Pennsylvania / Lancaster County

Moving to Ephrata, PA

Thinking of making a move to Ephrata, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ephrata, PA

Considering a move to Ephrata, PA? This welcoming community of 13,450 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,190. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ephrata's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ephrata, PA

Ephrata has a population of 13,450 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 84% White, 5% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
13,450
Density
3,850 per sq mi
Median Age
40.2
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
11.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
83.5%
Black
5.1%
Asian
3.0%
Others
8.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ephrata, PA?

The cost of living in Ephrata is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.8. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,190. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,190
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 4.99%
Cost Of Living Index
95.8
Grocery
98.7
Housing
89.4
Utilities
103.1
Transportation
97.2
Health Care
101.0
Miscellaneous
96.4

Crime

Is Ephrata, PA a safe place to live?

Ephrata is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 132 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
132
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,180
Crime Index
1,312
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 758
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

What is the weather like in Ephrata, PA year-round?

Ephrata experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $74,800 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 26% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,500
Household Income
$74,800
Family Income
$90,200
Per Capita Income
$32,900
Income Male
$46,800
Income Female
$39,600
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Non English Speakers
16.4%
Rent
$1,190
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Public Transport Usage
6.1%
Commute Time
26.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.6%
Bachelors or More
26.4%

Education

How are the schools in Ephrata, PA?

Ephrata offers quality education options, with public schools like Ephrata Middle School, Ephrata High School, and Ephrata Intermediate School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Harrisburg Area Community College - Lancaster Campus and Millersville University of Pennsylvania. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ephrata Middle School
Street
16 Nevin St
Phone
717-721-1190
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Ephrata High School
Street
803 Oak Blvd
Phone
717-721-1200
Students
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio
15.3
Name
Ephrata Intermediate School
Street
132 N State St
Phone
717-721-1180
Students
780
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6

Private Schools

Name
Ephrata Mennonite School
Street
2184 Division Hwy
Phone
717-738-5600
Students
260
Name
Our Lady of Saint Joseph School
Street
330 Church Ave
Phone
717-733-4720
Students
190

Colleges

Name
Harrisburg Area Community College - Lancaster Campus
City
Lancaster
State
PA
Distance
10 miles
Students
5,800
Name
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
City
Millersville
State
PA
Distance
15 miles
Students
7,300

Healthcare

Ephrata residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital and Lancaster General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital
Address
169 Martin Ave, Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone
(717) 738-6111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lancaster General Hospital
Address
555 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone
(717) 544-5511
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ephrata, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.6%. Ephrata offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,190
Owner Occupied Rate
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Ephrata handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ephrata, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ephrata, review the core fields on this page: population 13,450, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,190, commute time 26.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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