Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Ariel, PA
Thinking of moving to Lake Ariel, PA? This scenic community of around 15,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices at $249,000 and average rents near $1,050. Lake Ariel is known for its peaceful rural vibe, low crime rates, and beautiful natural surroundings. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute of about 30 minutes, solid local schools, and four distinct seasons with plenty of outdoor recreation. Explore the affordable cost of living, welcoming neighborhoods, and family-friendly amenities Lake Ariel has to offer.
Demographics - Lake Ariel, PA
Demographics - Lake Ariel, PA
Lake Ariel is home to approximately 15,000 residents, with a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature and settled community. The city is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other ethnicities, and a balanced gender ratio. A modest 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town’s welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
15,000
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Ariel, PA?
Lake Ariel offers an affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index of 89.0, below the national average. Median home values are around $249,000, and average rents are about $1,050, making housing especially budget-friendly. Residents also benefit from low state income tax rates and reasonable utility and transportation costs.
Median House Value:
$249,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
109.1
Transportation:
93.3
Health Care:
99.0
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Lake Ariel, PA a safe place to live?
Lake Ariel boasts a low crime rate, with only 87 violent crimes and 945 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 1,150, well below national averages. This tranquil environment offers peace of mind for those seeking a secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
87
Property Crimes Per 100k:
945
Crime Index:
1,032
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,150
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 106
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Ariel, PA year-round?
Residents of Lake Ariel experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging between 18°F and 34°F, and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The area sees about 44 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round, from snowy winters to pleasant summers.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Lake Ariel’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $72,000 and a poverty rate of 10.9%, reflecting a largely middle-income community. Most adults have completed high school and nearly a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes average just under 30 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, emphasizing a car-friendly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$72,000
Family Income:
$80,500
Per Capita Income:
$30,400
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.8%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Ariel, PA?
Lake Ariel offers solid educational opportunities, with local public schools like Lake Ariel Elementary and Western Wayne High providing favorable student-teacher ratios. Private preschool options and nearby colleges, such as Lackawanna College and East Stroudsburg University, are within easy reach. The area’s schools support both younger students and those pursuing higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Lake Ariel Elementary School
Street:
111 Gravity Rd
Phone:
570-698-4911
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Western Wayne High School
Street:
1970A Easton Turnpike
Phone:
570-937-3190
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Private Schools
Name:
The Hideout Preschool
Street:
640 The Hideout
Phone:
570-698-7011
Students:
40

Colleges
Name:
Lackawanna College - Lake Region Center
City:
Hawley
State:
PA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
450
Name:
East Stroudsburg University
City:
East Stroudsburg
State:
PA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
6,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with Wayne Memorial Hospital providing general and emergency services nearby. The area has 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage, ensuring most residents can access medical care. Lake Ariel’s healthcare index of 77.2 indicates reliable and affordable local healthcare options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wayne Memorial Hospital
Address:
601 Park St, Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone:
(570) 253-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Ariel, PA?
Lake Ariel’s housing market is attractive for buyers, with a median home price of $249,000 and over 80% owner occupancy. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,050 and a 7.1% vacancy rate. The market is stable, seeing a 4.2% home appreciation rate over the past year and low foreclosure activity.
Median Home Price:
$249,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Lake Ariel are provided by PennDOT, located conveniently in nearby Honesdale. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in person and online via the state website. The office offers comprehensive support for all motor vehicle needs in Pennsylvania.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
925 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431
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.