Is West Pittston Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Pittston

West Pittston, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of suburban comfort and community spirit. Located in Luzerne County, it provides a distinct atmosphere for its residents. The borough is characterized by its dense suburban feel, with a significant portion of its inhabitants being homeowners.

This area is known for its local amenities, including numerous bars and restaurants that contribute to its social fabric. West Pittston attracts a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to retirees, and its political leanings tend to be conservative. The community is actively involved, fostering a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.

Is it Safe to Live in West Pittston?

West Pittston presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is comparable to the average for U.S. cities, with the eastern parts of the borough considered the safest (as reported by Crime Grade). Your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with higher safety in the east and a greater chance of experiencing crime in the southeast (as reported by Crime Grade).

The cost associated with crime per resident in West Pittston is approximately $383 annually, which is lower than the national average and slightly above Pennsylvania’s state average (as reported by Crime Grade). While specific crime statistics can fluctuate, the general perception and data suggest that West Pittston offers a secure living environment for its inhabitants.

Climate and Weather Patterns

The climate in West Pittston is characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 21°F to 83°F, with extremes rarely dropping below 6°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest period is from late May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 83°F and a low of 64°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Conversely, the cold season extends from December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures between 22°F and 35°F (as reported by Weather Spark). West Pittston experiences significant seasonal variations in rainfall, with September receiving the most rain (3.6 inches) and February the least (1.5 inches) (as reported by Weather Spark).

Demographics and Community Profile

West Pittston is home to approximately 4,679 residents, with projections indicating a slight increase to around 4,726 by 2026 (as reported by Data USA and West Pittston, Pennsylvania Population 2026). The population is predominantly White, accounting for about 93.7% of residents, followed by Hispanic and individuals identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data USA and West Pittston Demographics | Current Pennsylvania Census Data). The median age in West Pittston is 41.9 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by West Pittston, Pennsylvania Population 2026).

The borough has a homeownership rate of 52.5%, indicating that more residents own their homes than rent (as reported by Data USA). Citizenship is high, with 97.6% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). A small percentage of residents were born outside the country, at 2.67% (as reported by Data USA).

Housing Market and Costs

The housing market in West Pittston is described as very competitive. The median sale price of a home was approximately $278,000 last month, showing a significant increase of 98.2% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median property value was $179,100 in early 2024, with an increase of 9.74% from the prior year (as reported by Data USA).

Rental costs in West Pittston are generally lower than the national average. The average rent for all property types is around $1,395 per month, with a price range from $875 to $1,600 (as reported by Zillow and Zumper). The homeownership rate stands at 52.5%, which is below the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

Employment and Economic Landscape

The economy in West Pittston employs approximately 2.46k people. Key employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries are Manufacturing, Public Administration, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in West Pittston was $63,706 in 2024, reflecting a slight growth from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate for West Pittston is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but the state of Pennsylvania had an unemployment rate of 4.2% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). The average commute time for residents is 17.1 minutes, which is shorter than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Education and School Ratings

For educational opportunities, West Pittston is served by the Wyoming Area School District (as reported by Niche). Within the borough, the Wyoming Area Intermediate Center, catering to grades 4-6, has a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 6/10 (as reported by Homes.com). Other public schools serving the area include Bear Creek Community Charter School, rated B, and Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School, rated B- (as reported by Niche).

The educational attainment of West Pittston’s population shows that 39.2% have completed high school, while 21.7% have pursued college studies. A significant portion, 17.1%, hold a bachelor’s degree, and 9.9% have earned a master’s or doctorate degree (as reported by Point2Homes).