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Is Hazleton a Good Place to Live? Hazleton, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hazleton ranks #1049 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #168 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($151,600, #20 of 208), and trails on low household income ($46,177, #194 of 208) and high unemployment (5.5%, #171 of 184).
Hazleton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hazleton'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 Hazleton?
Hazleton's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,089/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,339, 23% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Hazleton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 93.6#403 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $224,339#187 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $151,600#84 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,089/mo#312 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 28.3%#1201 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.
Hazleton 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. Hazleton is in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Hazleton safe?
Hazleton recorded 164 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #267 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #52 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hazleton Police Department. Property crime runs 499 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hazleton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 164#267 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 499#24 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 Hazleton?
The median household in Hazleton earns $46,177, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 25% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hazleton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $46,177#1272 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 25%#1238 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Hazleton?
The median resident of Hazleton is 37.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hazleton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 10.8%#1301 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 51.1% | 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 Hazleton's schools and health?
Hazleton's 3 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $13,485 spent per pupil. 44.1% of adults are obese and 16% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hazleton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.6#694 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,485#767 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44.1%#1269 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16%#1217 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 23.2%#1250 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. 2,553 students are enrolled in Hazleton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hazleton?
The average commute in Hazleton is 21.3 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 1.7% of workers take transit and 3.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hazleton scores 9.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.1°F and winters 27.1°F, with 53.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hazleton | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21.3 min#448 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 68.6% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.7% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 3.4% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.7#723 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 | 32.5 | 17.6 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 34.8 | 17.8 | 3 |
| Mar | 43.8 | 24.9 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 57.4 | 36.6 | 4.4 |
| May | 67.4 | 46.5 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 75.9 | 55.9 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 80.2 | 60.6 | 5.2 |
| Aug | 77.9 | 58.3 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 72.1 | 52 | 5.2 |
| Oct | 60.3 | 41.3 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 47.7 | 30.6 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 37 | 22.8 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mahanoy City 2 N.
| Measure | Hazleton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 48°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 27.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 53.6 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 Mahanoy City 2 N.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hazleton?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Hazleton's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Luzerne County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Hazleton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#400 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 Luzerne County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Luzerne County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0037% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 46% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% 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 Hazleton compare with similar-size cities?
Hazleton is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #168 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 30,111.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #1049 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 | 21.3 min |
| Newark, DEPop. 30,330 | #671 | 55.6 | $76,912 | $1,654/mo | 299 | 19 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 |
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 Hazleton compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Hazleton ranks #15 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 49 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 40% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below 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 Hazleton's score calculated?
Hazleton scores 49 out of 100, #1049 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Hazleton. Similar-size median 52.9.
31.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hazleton's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
92.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hazleton. Similar-size median 52.2.
26.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hazleton's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
48.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hazleton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
81.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hazleton. Similar-size median 46.7.
14.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hazleton. Similar-size median 44.2.
37.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hazleton. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hazleton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
72.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hazleton'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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Is Hazleton, PA a good place to live?
Hazleton ranks #1049 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #168 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($151,600, #20 of 208), and trails on low household income ($46,177, #194 of 208) and high unemployment (5.5%, #171 of 184).
What is the cost of living in Hazleton?
Hazleton's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,089/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,339, 23% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Hazleton?
Hazleton recorded 164 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #267 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #52 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hazleton Police Department. Property crime runs 499 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hazleton?
The median household in Hazleton earns $46,177, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 25% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hazleton?
Median rent in Hazleton is $1,089/mo (Census), #312 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 28.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hazleton?
The typical home value in Hazleton is $224,339, up 2.4% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $151,600.
How are the public schools in Hazleton?
Hazleton's 3 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $13,485 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hazleton?
The average commute is 21.3 minutes, #448 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hazleton?
Hazleton averages 48°F over the year, 68.1°F in summer and 27.1°F in winter, with 53.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hazleton walkable?
Hazleton scores 9.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #723 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 Hazleton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Luzerne County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
Who lives in Hazleton?
Hazleton has 30,111 residents. The median resident of Hazleton is 37.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hazleton compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Hazleton ranks #15 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 49 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 40% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Hazleton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hazleton's population of 30,111 are Newark, DE (#671 overall), Morgantown, WV (#831 overall), Paragould, AR (#1008 overall), Bixby, OK (#138 overall), and Anderson, SC (#1148 overall). Hazleton is #1049.