Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ernest, PA
Considering a move to Ernest, PA? This small borough of around 410 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $72,000 and typical rents at just $635. Crime rates are low, and most commutes average a quick 26 minutes. Ernest features a close-knit community, modest cost of living, and access to reputable schools and nearby healthcare. With a scenic, temperate climate and strong owner-occupancy, it's a great spot for those seeking quiet, budget-friendly living in western Pennsylvania.
Demographics - Ernest, PA
Demographics - Ernest, PA
Ernest, PA is a small, tightly-knit community of about 410 residents, with a population density of 1,820 per square mile and a median age of 42.6. The town is predominantly White, with over 96% of the population, and has a nearly balanced gender ratio. With only 2.5% non-English speakers, Ernest offers a homogenous and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
410
Density:
1,820 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ernest, PA?
Living in Ernest is highly affordable, with a median home value of $72,000 and average rent around $635, significantly below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 80.4, making daily expenses, housing, and utilities especially budget-friendly. Low state income taxes further contribute to Ernest's appeal for cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$72,000
Gross Rent:
$635
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
52.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Ernest, PA a safe place to live?
Ernest boasts a low crime rate, with just 97 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,030 chance of experiencing a violent crime. Property crimes are also relatively limited, creating a safe environment for families and individuals alike. Residents can feel secure in this peaceful borough.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
97
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,147
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,030
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Ernest, PA year-round?
Ernest experiences four distinct seasons, with winters averaging lows of 18°F and summers reaching highs near 83°F. The area receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 48% of the year. Residents benefit from a temperate climate ideal for experiencing all that western Pennsylvania's outdoors has to offer.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The median household income in Ernest is $38,200, with a poverty rate of 17.2% and an unemployment rate of 6.1%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. The community is marked by strong local ties and a modest, working-class lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$46,500
Per Capita Income:
$18,900
Income Male:
$34,500
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$635
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Ernest, PA?
Families in Ernest benefit from access to local public and private schools, such as East Pike Elementary and Calvary Baptist Academy, with reasonable class sizes. The area is also close to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, located just 5 miles away and enrolling nearly 9,000 students. Educational opportunities are diverse and conveniently located for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
East Pike Elementary School
Street:
501 East Pike, Indiana, PA 15701
Phone:
724-463-8562
Students:
590
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Private Schools
Name:
Calvary Baptist Academy
Street:
11394 Route 286 Hwy E, Indiana, PA 15701
Phone:
724-349-1320
Students:
80

Colleges
Name:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
City:
Indiana
State:
PA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
8,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ernest is readily accessible, with Indiana Regional Medical Center providing general and emergency services nearby. There are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. This ensures reliable medical support for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Indiana Regional Medical Center
Address:
835 Hospital Rd, Indiana, PA 15701
Phone:
(724) 357-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ernest, PA?
Ernest's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $72,000 and 74.5% owner occupancy. The rental vacancy rate is moderate at 8.4%, and home values have appreciated by 4.7% in the past year. It's an attractive market for first-time buyers or those seeking stable, value-oriented investments.
Median Home Price:
$72,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$635
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Ernest are served by PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, with comprehensive resources available at the Harrisburg office and online at the state DMV website. Licensing, registration, and vehicle services are efficiently managed through this statewide agency. Assistance is easily accessible via phone or web for all transportation needs.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 S. 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.