Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lock Haven, PA
Thinking about moving to Lock Haven, PA? This friendly riverside city of just over 8,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $136,000 and average rents under $800. Commutes are quick—just 16 minutes on average—and the area features a low violent crime rate (203 per 100k) and abundant outdoor recreation. Lock Haven is home to a respected university, solid public schools, and experiences all four seasons, making it a great option for those seeking small-town charm with access to education and nature.
Demographics - Lock Haven, PA
Demographics - Lock Haven, PA
Lock Haven, PA is a small city with a population of just over 8,000, notable for its youthful median age of 27.4 and a predominantly White community. The city has a moderate population density and a balanced gender ratio, offering a welcoming environment for families and young professionals alike.
Population:
8,046
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.4
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.7%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lock Haven, PA?
Living in Lock Haven is highly affordable, with a median home value of $136,000 and average rents around $770. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$136,000
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.2
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
61.8
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
78.6
Crime
Is Lock Haven, PA a safe place to live?
Lock Haven experiences a low violent crime rate of 203 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime rates are moderate, offering residents a generally safe and secure environment. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 492, which is reassuring for families and individuals considering a move.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
203
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,691
Crime Index:
1,894
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 492
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Lock Haven, PA year-round?
Residents in Lock Haven enjoy all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 20°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 82°F. The city receives about 42.5 inches of annual rainfall and has a fair share of sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Lock Haven's neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $39,800 and a community with strong educational attainment, as nearly 90% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher. The average commute is a short 16.4 minutes, contributing to a convenient and connected local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,500
Household Income:
$39,800
Family Income:
$56,700
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$22,600
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
16.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.8%
Education
How are the schools in Lock Haven, PA?
Lock Haven is served by solid public and private school options, with reasonable student-teacher ratios and a local elementary and high school. Higher education is anchored by Commonwealth University – Lock Haven, offering accessible college opportunities right in the city.

Public Schools
Name:
Robb Elementary School
Street:
400 E Church St
Phone:
570-893-4900
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Central Mountain High School
Street:
64 Keystone Central Dr
Phone:
570-893-4646
Students:
1,185
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Private Schools
Name:
Lock Haven Catholic School
Street:
311 W Water St
Phone:
570-748-7252
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Commonwealth University – Lock Haven (formerly Lock Haven University)
City:
Lock Haven
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,800
Name:
Pennsylvania College of Technology
City:
Williamsport
State:
PA
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lock Haven is anchored by UPMC Lock Haven, providing acute care and emergency services to residents. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, the city offers accessible and reliable medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Lock Haven
Address:
24 Cree Dr, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Phone:
(570) 893-5000
Type:
Acute Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lock Haven, PA?
The housing market in Lock Haven is affordable, with a median home price of $136,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $770. Homeownership rates are relatively low, but rental options are plentiful, and the market has shown steady appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$136,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
34.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services locally at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office in Lock Haven, which provides convenient support for licensing and registration needs. All essential DMV services are available both in-person and online through PennDOT.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
8 North Grove St, Lock Haven, PA 17745
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.