Is Mountain Top Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mountain Top
Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger urban centers. Nestled in Luzerne County, this census-designated place provides a community feel with a population of approximately 11,850 residents (as of 2024) (Data USA). The area is characterized by a predominantly white demographic, with over 89% identifying as such (Data USA; Census Reporter). This community is known for its strong sense of homeownership, with nearly 90% of residents owning their homes (Data USA; Niche).
The cost of living in Mountain Top presents a mixed picture, with some expenses being lower than the national average and others slightly higher. Housing costs are notably lower, approximately 44% below the national average (Salary.com). However, utility prices are about 15% higher than the national average (Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas and bus fares, are also elevated, being 13% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Is it Safe to Live in Mountain Top?
Mountain Top is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 44% lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are even more favorable, sitting at 52% below the national average (AreaVibes). This translates to a low chance of being a victim of crime, with figures suggesting a 1 in 85 chance of being a victim of any crime (AreaVibes).
Further data indicates that Mountain Top’s crime rate is lower than nearly 70% of other cities and towns in Pennsylvania (NeighborhoodScout). The community ranks in the 98th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 98% of cities in the U.S. (CrimeGrade.org). This strong safety record is a significant draw for residents seeking a secure environment.
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Mountain Top shows a median listing price of around $425,000, with a median price per square foot of $178 (realtor.com®). This indicates a competitive market, with homes typically selling close to their list price and a decrease in the average time homes spend on the market (realtor.com®).
Year-over-year, the number of homes for sale has increased by over 65%, while the median price has risen by more than 15% (realtor.com®). This trend suggests a growing demand and appreciating property values within Mountain Top. The homeownership rate is high, with approximately 89% of residents owning their homes, reflecting a stable and established community (Data USA; Niche).
Rental Market Overview
For those considering renting, the average rent for all property types in Mountain Top is approximately $1,000 per month (Zillow). Recently, the average rent has seen a decrease of $250 month-over-month and $375 year-over-year (Zillow). However, other data suggests that the median monthly rent is $849 (Niche).
The rental market shows a slight shift, with an increase in the average rent price for houses by 14% over the past year (Trulia). This indicates a dynamic rental landscape with varying trends depending on property type and reporting source.
Job Market and Economic Landscape
The employment sector in Mountain Top has seen growth, with a 3.26% increase in employment from the previous year, employing approximately 6,110 individuals (Data USA). The most prominent industries for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Educational Services (Data USA).
Key job roles within the community include Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (Data USA). The average salary in Mountain Top is around $42,789 per year, with the median wage at $40,600 annually (ZipRecruiter). Some popular jobs, such as CDL Driver, Teacher, and Nurse, offer salaries that are significantly higher than the city average (ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
Several companies operate within or near Mountain Top, contributing to the local economy. These include Philips Lighting North America, CIW Enterprises, Inc., and Thales Broadcast & Multimedia (Zippia). Geisinger Medical Center is also a significant healthcare provider in the region (Zippia). Additionally, CornellCookson, a manufacturer of overhead door and closure products, has facilities in Mountain Top (Zippia).
Other notable employers in the broader Pennsylvania region that may impact the Mountain Top job market include Packaging Corporation of America, XPO Logistic Freight Inc., and Luzerne County (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). These entities represent diverse sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to public services.
Cost of Living Details
Mountain Top’s overall cost of living is considered to be 2% higher than the national average, according to Payscale. However, Salary.com indicates that living in Mountain Top is 3% lower than the U.S. national average. This discrepancy may be due to different methodologies and data points used in their calculations.
When breaking down expenses, housing costs are notably lower than the national average (Payscale; Salary.com). Conversely, utility prices are higher, by about 15% (Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly above the national average, by approximately 3% (Payscale).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Mountain Top experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions year-round (Weather Spark). Temperatures typically range from 18°F to 80°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 3°F or exceeding 87°F (Weather Spark).
The warmest months are July and August, with average daily high temperatures around 79°F (Weather Spark). Winter brings colder temperatures, with January being the coldest month, experiencing average daily highs around 32°F and lows near 18°F (Weather Spark). The area receives significant snowfall during the winter months, with an average of 38 inches annually (Livability.com).
Precipitation and Seasonal Variations
Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Mountain Top, with September being the wettest month, averaging 3.7 inches of precipitation (Weather Spark). The period from April to August sees a higher chance of wet days, exceeding 30% on average (Weather Spark). Conversely, January experiences the fewest wet days, with an average of 6.7 days (Weather Spark).
The average annual rainfall is approximately 43 inches (Livability.com). Seasonal variations are distinct, with summers being warm and wet, and winters being freezing and snowy (Weather Spark).
Educational Opportunities
Mountain Top is served by the Crestwood School District, which includes three public schools. The district itself is ranked well within Pennsylvania, receiving a 4 out of 5-star rating from SchoolDigger (SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Mountain Top demonstrate strong academic performance, with math proficiency scores of 51% and reading proficiency scores of 69%, both exceeding the Pennsylvania state averages (Niche). Overall, schools in Mountain Top are ranked in the top 30% of Pennsylvania public schools (Niche).
Specific schools like Rice Elementary School and Fairview Elementary School are recognized for their academic achievements, particularly in math and reading proficiency (SchoolDigger.com). Crestwood Secondary Campus also shows strong performance, with a high graduation rate of 98% and an average SAT score of 1210 (Homes.com).
Demographics and Community Profile
Mountain Top is home to approximately 11,850 residents, with a slight majority being male at 50.5% (Data USA). The median age in Mountain Top is around 45 years (Data USA; Census Reporter). The population is largely composed of White residents, making up over 89% of the community (Data USA; Census Reporter).
The community exhibits a strong commitment to homeownership, with 89.3% of residents owning their homes (Data USA). The average household size is about three members, and a significant portion of households, 75.3%, are family-oriented (Data USA).
Income and Household Statistics
The average annual household income in Mountain Top was reported as $139,795 in 2024, showing a substantial increase from the previous year (Data USA). The median household income in Mountain Top is approximately $109,535 (Data USA; Census Reporter; Mountain Top, PA – Wikipedia). Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 report the highest median income, reaching $121,607 (Data USA).
The poverty rate in Mountain Top is relatively low, standing at 5.78% (Mountain Top, PA Population 2026). For renters, the median household income was $38,473 in 2022, with a rent-to-income ratio of 26.5% (Data USA).