Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Emerald, PA
Thinking of moving to Emerald, PA? This small, friendly community of around 1,800 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of just $178,000 and average rents near $950. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (112 per 100K) and an easy, 28-minute average commute surrounded by Pennsylvania’s scenic landscapes. With reputable local schools, nearby hospitals, and four-season weather, Emerald is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with access to nearby city amenities.
Demographics - Emerald, PA
Demographics - Emerald, PA
Emerald, PA is a close-knit community of about 1,800 residents, with a median age of 44.1 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups, and only 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The moderate population density and stable age distribution contribute to a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,800
Density:
850 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Emerald, PA?
Living in Emerald is affordable, with a median home price of $178,000 and average rent around $950, making it an accessible option for families and individuals alike. The cost of living index is below the national average at 92.4, and housing costs are especially reasonable, while utilities and healthcare remain manageable. State income tax is a flat 3.07%, adding to the area’s budget-friendly appeal.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
80.3
Utilities:
104.1
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Emerald, PA a safe place to live?
Emerald boasts a low crime rate, with just 112 violent crimes and 1,045 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Residents enjoy a high chance of safety, with a 1 in 893 risk for violent crime. The community’s secure environment supports a peaceful, worry-free lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
112
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,045
Crime Index:
1,157
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 893
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in Emerald, PA year-round?
Emerald experiences all four seasons, with cold winters (lows near 20°F), warm summers (highs up to 84°F), and moderate rainfall averaging 44.1 inches annually. About 52% of days are sunny, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Residents can expect comfortable spring and fall temperatures, perfect for year-round activities.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Emerald’s residents typically earn a median household income of $58,700, with a poverty rate of 8.6% and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The community is well-educated, with over 90% of adults holding a high school diploma and 20.5% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most people commute by car, averaging about 28 minutes to work, reflecting the area’s suburban character.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$58,700
Family Income:
$69,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,800
Income Male:
$45,100
Income Female:
$35,700
Poverty Rate:
8.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.5%
Education
How are the schools in Emerald, PA?
Emerald offers quality education through its public schools, including Palmerton Area High School and S.S. Palmer Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Private schooling options and nearby colleges like Lehigh Carbon Community College and Kutztown University provide additional academic opportunities. Families benefit from a range of educational choices within and near the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Palmerton Area High School
Street:
3525 Fireline Rd
Phone:
610-826-3155
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
S.S. Palmer Elementary School
Street:
325 Franklin Ave
Phone:
610-826-7538
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
Carbon County Christian School
Street:
330 Blakeslee Blvd Dr E
Phone:
610-379-8611
Students:
85

Colleges
Name:
Lehigh Carbon Community College
City:
Schnecksville
State:
PA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
City:
Kutztown
State:
PA
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Emerald is strong, with major hospitals like Lehigh Valley Hospital–Carbon and St. Luke’s Hospital–Carbon Campus nearby, both offering emergency services. The area has a solid ratio of physicians (2.2 per 1,000 residents) and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.1%. Residents benefit from comprehensive care and reliable medical facilities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Carbon
Address:
2128 Blakeslee Blvd Dr E, Lehighton, PA 18235
Phone:
(610) 402-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Luke’s Hospital–Carbon Campus
Address:
500 Long Run Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235
Phone:
(272) 639-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Emerald, PA?
Emerald’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $178,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. The majority of homes are owner-occupied (78.2%), and the area has experienced a healthy 5.1% appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, and new construction is steady, reflecting a balanced market.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Emerald residents are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), with the nearest regional office located in Harrisburg. Services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and more can be accessed both in-person and online at the state DMV website. The process is streamlined for convenience and efficiency.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.