Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carbondale, PA
Considering moving to Carbondale, PA? This friendly city of 8,689 residents offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $110,000 and average rents at $825. Commute times are short at just 22 minutes, and you'll find a close-knit community with good access to local schools and nearby healthcare. Crime rates are slightly higher than national averages but remain manageable, and you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons with 49% sunny days each year. Carbondale is a great option for those seeking small-town charm, value housing, and easy access to the Scranton metro area.
Demographics - Carbondale, PA
Demographics - Carbondale, PA
Carbondale is home to about 8,700 residents, with a population density of 2,000 per square mile and a median age of 40.9. The city is predominantly White, with a small but diverse presence of other ethnic groups and nearly 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This creates a community that feels both established and welcoming to newcomers.
Population:
8,689
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.9
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.2%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carbondale, PA?
Carbondale offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value around $110,000 and typical rents at $825. Housing and everyday expenses are notably affordable, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families and individuals. State income taxes are low, adding to the area's overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
101.0
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Carbondale, PA a safe place to live?
While Carbondale's crime rates are slightly above the national average, most incidents involve property crime, with the chance of becoming a victim at about 1 in 61. Violent crime is less common, with roughly 1 in 487 residents affected annually. Overall, residents find the community manageable with basic safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,629
Crime Index:
1,834
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 487
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Carbondale, PA year-round?
Carbondale experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters with average lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching highs of 81°F. The area receives nearly 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 49% of the year. This climate offers a classic Northeastern experience, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Carbondale is just under $40,000, and about 23% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average around 22 minutes. The community is close-knit, with a modest unemployment rate and limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$39,750
Family Income:
$50,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$36,600
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
22.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
6.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Carbondale, PA?
Carbondale offers well-rated public and private schools, including Carbondale Area Junior-Senior High and LaSalle Academy, with student-teacher ratios around 14:1. Families also benefit from proximity to higher education, with Lackawanna College and the University of Scranton just 14 miles away. The city provides strong educational options for learners of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Carbondale Area Junior-Senior High School
Street:
101 Brooklyn St
Phone:
570-282-4500
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Carbondale Area Elementary School
Street:
101 Brooklyn St
Phone:
570-282-5656
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
LaSalle Academy
Street:
309 1st Ave
Phone:
570-489-2010
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Lackawanna College
City:
Scranton
State:
PA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
University of Scranton
City:
Scranton
State:
PA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Residents of Carbondale have access to local primary care at Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers and comprehensive services just a short drive away in Scranton. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare needs are generally well met. Major hospitals and emergency services are easily accessible within the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers - Carbondale
Address:
141 Salem Ave, Carbondale, PA 18407
Phone:
(570) 282-2031
Type:
Primary & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Geisinger Community Medical Center
Address:
1800 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510
Phone:
(570) 703-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carbondale, PA?
The housing market in Carbondale is highly affordable, with median home prices at $110,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $825. About 59% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Home values have been appreciating steadily, making this an attractive area for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Carbondale residents are served by PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, located in nearby Dunmore. Essential services like licensing, vehicle registration, and state resources are easily accessible either in person or online. This ensures convenient access to all driver and vehicle needs within Pennsylvania.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
81 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, PA 18512
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.