Is Johnstown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Johnstown
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of historical charm and evolving economic opportunities. Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, this city, once a powerhouse of American industry, is now navigating a transition, with its economy shifting towards healthcare, defense, and technology sectors. Its affordable cost of living and close-knit community atmosphere are appealing factors for those seeking a slower pace of life.
The city’s resilience is evident in its history, marked by significant events like the devastating 1889 flood, which earned it the nickname “Flood City.” Despite these challenges, Johnstown has consistently rebuilt and adapted, demonstrating a strong community spirit. Today, it continues to serve as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and culture, offering a distinct character shaped by its industrial past and its forward-looking development initiatives.
Is it Safe to Live in Johnstown?
Johnstown’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with the total crime rate reported at 3,220.7 per 100,000 residents in 2024 (according to FBI data). This places it in the 16th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 16% of U.S. cities. Violent crime in Johnstown is also elevated, standing at 586.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 63.3% higher than the Pennsylvania state average (according to FBI data).
Specific crime categories, such as murder, are notably higher than the national average, with a rate of 29.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 4.8 times the national rate (according to FBI data). Property crime also exceeds the state average, at 2,634.2 per 100,000 residents, marking a 25.2% increase over Pennsylvania’s average (according to FBI data). Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest area (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Johnstown is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Overall, Johnstown is approximately 7% less expensive than the national average (according to PayScale and Extra Space Storage). This affordability extends significantly to housing, which is about 29-30% cheaper than the U.S. average (according to Apartments.com, PayScale, and RentCafe).
The median listing price for a home in Johnstown was $75,000 as of March 2026 (according to Realtor.com®), and the average home value was $86,108 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). For renters, the average rent for an apartment is around $751 per month, which is substantially lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This makes Johnstown a more accessible market for both homebuyers and renters compared to many other areas in the country.
Housing Market Dynamics
The Johnstown housing market is characterized by its affordability and relatively quick turnover. As of March 2026, homes in Johnstown sell after an average of 15 days on the market, a decrease from 37 days the previous year, indicating increased buyer interest (according to Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Johnstown was $48,200 in March 2026, showing a year-over-year increase of 13.4% (according to Redfin).
Rental prices are also competitive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $751 and for a two-bedroom apartment around $927 as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). The median rent across all property types was $850 per month as of April 2026, significantly below the national average (according to Zumper and Zillow).
Job Market and Major Employers
Johnstown’s economy is transitioning from its industrial past, with a growing emphasis on healthcare, defense, and technology. The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to employment, with Conemaugh Health System being a major employer in the region (according to Conemaugh Health System and Wikipedia). This system includes multiple hospitals and outpatient centers, serving a large patient population.
The defense and technology industries also play a crucial role, with companies like Northrop Grumman contributing to the local economy through federal government contracts. Manufacturing, historically dominant, remains a key sector, alongside retail, which also provides a substantial number of jobs (according to Cambria County Economic Development).
Employment Trends and Salaries
As of May 2026, the average annual salary in Johnstown is approximately $58,481 (according to ZipRecruiter). This figure represents a weekly average of $1,124 or a monthly average of $4,873. The median individual income in Johnstown was reported as $26,222 in 2024 (according to Data Commons), and the median household income was $37,888 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes).
The unemployment rate in the Johnstown metro area was 4.7% in 2023, showing a decrease from previous years (according to Census data). While specific salary ranges vary by profession, popular jobs in areas like healthcare and defense offer competitive compensation, reflecting the city’s evolving economic landscape.
Climate and Weather
Johnstown experiences a four-season climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of about 17°F in January to a high of approximately 79°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives a moderate amount of snowfall, with an average of 88 inches annually, and January is typically the snowiest month (according to myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with a total of about 44 inches annually, and June being the wettest month (according to myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels are generally comfortable, and the city enjoys a good amount of sunshine, with July having the most sunny days.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summers in Johnstown are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 79°F and a low of 60°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January experiencing average highs of 34°F and lows of 18°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, with comfortable weather typically from May to September.
The city sees significant snowfall, particularly in January and February, with average accumulations of around 4 inches per month during those periods. The total annual precipitation is around 44 inches, with June receiving the most rainfall.
Education and Schools
Johnstown is served by several public school districts, with the Greater Johnstown School District being a primary one. This district has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, serving approximately 2,820 students across various grade levels (according to Niche). However, state test scores indicate that only 9% of students are proficient in math and 18% in reading within this district.
The overall testing ranking for schools in Johnstown places them in the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania, with an average math proficiency score of 11% and a reading proficiency score of 24% (according to Public School Review). Top-ranked schools in the area include Conemaugh Twp Area Elementary School, Richland Elementary School, and Richland High School (according to Niche).
Educational Institutions
Beyond K-12 education, Johnstown is home to higher education institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. These campuses attract students to the region and contribute to its role as an educational center (according to Wikipedia). These institutions offer a range of programs and contribute to the local intellectual and cultural landscape.
The educational landscape in Johnstown presents a mixed picture, with some highly regarded elementary and high schools alongside challenges in overall district-wide proficiency scores. The presence of higher education institutions provides opportunities for continued learning and professional development within the community.
Demographics
Johnstown’s population is predominantly White, making up approximately 68.4% of residents, followed by Black or African American at 13.2%, and Multiracial at 10.6% (according to Census Dots). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease, with an estimated 18,087 residents in 2024, down from 18,411 in 2020 (according to Census Dots and Point2Homes).
The median age in Johnstown is 44 years, indicating a relatively mature population. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 48.8% males and 51.2% females (according to Point2Homes). The population is characterized by a significant percentage of US-born citizens, with a small fraction of foreign-born residents.
Population Trends and Diversity
While Johnstown has historically been a more diverse city than the state of Pennsylvania overall, recent data suggests a slight decrease in racial diversity since the 2020 Census (according to Census Dots). The Hispanic population has seen growth, increasing by an estimated 45.9% since the 2020 Census.
The city has a notable percentage of residents living alone or with non-relatives, with 55.3% of households comprising individuals rather than families. This demographic characteristic can contribute to a varied community dynamic within the city.