Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ephrata, PA
Considering a move to Ephrata, PA? This charming town of 13,800 residents features affordable housing with a median home price of $255,000 and average rents around $1,140. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (86 per 100k), short average commutes of 22.7 minutes, and a friendly community atmosphere. With well-rated schools, access to a local hospital, and a cost of living below the national average, Ephrata is a great fit for families and those seeking a balanced, small-town lifestyle.
Demographics - Ephrata, PA
Demographics - Ephrata, PA
Ephrata is home to about 13,800 residents, with a median age of 39.1 and a population density of 4,400 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a growing diversity and around 10.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is fairly balanced, making Ephrata a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.
Population:
13,800
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
10.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ephrata, PA?
Ephrata offers a cost of living that is below the national average, with a median home value of $255,000 and average rents near $1,140 per month. Utility and transportation costs are reasonable, and Pennsylvania’s flat state income tax rate of 3.07% helps keep overall expenses manageable for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,140
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.5
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
88.9
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
97.7
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
95.4
Crime
Is Ephrata, PA a safe place to live?
Ephrata boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 86 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and newcomers. While property crime is higher, with a chance of 1 in 89, the overall crime index remains moderate and on par with similar-sized towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
86
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,125
Crime Index:
1,211
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,163
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Ephrata, PA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with winters averaging lows in the 20s and summers reaching the mid-80s. The area receives about 42.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn a median income of $57,650, and about 87% of adults have at least a high school diploma. The 10.7% poverty rate is balanced by a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, and average commute times are a convenient 22.7 minutes, fostering a comfortable and community-focused lifestyle.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$57,650
Family Income:
$67,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,140
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.9%
Education
How are the schools in Ephrata, PA?
Ephrata features well-regarded public schools, including Ephrata Senior High School and Ephrata Middle School, both offering favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster provide families with diverse educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Ephrata Senior High School
Street:
803 Oak Blvd
Phone:
717-721-1478
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Ephrata Middle School
Street:
957 Hammon Ave
Phone:
717-721-1450
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Ephrata Mennonite School
Street:
598 Stevens Rd
Phone:
717-733-7226
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
City:
Lancaster
State:
PA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ephrata is anchored by WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The area has a good physician-to-population ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 residents, and over 93% of locals have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital
Address:
169 Martin Ave, Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone:
(717) 733-0311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ephrata, PA?
Ephrata’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $255,000 and a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.9% over the past year. Owner-occupancy stands at about 58%, and rental options are available with a moderate vacancy rate, offering flexibility for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,140
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle driver and vehicle services through PennDOT, with accessible support at the Harrisburg location or online at the official Pennsylvania DMV website. The state offers straightforward licensing and registration processes for new arrivals.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
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.