Is Millersville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Millersville
Millersville, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to regional amenities. This charming borough, nestled in Lancaster County, is known for its community-focused atmosphere and its proximity to educational institutions and natural landscapes. As residents and potential movers consider this locale, understanding its various facets—from safety and cost of living to employment and education—provides a comprehensive picture.
The town’s character is shaped by its historical roots and its role as a hub for higher education, notably housing Millersville University. This creates a dynamic environment with a relatively young median age, reflecting the presence of a significant student population. Exploring Millersville reveals a community that balances its residential appeal with opportunities for growth and engagement.
Is it Safe to Live in Millersville?
Millersville demonstrates a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Millersville is near the average for cities of all sizes across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Millersville is about 1 in 160 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Specifically, Millersville’s violent crime rate is notably below the national average, with violent crimes occurring less frequently than in most of the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The property crime rate in Millersville is comparable to the national average for all cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the town is considered safer than the average US city, with a B+ crime safety grade, it’s always advisable to research specific neighborhoods for localized safety information (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing Market
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Millersville is considered higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing expenses are a significant factor, with the median home value in Millersville standing at $353,092 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 4.3% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price of a home in Millersville was $328,000 in March 2026, reflecting a 5.9% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Millersville present a varied landscape. The average rent for an apartment in Millersville is approximately $1,585 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This is slightly lower than the national average rent, which stands at $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,585 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,765 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Cost of Living Breakdown
Beyond housing, other living expenses in Millersville contribute to its cost of living. Food expenses are notably below the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com). Transportation and healthcare costs are also lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Overall monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,135, and for a family of four, they are around $4,660 (as reported by Salary.com).
Millersville’s cost of living is significantly lower when compared to major cities like San Francisco or New York (as reported by Salary.com). This makes it a more affordable option for those relocating from larger metropolitan areas. The town’s cost of living is also lower than the state average for Pennsylvania (as reported by Salary.com).
Employment and Economy
Job Market Overview
Millersville’s economy is influenced by its status as a university town and its location within Lancaster County. Major employers in the area often include educational institutions, healthcare providers, and local businesses contributing to the service sector. The presence of Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a significant factor in the local job market, offering employment opportunities in academia, administration, and support services (as reported by Millersville University of Pennsylvania data).
The unemployment rate in Millersville is notably low. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate is 1.4% (as reported by Niche). This suggests a strong local job market with ample opportunities for residents. The median household income in Millersville is $67,866 (as reported by Census Reporter).
Major Employers
Millersville University of Pennsylvania stands as a primary employer, providing a substantial number of jobs within the community (as reported by Millersville University of Pennsylvania data). Beyond the university, other significant employers are spread across various sectors, supporting the diverse needs of the population. While specific lists of all major employers are not readily available, the presence of healthcare facilities and retail establishments also contributes to the local employment landscape.
The economic stability of Millersville is further bolstered by its connection to the broader Lancaster County economy. This broader economic base provides a wider range of employment options and supports the overall financial health of the region. Information on specific private sector employers is not extensively detailed in the provided search results.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasons
Millersville experiences distinct seasonal variations in its climate. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with average daily high temperatures reaching into the mid-80s°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with temperatures rarely dipping below the mid-60s°F at night.
Winters in Millersville are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures in January around 38°F and lows near 25°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The cold season extends from early December to early March, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 10°F. The town experiences an average annual temperature range from 24°F to 85°F, rarely exceeding 93°F or falling below 10°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 45 inches, including approximately 24 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Millersville can experience uncomfortably humid conditions during the summer, particularly in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The chance of rain on an average day in June is around 34%, with light rain being common (as reported by Wanderlog).
Over the course of the year, the climate is generally partly cloudy. The number of comfortable weather days, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, is estimated at around 145 days annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The best times to visit for comfortable weather are typically from May to June and again from mid-August to October.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Public schools in Millersville generally receive positive ratings. Letort Elementary School and Central Manor Elementary School both hold an overall Niche Grade of A- (as reported by Niche). These elementary schools serve a significant number of students, with student-teacher ratios of 18:1 and 17:1, respectively (as reported by Niche).
The school district as a whole performs well, ranking better than a high percentage of school districts in both Pennsylvania and the U.S. (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates a strong educational environment for younger residents. Further details on middle and high school ratings are available, with specific rankings for best public middle and high schools in the Millersville area (as reported by Niche).
Population and Demographics
Millersville has an estimated population of 9,993 as of 2026, showing consistent growth (as reported by World Population Review). The population has increased significantly since the 2020 census, indicating an expanding community. The median age in Millersville is notably young, at 21.9 years, largely due to the presence of Millersville University (as reported by World Population Review).
The racial composition of Millersville is predominantly White, making up approximately 75.2% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). Hispanic residents constitute about 12.9% of the population, followed by Asian and Black or African American residents at around 4.1% each (as reported by Census Dots). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 97.8% (as reported by Data USA).