Is Olyphant Safe, Pros and cons of living in Olyphant

Olyphant, Pennsylvania, nestled in Lackawanna County, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience. This borough provides a generally peaceful environment for its residents, with a community feel that many find appealing. Its location northeast of Scranton places it within reach of urban amenities while maintaining a distinct identity.

The borough has a history rooted in the anthracite coal industry, which shaped its development and economy. While that era has passed, Olyphant has adapted, evolving into a residential community that attracts those seeking a quieter pace of life. Its housing stock ranges from single-family homes to apartments, catering to various preferences.

Is it Safe to Live in Olyphant?

Crime Rates

Olyphant demonstrates a strong safety record, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is 81% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime in Olyphant is notably low, with a rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants, which is well below the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also remains below average for the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When considering the chance of becoming a victim of crime, Olyphant presents a favorable outlook. There is a 1 in 245 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Olyphant overall, a much lower probability than the national average of 1 in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 2,699, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 270 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Neighborhood Safety Perceptions

While statistical data points to a safe environment, local perceptions can offer additional insight. Residents generally consider the northeast part of Olyphant to be the safest area within the borough (as reported by AreaVibes). Crime statistics vary by neighborhood, with chances of being a victim ranging from 1 in 14 in the west to 1 in 84 in the northeast (as reported by AreaVibes).

The cost of crime per resident in Olyphant is also lower than the state and national averages. This translates to tangible savings for the community, with projected crime-related costs per resident being $323 annually (as reported by AreaVibes). These figures reflect the combined costs of the criminal justice system, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders.

Cost of Living and Housing

Overall Cost of Living

Olyphant, Pennsylvania, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living in Olyphant is 2% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). However, other sources indicate that living costs are 4% lower than the U.S. national average and 18% lower than Pennsylvania’s state average (as reported by Salary.com).

This cost advantage is largely driven by housing expenses, which are considerably lower than the national median. While some utility prices and transportation costs may be slightly higher than the national average, the overall affordability remains a key draw for residents (as reported by PayScale).

Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Olyphant is characterized by its affordability. The median home value in Olyphant is approximately $160,900, which is significantly lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). Another report indicates the median home value at $132,200 (as reported by Livability.com), and yet another places it at $234,000 as of December 2025 (as reported by Prop:Metrics).

Rental costs are also competitive. The median rent in Olyphant is $963 per month (as reported by Niche), with other sources citing an average rent of $1,238 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes Olyphant a more affordable option for renters compared to many other areas in the U.S.

Home Prices and Appreciation

Home prices in Olyphant have shown a positive trend, with appreciation rates that are generally below the national average but indicate a stable market. As of December 2025, the median home price in Olyphant, PA, was $234,000, marking a year-over-year increase of 15.6% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). Zillow projects a 3.8% increase in home prices over the next year (as reported by Prop:Metrics).

Historically, Olyphant’s home appreciation rate has been below the national average, with an average annual rate of 5.50% over the last decade (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, recent data shows a 1.28% appreciation rate over the last twelve months, which is still lower than most U.S. communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The economic landscape of Olyphant has evolved from its industrial past. While specific unemployment figures for Olyphant are not readily available, the broader Lackawanna County offers a diverse business climate (as reported by Lehigh Valley Health Network). The proximity to Scranton provides access to a larger employment market and various industries.

Major employers in the greater Lackawanna County area include institutions like the University of Scranton, Bank of America, and Chewy Inc. (as reported by Lehigh Valley Health Network). Other significant employers include Penn Foster, Lockheed Martin, and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City (as reported by Lehigh Valley Health Network).

Average Salaries and Income

The average salary in Olyphant, PA, is approximately $44,012 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage is around $41,700 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For a single individual, the estimated monthly cost of living, including bills and housing, is around $1,805 (as reported by Salary.com).

For families, the estimated monthly expenses are approximately $4,080 (as reported by Salary.com). The median household income in Olyphant is reported as $66,423 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a poverty rate of 8.77% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Seasons

Olyphant experiences distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 20°F to 81°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 5°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 81°F and lows in the mid-60s (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs near 33°F and lows around 21°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from May to September is generally considered the most comfortable for outdoor activities, with average daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Olyphant. September typically sees the most rain, with an average of 3.6 inches, while February has the least, averaging 1.4 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wet season generally runs from April to August, with June experiencing the most wet days (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is common during the winter months. The annual average snowfall is around 58 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The climate is described as partly cloudy year-round, with clearer skies from June to November and cloudier conditions from November to June (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

School District and Ratings

Olyphant is part of the Mid Valley School District, which serves students from Olyphant, Dickson City, and Throop. The district enrolls approximately 1,940 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and operates two schools: Mid Valley Elementary Center and Mid Valley Secondary Center (as reported by Wikipedia). The district performs better than 56.6% of all Pennsylvania school districts and 65.1% of U.S. school districts (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Some public schools serving Olyphant include Jefferson Elementary School and North Pocono High School, which have received B+ ratings (as reported by Niche). Other schools like Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School and Mid Valley Secondary Center also serve the area with varying ratings (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

Olyphant has a population of approximately 5,381 residents (as reported by Niche). The borough is predominantly White, with White non-Hispanic residents making up about 86.81% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups are present in smaller percentages, including those of Hispanic ethnicity (as reported by Data USA).

The median age in Olyphant is around 40.5 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is a mix of families and individuals, with about 61.7% of households being family units (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Olyphant

Advantages of Olyphant

Olyphant offers a compelling combination of affordability and safety, making it an attractive place to live. The cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Niche, Apartments.com, Salary.com). This affordability extends to both homeowners and renters, providing financial relief compared to many other areas.

The borough also boasts a low crime rate, well below national and state averages, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (as reported by AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). The community atmosphere and proximity to Scranton add to its appeal, offering a balance between a quiet lifestyle and access to urban conveniences.

Potential Challenges

While Olyphant offers many advantages, potential residents should consider certain aspects. The job market, while present, may be more limited within the borough itself, with many residents likely commuting to nearby Scranton or other employment centers for broader opportunities (as reported by Lehigh Valley Health Network). The historical economic downturns related to the coal industry may still influence the local economy’s dynamism.

Furthermore, while the overall climate is temperate, the winters are cold and snowy, which can be a consideration for those unaccustomed to such conditions (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The pollution index in Olyphant is noted as being higher than the national average, which could be a factor for some individuals (as reported by AreaVibes).