Is McKeesport Safe, Pros and cons of living in McKeesport

McKeesport, a city with a rich industrial past, is situated at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. Once a booming center for steel manufacturing, it has undergone significant transformations. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the rise of U.S. Steel, which was formed in part from local industrial giants. This legacy has shaped its identity and continues to influence its present-day character.

The population of McKeesport is approximately 16,825 as of 2026, showing a slight decline from previous census data (as reported by population data sources). The median age is around 41 years, with a demographic distribution that includes a notable percentage of residents aged 65 and older. The gender balance shows slightly more females than males in the population (as reported by demographic data sources).

Is it Safe to Live in McKeesport?

McKeesport’s crime rate is a significant concern for potential residents. The overall crime rate is substantially higher than both the national and state averages (as reported by crime statistics websites). Violent crime rates, in particular, are considerably elevated compared to national figures, with assault being a notable issue (as reported by crime data sources).

Your chance of being a victim of crime in McKeesport varies by neighborhood, with some areas considered safer than others. While the southeast part of the city is generally regarded as the safest, other neighborhoods may present a higher risk. The cost of crime per resident is also higher than the national and state averages, reflecting the impact of criminal activity on the community (as reported by crime analysis reports).

Violent Crime

Violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are a concern in McKeesport. The city experiences a violent crime rate that is significantly above the national average (as reported by crime statistics). This means that residents have a higher likelihood of being affected by violent incidents compared to many other U.S. cities.

Specific categories like murder and assault show particularly high rates when compared to national benchmarks (as reported by crime data). While robbery rates may be lower than the national average in some reports, the overall picture for violent crime indicates a need for heightened awareness and caution (as reported by crime statistics websites).

Property Crime

Property crime also presents a challenge in McKeesport, with rates often exceeding national averages (as reported by crime statistics). Burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft are among the property crimes that contribute to this elevated rate. The data suggests that property-related offenses are more prevalent than violent crimes within the city, aligning with broader national trends (as reported by crime data analysis).

The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is a considerable factor for residents to consider. While year-over-year crime trends may show some fluctuations, the overall statistics indicate a persistent issue with property-related offenses in McKeesport (as reported by crime statistics websites).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

McKeesport offers a notable advantage in terms of housing affordability. The median home value is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers (as reported by real estate data platforms). This affordability extends to rental properties as well, with median rents also falling well below the national median.

The housing market in McKeesport is currently characterized as a buyer’s market, with a greater supply of homes than demand (as reported by real estate market analyses). This dynamic, coupled with a decline in year-over-year home prices, suggests favorable conditions for those looking to purchase property in the area.

Median Home Price

The median home value in McKeesport is substantially lower than the national average, offering an accessible entry point for homeownership (as reported by real estate data providers). This makes the city a compelling option for individuals and families seeking to maximize their housing budget.

While specific median home prices can fluctuate, recent data indicates figures around $72,339 (as reported by Livability.com) and $58,500 (as reported by Kurby AI). Other sources place the median listing price around $74.9K and typical home values at $96,205 (as reported by Zillow). These figures consistently highlight McKeesport’s affordability relative to national housing markets.

Median Rent

Rental costs in McKeesport are also considerably more affordable than the national average (as reported by rental market data). The median rent is substantially lower than what is typically seen in many other U.S. cities, making it an appealing option for renters.

As of recent data, the median rent in McKeesport hovers around $1,085 to $1,095 per month (as reported by Zumper and Zillow). Other sources indicate a median rent of $748 (as reported by Kurby AI) or even lower at $707 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This wide range reflects different methodologies but consistently points to a more affordable rental market compared to the national standard.

Job Market and Economy

McKeesport’s job market reflects a transition from its historical industrial base. While the city is working to attract new industries, employment sectors like Healthcare & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade are significant (as reported by employment data sources). The job market is characterized by a workforce where a majority are employed in professional or administrative positions.

The average salary in McKeesport is lower than the national average, a factor that aligns with the city’s overall lower cost of living (as reported by salary data providers). The unemployment rate, while fluctuating, has been reported to be higher than the national average in some analyses (as reported by employment statistics).

Major Employers

While specific lists of major employers can change, key industries that drive employment in McKeesport include healthcare and retail. Companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and FedEx are present, along with others in the retail and service sectors (as reported by company directories). Efforts are also underway to attract modern manufacturing and logistics companies to the area, aiming for a more diversified industrial base (as reported by economic development analyses).

Historically, the National Tube Works was a dominant employer, but its closure marked a significant shift in the city’s economic landscape. Today, the focus is on developing new economic opportunities and attracting businesses that can provide sustainable employment for residents.

Average Salary and Unemployment Rate

The average salary in McKeesport is reported to be around $53,000 per year, with variations depending on the source and methodology (as reported by salary data websites). Other estimates place the average annual salary at approximately $40,604 (as reported by ZipRecruiter) or $65,981 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). These figures are generally lower than the national average salary.

The unemployment rate in McKeesport has been noted as being higher than the national average, with some reports indicating figures around 11.5% or 12% (as reported by demographic and employment data). However, other sources suggest a current employment rate of approximately 92.91%, which translates to an unemployment rate around 7.09% (as reported by employment data maps).

Climate and Weather

McKeesport experiences a climate typical of the northeastern United States, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and partly cloudy, while winters are cold, snowy, and predominantly cloudy (as reported by climate data services). The temperature variation throughout the year ranges from an average low in the 20s°F during winter to an average high in the 80s°F during summer.

The city receives a moderate amount of annual precipitation, with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Snowfall is common during the winter months, contributing to the winter landscape. The climate offers a full range of seasonal experiences for residents.

Average Temperatures

The average annual temperature in McKeesport ranges from approximately 24°F in January to 84°F in July (as reported by climate data). The warm season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 74°F. Conversely, the cold season, from early December to early March, sees average daily high temperatures below 47°F.

July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows around 66°F. January is the coldest, with average highs of 38°F and lows of 25°F. These temperature ranges are characteristic of a humid continental climate zone.

Average Rainfall and Snowfall

McKeesport receives an average of about 42 inches of precipitation annually, including rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (as reported by weather data sources). June typically sees the most rainfall, while January has the least.

The city experiences an average of approximately 23 to 25 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by weather data sources). The snowy period generally lasts from late November through late March, with February often being the snowiest month.

Education and Schools

The McKeesport Area School District serves the city’s student population, offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district operates several schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools.

While the district has been recognized for its diversity, academic performance on standardized tests is a significant area for improvement. Student proficiency in math and reading is often below state averages, and graduation rates have seen some decline in recent years (as reported by school district data and reviews).

School Ratings and Performance

McKeesport Area School District generally receives a C or C+ overall rating from educational review sites (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). Standardized test scores indicate that a lower percentage of students are proficient in math and reading compared to the state average (as reported by Public School Review).

Francis McClure Elementary School is noted for having the highest performance on PSSA tests within the district for math and English Language Arts (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, the district as a whole faces academic challenges, with most schools performing below state averages.

Demographics and Population

McKeesport has a population of approximately 17,727 residents, according to recent census data (as reported by Wikipedia and other demographic sources). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease in recent years.

The demographic makeup of McKeesport is diverse, with a significant population identifying as White and African American. Other racial and ethnic groups are also represented, contributing to the city’s varied community composition (as reported by demographic data sources).

Population Breakdown

The racial composition of McKeesport includes approximately 49.7% White and 35.8% African American residents, with smaller percentages identifying with other races or multiple races (as reported by demographic data). The population is composed of about 46.1% males and 53.9% females (as reported by demographic data sources).

The age distribution shows a median age of around 41 years. A notable portion of the population is over 65 years old, while a significant segment is under 18, indicating a mix of age groups within the community (as reported by demographic data).

Cost of Living

McKeesport offers a cost of living that is considerably lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to reside (as reported by cost of living calculators). Housing expenses, in particular, are significantly below national benchmarks.

While overall living costs are lower, certain expenses like utilities can be slightly higher than the national average. However, the affordability of housing and other daily necessities contributes to a lower overall financial burden for residents compared to many other areas (as reported by cost of living data).