Is Shillington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Shillington
Shillington, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban charm and community-focused living, making it an appealing option for those considering a move. Nestled within Berks County, this borough provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas while remaining accessible to urban amenities. Its relatively close-knit atmosphere and tree-lined streets contribute to a peaceful environment, attracting individuals and families alike.
The town’s historical roots are evident, with connections to notable figures like Pennsylvania’s first governor, Thomas Mifflin, and author John Updike, whose fictional works often mirrored the Shillington landscape. This rich background adds a unique character to the community, blending historical significance with modern suburban life. For those seeking a place to call home, Shillington presents a compelling narrative of affordability and quality of life.
Is it Safe to Live in Shillington?
Shillington demonstrates a strong safety profile, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 65% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to a reduced risk of becoming a victim of crime, with a 1 in 137 chance overall (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent crime rates in Shillington are particularly low, standing at 110 per 100,000 people, which is 69.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 911 (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also considerably lower than the national average, with a 64.6% decrease (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Shillington presents an attractive option for prospective homeowners and renters. The median home value in Shillington was approximately $203,500 in 2024, a figure that represents a 6.77% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). This median home value is notably lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the market also offers competitive pricing. As of May 2026, the average rent in Shillington is $1,478 per month, which is 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,478 per month, while a two-bedroom unit is approximately $1,566 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Homeownership Trends
The homeownership rate in Shillington is 62.9%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a balanced market with opportunities for both homeowners and renters. The housing market is described as competitive, with homes often selling quickly (as reported by Redfin).
Recent sales data indicates a dynamic market, with median sale prices varying. For instance, one report shows a median listing home price of $284,900 (as reported by Realtor.com®), while another indicates a median home value of $260,081 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Homes are selling at a competitive pace, with an average of 8.5 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).
Job Market and Economy
Shillington’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services being the most prominent sectors for employment (as reported by Data USA). These sectors provide a stable base for the local workforce.
The most common job groups within Shillington include office and administrative support occupations, sales and related occupations, and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is approximately 21.7 minutes, with most individuals driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA).
Employment and Wages
As of May 2026, the median wage in Shillington is $47,500 per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $63,100 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This indicates a range of earning potential across different professions. The average salary for a Receptionist is $14.74 per hour in Shillington, PA (as reported by Indeed).
The highest paying industries in Shillington include professional, scientific, and technical services, wholesale trade, and public administration (as reported by Data USA). These fields offer higher earning opportunities for those with specialized skills and experience.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Shillington experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 23°F to 85°F, rarely dropping below 9°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by BestPlaces). The hottest month is July, with average highs of 85°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 24°F (as reported by BestPlaces).
Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. The annual average precipitation in Shillington is approximately 44 inches (as reported by Livability.com). July is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Temperature Variations
The summer season in Shillington lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 76°F (as reported by BestPlaces). The winter season, spanning from early December to early March, sees average daily high temperatures below 47°F (as reported by BestPlaces).
Residents can expect comfortable weather for a significant portion of the year. Shillington experiences about 165 days annually with comfortable weather, generally between May and October (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This period is characterized by mild temperatures and manageable humidity levels.
Education and School Ratings
Shillington is served by the Governor Mifflin School District, which provides educational services to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Overall, the public schools in Shillington are considered above average (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, some elementary schools, such as Mifflin Park Elementary School, receive high ratings, with Mifflin Park Elementary School holding a rating of 4.83 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Governor Mifflin Senior High School, serving grades 9-12, has a B- rating on Niche and a 6/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com).
Academic Performance
While some schools within the Governor Mifflin School District perform well, others face challenges. Cumru Elementary School shows strong proficiency rates in math and English language arts, often exceeding district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, the district’s middle and high schools have experienced academic performance below state averages in recent years (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
The district serves a significant number of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, indicating socioeconomic challenges that can impact academic success (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Efforts are ongoing to address these disparities and support student achievement across all schools.
Demographics and Community
Shillington is home to a population of approximately 5,492 residents, with projections indicating a slight increase in the coming years (as reported by Data USA). The borough is characterized by a diverse population, with White residents forming the largest demographic group, followed by Hispanic and individuals of two or more races (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Shillington is 36.9 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (as reported by Data USA). A significant majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a very high percentage of citizenship compared to the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living and Income
The cost of living in Shillington is generally aligned with or slightly below national averages. The overall cost of living is 1% higher than the Pennsylvania average but 3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Shillington are notably lower, standing 11% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median household income in Shillington was $79,922 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). However, 14.9% of Shillington families live below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a disparity in economic well-being among residents.