Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Drifting, PA
Thinking of moving to Drifting, PA? This small community of about 520 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $118,000 and average rents near $850. Crime rates are low, and you'll enjoy peaceful rural surroundings with short average commutes of 27 minutes. While education and amenities are more limited locally, public schools and major hospitals are accessible within a short drive. Drifting is a great fit for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle in central Pennsylvania.
Demographics - Drifting, PA
Demographics - Drifting, PA
Drifting, PA is a small, close-knit community of around 520 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 44.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The low population density and limited linguistic diversity contribute to its rural, quiet atmosphere.
Population:
520
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Drifting, PA?
Drifting offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $118,000 and average rents around $850, making it budget-friendly compared to national averages. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, and Pennsylvania’s flat income tax rate helps keep expenses manageable for residents.
Median House Value:
$118,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
62.1
Utilities:
104.8
Transportation:
90.5
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Drifting, PA a safe place to live?
The city experiences low crime rates, with just 95 violent crimes and 755 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety and security. Residents enjoy a low chance of encountering crime, contributing to the area's peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
755
Crime Index:
850
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 132
Weather
What is the weather like in Drifting, PA year-round?
Drifting experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 14°F and warm summers reaching highs near 80°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about half the year, providing a variety of seasonal outdoor opportunities.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The typical household in Drifting earns about $48,600, with a per capita income of $25,800 and a modest poverty rate of 11.8%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the town’s rural setting.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$48,600
Family Income:
$56,300
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Drifting, PA?
Local students attend public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and higher education is easily accessible via Penn State University just 20 miles away. While there are no private school options in town, the nearby schools offer comprehensive educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
West Branch Area Junior/Senior High School
Street:
444 Allport Cutoff, Morrisdale, PA 16858
Phone:
(814) 345-5616
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School
Street:
502 Philips St, Philipsburg, PA 16866
Phone:
(814) 342-0507
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Colleges
Name:
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
City:
State College
State:
PA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
46,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Mount Nittany Medical Center and Penn Highlands Clearfield, both offering full emergency services. With 91.3% of residents insured and a solid number of physicians per capita, healthcare in Drifting is accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mount Nittany Medical Center
Address:
1800 E Park Ave, State College, PA 16803
Phone:
(814) 231-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Penn Highlands Clearfield
Address:
809 Turnpike Ave, Clearfield, PA 16830
Phone:
(814) 768-2490
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Drifting, PA?
Drifting’s housing market favors homeowners, with nearly 80% owner-occupied units and a median home price of $118,000. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $850, and home values have seen steady but modest appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Drifting residents are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), which provides services such as licensing and vehicle registration through its main office in Harrisburg and online resources.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
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.