Is Honesdale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Honesdale

Honesdale, Pennsylvania, nestled in the northeastern part of the state, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with its charming downtown and surrounding natural beauty. This borough, serving as the county seat of Wayne County, provides a blend of historical architecture and a slower pace of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

The town’s location along the Lackawaxen River places it within the northern Pocono region, contributing to its scenic appeal and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Honesdale acts as a commercial and cultural hub for the more rural areas that surround it, fostering a sense of community and local identity.

Is it Safe to Live in Honesdale?

Honesdale demonstrates a generally favorable safety profile, with crime rates that are below national averages. The city recorded a lower incidence of both violent and property crimes compared to national benchmarks over a recent five-year period (2019-2024) (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). This suggests a secure environment for its residents.

Specifically, violent crime rates in Honesdale stand at 67.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 36.8% below the national average. Property crime rates are also significantly lower, at 44.7 per 100,000 residents, representing a 72.7% decrease compared to the national rate (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). These statistics indicate that Honesdale is a safe place to live, with a lower likelihood of experiencing criminal activity.

Cost of Living in Honesdale

Housing Expenses

The cost of housing in Honesdale is notably more affordable than the national average. The median home value in Honesdale is approximately $291,611, showing a 4.7% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Renters can expect a median rent of around $1,200 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is 40% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow).

For single individuals, monthly living expenses, including housing, are estimated to be around $1,805, while for a family of four, these costs are approximately $4,080 per month (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Honesdale one of the more affordable cities in the United States for overall living expenses.

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Honesdale are also generally lower than the national average. Groceries are about 0.4% less expensive, and transportation costs are approximately 1.5% lower (as reported by Apartments.com). Utilities, however, are slightly higher, at 3.4% more than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

The overall cost of living in Honesdale is estimated to be 11.2% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to both renters and homeowners, with the cost of living for renters being 3.3% lower than the national average and for homeowners, 13.7% lower (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Honesdale’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, with State Government and Wayne County Memorial Hospital Association being among the top entities (as reported by Center for Workforce Information & Analysis). Other significant employers include Federal Government, Wayne County Commissioners, and Wayne Highlands School District, indicating a strong presence of public sector and healthcare-related jobs.

Retail and education sectors also play a crucial role, with entities like Wal-Mart Associates Inc. and Wayne Highlands School District being major contributors to local employment (as reported by Center for Workforce Information & Analysis). The presence of these varied industries provides a stable employment landscape for residents.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania, as of March 2026, was 4.2% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Honesdale is not readily available, the state’s rate suggests a relatively stable job market. The average salary in Honesdale, PA, is estimated to be around $47,311 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

However, salary ranges can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile earning around $30.9K and the 75th percentile earning approximately $58.2K annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Certain high-demand professions, such as Teachers, Dental, and RNs, can command salaries significantly above the city average (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Seasonal Temperatures

Honesdale experiences a distinct four-season climate, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature typically ranges from a low of 18°F in January to a high of 80°F in July (as reported by Time and Date). The warm season, from late May to mid-September, features average daily high temperatures above 70°F, with July being the hottest month (as reported by Time and Date).

Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 41°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 19°F and highs reaching 32°F (as reported by Time and Date). The temperature rarely drops below 3°F or exceeds 87°F throughout the year (as reported by Time and Date).

Precipitation and Snowfall

The area receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging around 48 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 11.3 wet days (as reported by Time and Date). Honesdale also experiences moderate snowfall, with an average of 52 inches per year, and January is generally the snowiest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common from early April through late August, with a greater than 30% chance of a wet day during this period (as reported by Time and Date). The drier season extends from late August to early April, with January having the fewest wet days (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and Schools

School District Performance

Honesdale is served by the Wayne Highlands School District, which has earned a B+ rating from Niche. The district serves approximately 2,369 students across various grade levels, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 64% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Honesdale High School itself holds a B+ rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. State test scores show that 73% of students are proficient in math and 86% in reading (as reported by Niche). The school is noted for its strong teachers, ranking within the top public high school teachers in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche).

Academic Strengths and Opportunities

Honesdale High School is recognized for its commendable teaching staff and a generally positive academic environment (as reported by Niche). While class options can be limited, the school offers a solid foundation for students, with many alumni feeling well-prepared for higher education (as reported by Niche).

The district as a whole is considered above average within Pennsylvania, with particular strengths in academics and teachers (as reported by Niche). The focus on teacher quality and student relationships contributes to a supportive learning atmosphere.

Demographics and Population

Population and Diversity

Honesdale has a population of approximately 4,467 residents (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2023). The borough has experienced a slight population decrease of -0.85% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with 95.63% of the population identifying as such (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

The gender distribution shows 44.4% male and 55.6% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Honesdale is 40 years, with a notable portion of the population in older age brackets (as reported by Point2Homes).

Income and Household Data

The median household income in Honesdale is reported as $47,485 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2023). The poverty rate is 24.7% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2023). Honesdale has an average of 2 members per household, with 44% of households being families and 56% consisting of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).

For renters, the median household income was $29,588 in 2022, with rent consuming approximately 44.5% of their earnings (as reported by Point2Homes). The homeownership rate in Honesdale is 51.7% (as reported by Data USA).