Is Williamsport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Williamsport

Williamsport, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Lycoming County, offers a blend of small-city charm and accessible amenities. Located along the Susquehanna River, the city boasts a rich history tied to the lumber and manufacturing industries, which have shaped its character and economic landscape over time. Today, Williamsport presents a diverse community with a variety of housing options and a cost of living that is generally in line with national averages, though with some variations in specific categories like utilities.

The city’s climate features four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, including parks and recreational areas, while the downtown offers a hub for dining, shopping, and cultural events. Williamsport provides a unique living experience for those seeking a balance between urban conveniences and a more relaxed pace of life.

Is it Safe to Live in Williamsport?

Williamsport’s overall crime rate is reported to be slightly higher than the national average, with specific concerns noted for property crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Williamsport is approximately 1 in 439, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 63 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city has a crime rate of 22.87 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes).

Compared to other Pennsylvania cities, Williamsport’s crime rate is higher than 89% of the state’s cities and towns. When comparing Williamsport to communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is notably above average. The cost of crime per resident in Williamsport is estimated at $362 per year (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs in Williamsport

The housing market in Williamsport offers a range of options, with the median home value reported at $204,000 as of December 2025, showing a year-over-year increase of 4.5% (as reported by realtor.com®). The average rent in Williamsport, PA, is approximately $1,686 as of April 2026, which is 13% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).

For those looking to rent, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,335, and a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,299. Houses for rent in Williamsport, PA, can be more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,600. The median home price in Williamsport is $505,887, which is 5.3% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

The unemployment rate in Williamsport was 5.20% as of the latest reports, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.33% (as reported by YCharts). Major employers in the Lycoming County area include UPMC Susquehanna, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and the Williamsport Area School District (as reported by the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis).

Other significant employers contributing to the local economy include Weis Markets Inc., West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., and Lycoming County itself. The Pennsylvania College of Technology is a notable institution, offering a variety of programs and serving as a key employer in the region (as reported by Lensa).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Williamsport experiences a climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 19°F to 86°F throughout the year. The city receives an average of 43 inches of precipitation annually, which includes about 33 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The warmest month in Williamsport is July, with average highs of 85°F and lows of 63°F. January is typically the coldest month, with average highs of 35°F and lows of 20°F. The city experiences significant rain and snowfall, averaging 1068 mm of precipitation annually (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).

Education and School Ratings

The Williamsport Area School District receives an overall Niche grade of B+, serving approximately 4,807 students in grades K-12. State test scores indicate that 34% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading (as reported by Niche).

The top-ranked public schools in Williamsport, PA, include Loyalsock Twp Sr. High School, Loyalsock Twp Middle School, and Central Elementary School. Schools in Williamsport have an average ranking of 4 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Williamsport

Williamsport is home to approximately 27,628 residents as of 2024, with a median age of 31.5 years (as reported by Data Commons). The population is diverse, with approximately 75% Caucasian, 13% African American, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (as reported by Point2Homes).

The gender distribution shows 50.8% male and 49.2% female residents. In terms of household composition, there are 11,320 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is reported at $48,851 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Cost of Living in Williamsport

The overall cost of living in Williamsport, PA, is reported to be 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are notably lower, being 9% less than the national average, while utility prices are about 21% higher (as reported by Payscale).

To live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents in Williamsport, an estimated salary of around $71,000 before taxes is recommended. This includes estimated annual costs for housing at $22,272, groceries at $8,640, and goods and services at $11,556 (as reported by Apartments.com).