Is Lewistown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lewistown

Lewistown offers a blend of small-town charm and essential amenities, making it a noteworthy place to consider for a new residence. This guide delves into the various aspects of living in Lewistown, covering safety, the cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and the community’s makeup.

Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to Lewistown. The following information aims to provide a comprehensive overview, assisting potential residents in making an informed decision about whether Lewistown aligns with their lifestyle and needs.

Is it Safe to Live in Lewistown?

Crime Rates

Lewistown, Pennsylvania, presents a complex picture regarding crime statistics. The city has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026, with an overall crime rate that is 45% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 532, and property crime is 1 in 87 (as reported by DoorProfit).

However, a different analysis of FBI reported crime data indicates that Lewistown, PA, has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation among communities of all sizes. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Lewistown is one in 145, with a property crime rate of 20 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Pennsylvania, Lewistown has a lower crime rate than only 5% of communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

It is important to note that crime data can vary depending on the source and methodology. For instance, some reports state that Lewistown, PA crime rates are not available from the FBI crime report, and estimates are calculated based on demographic data (as reported by AreaVibes). These estimates should be used with caution, as they are not officially reported by any agency.

Pros and Cons of Living in Lewistown

Housing Costs

The housing market in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has seen significant fluctuations. In February 2026, the median sale price of a home was $229,000, marking a substantial increase of 169.4% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Lewistown are selling after an average of 79 days on the market, compared to 16 days last year (as reported by Redfin).

The median sale price per square foot in Lewistown is $111, which is up 57.4% since last year (as reported by Redfin). In contrast, Lewistown, Illinois, has a much lower median sale price of $24,000 as of March 2026, down 29.4% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the average rental price in Lewistown, PA, is $950 per month. This represents an increase of $150 over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range in Lewistown, PA, is typically between $660 and $1,300 (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has an employed population of 3,344, which saw a 3.58% decline in the year leading up to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Lewistown was $40,236 in 2024, with a poverty rate of 35.7% (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is 21.6 minutes, and the average car ownership is one car per household (as reported by Data USA).

In Lewistown, Montana, the average salary is approximately $61,780 per year, with an hourly rate of about $30 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median household income in Lewistown, MT, is $44,195, and the median home price is $159,500 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The unemployment rate for Montana was not available in the provided search results, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides national and state-level data.

Major employers in Lewistown, PA, can be found through local resources like the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce. For Lewistown, IL, economic development resources include the Fulton County Economic Development and the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce (as reported by City of Lewistown, IL). In Lewistown, MT, the Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a point of contact for business and economic information (as reported by City of Lewistown).

Climate

Lewistown, Montana, experiences a climate with significant seasonal variation. Summers are short and warm, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 73°F from June to September. The hottest month is July, with highs around 81°F and lows of 52°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F from November to March.

The coldest month is December, with average lows of 16°F and highs of 34°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Lewistown receives an average of 17.17 inches of precipitation annually, with the wettest month being June, averaging 2.5 inches of rain (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991-2020). January is the driest month, with an average of 0.1 inches of rain (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991-2020).

The chance of a wet day in Lewistown varies, with a wetter season from April to July, having over a 21% chance of precipitation on any given day. The drier season spans from July to April. Lewistown has an average of 10.0 wet days in June and only 1.5 wet days in February (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Lewistown

School Ratings

Lewistown, Montana, is served by the Lewistown Elementary School District, which has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). This district has 870 students in grades PK-8, with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. State test scores indicate that 45% of students are proficient in math and 49% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Lewistown Junior High School, also in Montana, has an overall Niche grade of B, with 195 students in grades 7-8 and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Proficiency rates are 45% in math and 50% in reading (as reported by Niche). Fergus High School in Lewistown, MT, has a rating of 3.37 out of 5 stars based on 103 reviews (as reported by Niche).

For Lewistown, Pennsylvania, Lewistown Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of C+, serving 452 students in grades K-3 with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. State test scores show 19% proficiency in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche). Lewistown Community Unit School District No. 97 in Illinois has an overall grade of C, with 601 students in grades PK-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Math proficiency is at 12%, and reading proficiency is at 20% (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Lewistown

Population and Diversity

Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has an estimated population of 8,479, a slight decrease from 2020 (as reported by Census Dots). The population is predominantly White at 84.5%, with smaller percentages of Hispanic (6.9%), Multiracial (6.7%), Asian (1.0%), and Black (0.9%) residents (as reported by Census Dots). Lewistown has become more racially diverse since 2020 but is less diverse than Pennsylvania overall.

The median age in Lewistown, PA, is 37 years. The population is distributed with about 22.2% under 15, 10.8% between 15 and 24, 28.3% between 25 and 44, 22.6% between 45 and 64, and 16.1% aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes). Lewistown has 3,802 households, with an average of 2 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes).

Lewistown, Montana, has a population of 6,210 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home price in Lewistown, MT, is $159,500 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The cost of living in Lewistown, MT, is approximately 6% lower than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs in Lewistown, MT, are 25.6% lower than the national average, with a single person spending about $893 per month on housing (as reported by Salary.com).