Is Hazleton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hazleton
Is it Safe to Live in Hazleton?
Hazleton presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are generally lower than national averages but with neighborhood variations. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be significantly lower than the national average, with property crime rates being particularly low (as reported by AreaVibes). However, when examining crime per capita, some sources indicate a violent crime rate that is higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout), while others suggest it is below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Your personal safety experience may depend on the specific neighborhood you choose to live in, as crime can vary from area to area within the city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The city’s police department actively serves the community, addressing both violent and property crimes over recent years (as reported by Crime Explorer). While the overall crime rate is a key factor, it’s also important to consider the cost associated with crime. The cost of crime per resident in Hazleton is noted to be less than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This suggests that while crime exists, its financial impact on residents may be less pronounced compared to other areas.
Crime Statistics Overview
Violent crimes in Hazleton have been recorded, with specific numbers available for the past five years (as reported by Crime Explorer). Property crimes also occur, with burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft being among the types of incidents reported (as reported by Crime Explorer). It is worth noting that some analyses place Hazleton’s crime rate as lower than approximately 44% of communities in Pennsylvania (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates that while safety concerns are valid, Hazleton may still be considered safer than a significant portion of other municipalities within the state.
Neighborhood Safety
When considering specific neighborhoods, there are areas within Hazleton that are perceived as safer than others by residents. The western part of the city is generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, crime incidents tend to be more concentrated in the central parts of Hazleton (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your personal risk of being a victim of crime can fluctuate significantly by neighborhood, with chances ranging from one in 36 in the southern neighborhoods to one in 61 in the west (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Hazleton
Hazleton offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their expenses. The overall cost of living in Hazleton is reported to be lower than both the national average and the average for Pennsylvania (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, groceries, and healthcare, although some expenses like utilities and transportation can be higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Hazleton are notably lower than the national average, contributing significantly to the city’s affordability. The median home price in Hazleton is considerably less than the national median, with some reports indicating it is 36% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Similarly, rental prices are also competitive, with the median rental price being lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This makes homeownership and renting more accessible for a wider range of budgets.
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other everyday expenses in Hazleton also tend to be more budget-friendly. Grocery prices are reported to be slightly higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale), but healthcare costs are significantly lower (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation costs, however, can be higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale), which is a factor to consider if regular travel is a necessity. Utility prices also tend to be higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Hazleton is characterized by a diverse range of industries and a moderate unemployment rate. The city has a substantial workforce, with employment sectors such as manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and retail trade being prominent (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include companies involved in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, providing a variety of employment opportunities for residents (as reported by Hazleton CAN DO).
Employment and Unemployment
As of recent data, the unemployment rate in Hazleton stands at 5.10%, which is lower than the long-term average for the city (as reported by YCharts). While employment has seen a slight decline in recent periods, the overall job market remains active. The workforce is distributed across various occupations, with a significant portion employed in material moving, office and administrative support, and production roles (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Several large companies operate in Hazleton, serving as significant employers and contributing to the local economy. These include Pactiv Evergreen, Penn State University – Hazleton campus, PFNonwovens, and Romark Logistics (as reported by Hazleton CAN DO). Other major employers like Amazon, American Eagle Outfitters, Cargill Meat Solutions, and Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton also play a crucial role in providing jobs and supporting the community (as reported by Major Employers + Industries – Hazleton CAN DO, Zippia).
Climate in Hazleton
Hazleton experiences a climate typical of the northeastern United States, with distinct seasons and moderate precipitation. The city has a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures throughout the year generally range from 17°F to 81°F, offering a full spectrum of seasonal weather (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Temperatures
Summers in Hazleton are warm, with July typically being the hottest month, featuring average high temperatures around 81°F and lows around 61°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing the lowest temperatures, averaging a high of about 34°F and a low of 18°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Spring and autumn offer milder transitions between these extremes.
Precipitation and Snowfall
The annual precipitation in Hazleton averages around 51 inches, with rain and snow contributing to this total (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with September often being the wettest month. Snowfall is most common during the winter months, particularly in January and February, contributing to the city’s winter landscape (as reported by Weather Atlas).
Education in Hazleton
Hazleton is served by the Hazleton Area School District, which provides educational opportunities for a large student population. The district includes numerous public schools, as well as some private institutions (as reported by Niche). While the district is recognized for its diversity, its overall academic performance and rankings are areas that have been noted for potential improvement.
School District Performance
The Hazleton Area School District has received a C overall grade from Niche, and its average testing ranking is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche). Proficiency in math and reading scores are also below the state average (as reported by Niche). However, the district is noted for its diversity, which is a positive aspect of its educational environment (as reported by Niche).
Key Educational Institutions
Among the schools within the district, Hazleton Area Career Center, Hazleton Area High School, and Heights Terrace El/ms are among the top-ranked institutions (as reported by Niche). These schools serve a significant portion of the student population, with the district as a whole educating over 12,000 students (as reported by Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio within the district is 17:1, which is consistent with the state average (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics of Hazleton
Hazleton is a city with a notable diverse population, characterized by a significant Hispanic community and a growing foreign-born population. The city’s demographics reflect a blend of ethnicities and a median age that aligns with the national average. These characteristics contribute to the unique cultural fabric of Hazleton.
Population and Diversity
Hazleton is home to approximately 30,111 residents, with a growing population that has seen an increase since the last census (as reported by Data USA). A substantial portion of Hazleton’s residents are of Hispanic origin, making it the largest ethnic group in the city (as reported by Hazleton Demographics). The city also has a considerable foreign-born population, with a notable percentage of residents born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Hazleton is around 37.5 years, with a balanced distribution across different age groups (as reported by Point2Homes). Households in Hazleton have an average of three members, and a majority of these are families, indicating a community where family life is prevalent (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution is nearly even, with a slightly higher number of males than females (as reported by Point2Homes).