PennsylvaniaPop. 29,739Small cities
Is Easton a Good Place to Live? Easton, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Easton ranks #317 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #60 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($196,300, #52 of 208), and trails on long commutes (27.8 min, #181 of 208) and high living costs (100, #166 of 208).
Easton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Easton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Easton?
Easton's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,325/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $383,113, 32% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Easton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 100#644 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $383,113#588 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,857/mo#616 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $196,300#214 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,325/mo#566 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 22.9%#769 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Easton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Easton is in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Easton safe?
Easton recorded 167 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 26% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #279 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #56 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Easton Police Department. Property crime runs 673 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Easton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 167#279 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 673#77 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Easton?
The median household in Easton earns $69,348, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Easton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $69,348#827 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Easton?
The median resident of Easton is 31.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Easton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 31.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.2%#868 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 44.5% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Easton's schools and health?
Easton's 6 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $19,153 spent per pupil. 35.9% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Easton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $19,153#252 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.9%#855 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.5%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.6%#838 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,142 students are enrolled in Easton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Easton?
The average commute in Easton is 27.8 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 2% of workers take transit and 15.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Easton scores 15.3 of 20 (most walkable), #24 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.3°F and winters 31.7°F, with 51 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Easton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 27.8 min#984 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 10.3%#1073 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 69.8% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 15.1% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 15.3#24 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37.7 | 21.5 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 40.4 | 22.1 | 3 |
| Mar | 48.8 | 29.3 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 62.3 | 39.4 | 3.9 |
| May | 71.8 | 49.4 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 80.9 | 59 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 85.6 | 63.7 | 5.6 |
| Aug | 82.5 | 62 | 5.2 |
| Sep | 76.8 | 54.5 | 4.7 |
| Oct | 64.8 | 43.5 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 32.5 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 42.5 | 25.9 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Phillipsburg-Easton Brg.
| Measure | Easton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 52.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 72.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 31.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 51 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Phillipsburg-Easton Brg.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Easton?
Northampton County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Northampton County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Easton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#457 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Northampton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Northampton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0075% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.095% | 65% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 55% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 48% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Easton compare with similar-size cities?
Easton is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #60 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,739.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #317 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 | 27.8 min |
| Morgantown, WVPop. 30,236 | #831 | 52.8 | $44,727 | $937/mo | 239 | 16.2 min |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #1008 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 | 20.4 min |
| Bixby, OKPop. 30,155 | #138 | 66.9 | $104,404 | $1,393/mo | 80 | 24.2 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #904 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 | 20.1 min |
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #204 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 | 27.2 min |
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #48 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 | 19.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Easton compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Easton ranks #4 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 61.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 11% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 32% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Easton's score calculated?
Easton scores 61.8 out of 100, #317 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Easton. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Easton's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
91.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Easton. Similar-size median 52.2.
47.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Easton's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
76.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Easton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
73.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Easton. Similar-size median 46.7.
40.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Easton. Similar-size median 44.2.
40.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Easton. Similar-size median 47.3.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Easton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
75.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
65.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Easton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Easton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Easton
Is Easton, PA a good place to live?
Easton ranks #317 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #60 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($196,300, #52 of 208), and trails on long commutes (27.8 min, #181 of 208) and high living costs (100, #166 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Easton?
Easton's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,325/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $383,113, 32% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Easton?
Easton recorded 167 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 26% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #279 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #56 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Easton Police Department. Property crime runs 673 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Easton?
The median household in Easton earns $69,348, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Easton?
Median rent in Easton is $1,325/mo (Census), #566 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,857/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Easton?
The typical home value in Easton is $383,113, up 3.5% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $196,300.
How are the public schools in Easton?
Easton's 6 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $19,153 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Easton?
The average commute is 27.8 minutes, #984 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 10.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Easton?
Easton averages 52.1°F over the year, 72.3°F in summer and 31.7°F in winter, with 51 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Easton walkable?
Easton scores 15.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #24 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Easton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Northampton County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Easton?
Northampton County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Easton?
Easton has 29,739 residents. The median resident of Easton is 31.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Easton compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Easton ranks #4 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 61.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 11% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 32% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Easton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Easton's population of 29,739 are Morgantown, WV (#831 overall), Paragould, AR (#1008 overall), Bixby, OK (#138 overall), Anderson, SC (#1148 overall), and Central, LA (#710 overall). Easton is #317.