Is Montoursville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Montoursville
Is it Safe to Live in Montoursville?
Montoursville is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is 28% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes in Montoursville are 82% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
While Montoursville boasts a low crime rate, it’s important to note that property crime rates are slightly above the national average. Property crime averages 256.6 per 100,000, which is 56.8% above the national average (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). The most common offense in this category is larceny (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Demographics and Community Profile
Montoursville has a population of approximately 4,706 residents, with a median age of 45.2 years (as reported by Point2Homes and US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The borough is predominantly White, with 97.9% identifying as such (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females (as reported by Point2Homes).
The community is home to a population where 99.5% are citizens, indicating a stable and established resident base (as reported by Data USA). A small percentage of residents, 0.467%, were born outside of the country (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Montoursville is 9.75%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Data USA).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Montoursville is generally lower than the national average. Overall, it is 3% lower than the national average, and housing costs are notably more affordable (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and AreaVibes). The median home price in Montoursville is approximately $282,566 (as reported by Zillow).
Rental costs in Montoursville are also competitive. The median rent for all bedroom types and property types is around $1,500 per month (as reported by Zillow and Zumper). This is approximately 14% lower than the national average rent (as reported by Zumper).
Despite the generally lower cost of living, some expenses can be higher than the national average. Transportation costs in Montoursville are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). However, food, housing, and healthcare costs are all more affordable than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Montoursville’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with Health Care and Social Services being a leading sector (as reported by Data USA). Other significant industries include Transportation and Warehousing, Public Administration, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (as reported by ZoomProspector). The unemployment rate in Montoursville has seen a significant decrease, falling by 43.3% from 2017 to 2023 (as reported by CensusDepth).
The average salary in Montoursville is approximately $44,584 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income was reported as $59,919 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes and US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). Major employers in the broader Lycoming County area include UPMC Susquehanna, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Lycoming Engines, indicating a diverse employment landscape (as reported by Center for Workforce Information & Analysis).
Employment in Montoursville itself saw growth between 2023 and 2024, increasing by 2.21% (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups for residents include Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Management Occupations (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Montoursville experiences a climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 19°F to 85°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 85°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows near 20°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The annual precipitation in Montoursville averages about 43 inches, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data). Snowfall averages around 36 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data).
The most comfortable months for visiting or living in Montoursville are generally from May to September, when temperatures are milder and humidity is more pleasant (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area experiences significant seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation.
Education and School Ratings
Montoursville public schools generally perform well, with an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (as reported by Niche). The Montoursville Area School District has an overall Niche grade of B+ and serves approximately 1,679 students (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency in the district’s schools is 53%, and reading proficiency is 60% (as reported by Niche).
Top-ranked public schools in Montoursville include Lyter Elementary School, Montoursville Area Senior High School, and Donald E. Schick School (as reported by Niche). Lyter Elementary School is particularly noted for its high test scores and performance, ranking 98th out of 1,511 Pennsylvania elementary schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
The student-teacher ratio in the Montoursville Area School District is 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). A large majority of K-12 students in Montoursville, 99%, are educated in public schools (as reported by Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Montoursville
Montoursville offers a compelling mix of affordability and safety, making it an attractive place to consider for relocation. The cost of living is below the national average, particularly for housing, which provides significant financial relief for residents (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and AreaVibes). The community also boasts a low crime rate, especially for violent offenses, contributing to a sense of security (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, there are aspects to consider that might present challenges. Property crime rates, while not excessively high, are above the national average, indicating a need for continued vigilance (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). Additionally, transportation costs can be higher than the national average, which may impact household budgets for those who rely heavily on personal vehicles (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
The job market, while showing growth and supported by key industries like healthcare, may offer a median salary that is lower than in some other regions. The median household income is $59,919 (as reported by Point2Homes), which, while respectable, might require careful budgeting for some individuals and families.