Is Schuylkill Haven Safe, Pros and cons of living in Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven, a borough nestled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities. It provides a distinct living experience for its residents, characterized by a generally sparse suburban feel where most individuals own their homes. The community is known for its local establishments, including numerous bars and restaurants, contributing to a lively social atmosphere for many young professionals who choose to reside here. The town’s demographic profile leans conservative, shaping a unique community dynamic within the region.

The borough is situated in a region with a temperate climate, experiencing warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of 21°F in the winter to a high of 84°F in the summer, with rare extremes outside this spectrum. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with average annual rainfall around 50 inches and snowfall averaging 27 inches. This climate supports a variety of seasonal activities and influences the natural beauty of the surrounding Blue Mountains.

Is it Safe to Live in Schuylkill Haven?

Schuylkill Haven is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than the national average. Recent data indicates that the overall crime rate is approximately 55% below the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a low occurrence of both violent and property crimes, contributing to a sense of security for its inhabitants.

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Schuylkill Haven is about 1 in 752, which is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Similarly, the risk of being a victim of property crime is also reduced, with a chance of 1 in 123 (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics, derived from FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data and local law enforcement agencies, paint a picture of a community where safety is a strong attribute.

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Schuylkill Haven is notably below national benchmarks. Reports indicate a rate of 133 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is 63% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This category includes offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, all of which appear to occur at a reduced frequency within the borough.

The FBI UCR data and local law enforcement reports suggest a low incidence of violent offenses. For instance, the rate of assault is reported as 134.4 per 100,000, with robbery at 23.6 per 100,000, and rape at 16.3 per 100,000 (as reported by DoorProfit). These figures contribute to the overall perception of safety and security within the community.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime rates in Schuylkill Haven also demonstrate a favorable trend when compared to national figures. The borough experiences a property crime rate of 817 per 100,000 residents, which is 53.6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic encompasses offenses like burglary, larceny, theft, and vehicle theft.

Further breakdown of property crime reveals that larceny/theft occurs at a rate 26% below the national average, and vehicle theft is 32% below the average (as reported by DoorProfit). The rate of burglary is also significantly lower, at 52% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). These statistics collectively indicate a low risk of property-related crimes for residents.

Cost of Living in Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven presents a cost of living that is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to state and national averages. The overall cost of living in the borough is approximately 4% higher than the U.S. national average, but notably 177% lower than Pennsylvania’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This suggests that while it may be slightly more expensive than some areas nationally, it remains a budget-friendly option within the state.

Housing costs are a significant factor in the cost of living, and in Schuylkill Haven, they are reported to be 18.8% lower than the national average per month for both single individuals and families (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to other essential expenses, with food, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs also falling below national averages (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Costs

The housing market in Schuylkill Haven offers a median home price that is attractive to potential buyers. As of March 2026, the median sale price for all home types was $165,000, showing a slight year-over-year increase of 3.9% (as reported by Redfin). This median price reflects a market that is accessible for many, especially when considering the broader Pennsylvania real estate landscape.

Rental prices in Schuylkill Haven are also competitive. The average rent for all property types stands at $1,300 per month, with a modest year-over-year increase of $100 (as reported by Zillow). This provides a more flexible housing option for those not looking to purchase a home immediately.

Median Home Price and Rent

The median home price in Schuylkill Haven was $231,981 as of March 31, 2026, indicating a 6.3% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This figure aligns with other reports, which place the median home price around $225,000 (as reported by Movoto). However, other sources indicate a median sale price of $165,000 (as reported by Redfin) and a median listing price of $209.9K (as reported by Home.LLC).

For renters, the average rent is approximately $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is consistent with other rental data, which shows a range of available apartments and townhouses. The rental market offers various options, with prices generally falling within a reasonable range for the area.

Average Salary and Income

The average salary in Schuylkill Haven provides context for the local economy and earning potential. Salary.com estimates the average annual salary for employees at Schuylkill Haven Borough to be $68,585, translating to an hourly wage of approximately $33 (as reported by Salary.com). This figure is an estimation and may vary based on specific roles and experience levels within the company.

Broader economic data indicates a median household income of $54,167 (as reported by World Population Review) and a median individual income of $34,400 (as reported by Data Commons). These figures provide a more comprehensive view of the financial landscape for residents of Schuylkin Haven.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Schuylkill County, which encompasses Schuylkill Haven, was 5.6% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This represents a slight increase of 0.8 percentage points from the previous year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that county-level unemployment statistics do not always account for seasonal fluctuations, suggesting that this figure should be viewed with a long-term perspective.

This rate places Schuylkill County among the counties in Pennsylvania with a higher unemployment rate, ranking 14th out of 67 counties in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This suggests a job market that may require focused effort for those seeking employment.

Job Market and Major Employers

Schuylkill Haven and its surrounding county host a diverse range of employers, contributing to the local economy. While specific major employers within the immediate borough might be smaller in scale, the broader Schuylkill County area benefits from a variety of industries. These include retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and education, providing employment opportunities for residents.

Key employers in Schuylkill County include large retail chains like Walmart Associates Inc., and grocery stores such as Boyer’s Food Markets Inc. (as reported by Coal Region Canary). Manufacturing is also a significant sector, with companies like Hexcel Corporation and Cardinal Systems, Inc. having a presence (as reported by Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce). Healthcare services are provided by entities like Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street (as reported by Coal Region Canary).

Major Employers in Schuylkill County

The list of top employers in Schuylkill County is extensive, featuring a mix of national corporations and local institutions. Walmart Associates Inc. and State Government are listed among the largest employers, followed by Hydro Extrusion USA LLC and Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street (as reported by Coal Region Canary). Other significant employers include Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, Jeld-Wen Inc., and Wegmans Food Markets Inc.

Educational institutions also play a vital role in the employment landscape, with Schuylkill Haven Area School District and Blue Mountain School District being key employers (as reported by Coal Region Canary). Additionally, manufacturing and industrial companies like Hexcel Corporation and Fabcon Precast LLC contribute to the job market (as reported by Coal Region Canary, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce).

Climate in Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. The summers are warm to hot and humid, while the winters are cold with significant snowfall. The town is generally partly cloudy throughout the year, with variations in cloud cover depending on the season.

The average daily high temperature in the summer, from late May to mid-September, typically exceeds 74°F, with July being the hottest month, often reaching highs around 83°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the winter season, from December to early March, brings colder temperatures, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 22°F and a high of 36°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Average Temperatures

Throughout the year, temperatures in Schuylkill Haven generally fluctuate between 21°F and 84°F. The warmest period of the year occurs from late June to late August, with daily highs often reaching into the upper 80s Fahrenheit. The coolest months are typically December through March, with January seeing the lowest average temperatures.

The average annual temperature hovers around 62°F high and 42°F low (as reported by Livability.com). This range reflects the typical conditions experienced across the four seasons, with summers being pleasantly warm and winters being distinctly cold.

Average Rainfall and Snowfall

Schuylkill Haven receives a moderate amount of precipitation annually. The average annual rainfall is approximately 50 inches (as reported by Livability.com). This rainfall is distributed throughout the year, contributing to the region’s generally lush environment.

Winter months bring snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of about 27 inches (as reported by Livability.com). This snow contributes to the winter landscape and can provide opportunities for winter sports or activities, while also necessitating winter preparedness for residents.

Education in Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven is served by the Schuylkill Haven Area School District, which provides educational services for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district is generally rated well, with Niche giving it a B- overall rating (as reported by Niche). This suggests a solid educational foundation for the community’s youth.

Specific schools within the district also receive attention. Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center is rated as above average, with a B grade from Niche (as reported by Niche). Schuylkill Haven Senior High School is rated C+ by Niche, with 129 reviews and a rating of 3.48 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

The public schools in Schuylkill Haven are considered above average by residents (as reported by Niche). Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center, serving grades K-4, has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, and 56% of students are proficient in math and reading (as reported by Niche). This indicates a focused learning environment for younger students.

For older students, Schuylkill Haven Senior High School serves grades 8-12. It has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, with 29% of students proficient in math and 55% in reading (as reported by Niche). Despite the C+ overall rating, reviews mention the school being safe and teachers being supportive.

Higher Education Options

While Schuylkill Haven itself is a small borough, it is in proximity to higher education opportunities. Penn State Schuylkill is located nearby, offering associate and baccalaureate degrees, providing local options for residents pursuing higher education (as reported by Movoto). This proximity allows students to access university-level education without needing to relocate far from home.

Additionally, the broader region offers access to other colleges and universities, expanding the educational possibilities for those seeking advanced studies. This accessibility to higher learning institutions contributes to the overall appeal of the area for students and families.

Demographics of Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven is home to a population of approximately 5,253 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The borough has a median age of 38 years, with slightly older age ranges for females (38.7 years) compared to males (36.9 years) (as reported by World Population Review). The population is composed of nearly equal numbers of males and females, with a ratio of approximately 93.2 males for every 100 females.

The demographic makeup of Schuylkill Haven is predominantly White, with 86.94% of the population identifying as such (as reported by World Population Review). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages, including Black or African American, and individuals of Two or more races. The Hispanic population constitutes about 9.46% of the residents (as reported by World Population Review).

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Schuylkill Haven has seen a slight increase, with a projected population of 5,293 in 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). This indicates a modest growth rate of approximately 0.19% annually. The median age of 38 years suggests a community with a balanced mix of age groups, not heavily skewed towards younger or older populations.

The age distribution shows a stable population, with a median age that aligns with national averages for many communities. This demographic stability contributes to the consistent character of the borough and its established community feel.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial composition of Schuylkill Haven is predominantly White, accounting for 86.94% of the population (as reported by World Population Review). This figure is consistent across multiple data sources, highlighting the dominant ethnic group within the borough. Other racial categories, such as Black or African American and Two or more races, make up smaller proportions of the population.

The Hispanic or Latino population represents 9.46% of the residents (as reported by World Population Review). While diversity is present, Schuylkill Haven is noted as having lower diversity compared to many other places in Pennsylvania and the U.S. (as reported by Niche).

Homeownership and Citizenship

In Schuylkill Haven, the homeownership rate is approximately 66.6% (as reported by Data Commons). This indicates that a majority of residents own their homes, contributing to the borough’s characteristic sparse suburban feel. The median property value in Schuylkill Haven was $132,400 (as reported by Data Commons).

Citizenship is nearly universal among residents, with 100% of the population being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data Commons). This high rate of citizenship is consistent with national averages and reflects the established nature of the community.