitive, with a median wage reported around $48,300 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher median household income of $120,697 (as reported by Data USA, Point2Homes, and Kurby AI), which is substantially higher than the national average. This discrepancy might reflect different methodologies or data points, but both suggest a strong earning potential in Exton.
Climate and Weather in Exton
Exton experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 21°F to 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average annual precipitation of 49 inches, with about 29 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Exton are warm and wet, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 86°F and a low of 64°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing the lowest temperatures, averaging a high of 39°F and a low of 21°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area has a wet climate, with October being the wettest month and January having the fewest wet days (as reported by myPerfectWeather and WorldWeatherOnline).
Education in Exton
Exton is served by the highly-regarded West Chester Area School District, which offers a strong educational foundation for its students. Exton Elementary School, serving kindergarten through 5th grade, ranks within the top 20% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores, with particularly strong performance in math and reading proficiency (as reported by Exton Elementary School and Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio at Exton Elementary is 12:1, which is lower than the state average (as reported by Exton Elementary School and Public School Review).
The district includes multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, with West Chester East High School often cited as one of the best in the state. Exton also hosts campuses for Widener University and Delaware County Community College, providing higher education opportunities within the community (as reported by Wikipedia). The Chester County Library, a flagship branch, is also located in Exton, serving as a valuable educational resource.
Pros and Cons of Living in Exton
Exton offers numerous advantages for residents, including its safety, strong school system, and convenient location. The low crime rates (as reported by ULTIMATE Living in Exton PA Guide and CrimeGrade.org) and highly-rated schools (as reported by Exton Elementary School and Public School Review) make it an attractive option for families. Its proximity to major highways and Philadelphia provides easy access to employment centers and urban amenities.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is a significant factor to consider. Exton is more expensive than the national average, with housing expenses being substantially higher (as reported by Payscale and ERI Economic Research Institute). While incomes are also higher, potential residents should carefully evaluate their budget. Additionally, Exton is highly car-dependent, with a very low Walk Score of 1 out of 100 (as reported by Kurby AI), meaning a personal vehicle is essential for daily life.