Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Castle, PA
Considering a move to New Castle, PA? This small city of 21,181 residents offers one of the most affordable housing markets in the state, with median home prices around $69,500 and average rents at $710. Enjoy a quick average commute of just under 20 minutes and a low cost of living index of 77.6. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city features a close-knit community, accessible healthcare at UPMC Jameson, and convenient access to public schools and nearby colleges. Get to know New Castle’s mix of affordability, education options, and four-season climate as you plan your move!
Demographics - New Castle, PA
Demographics - New Castle, PA
New Castle, PA has a population of just over 21,000 residents, with a median age of 41.6, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The city is predominantly White (78.9%) with a significant Black community (15.6%), and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a diverse but close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
21,181
Density:
2,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.6
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.9%
Black:
15.6%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New Castle, PA?
With a median home value of $69,500 and an average rent of $710, New Castle offers a notably affordable cost of living compared to national averages. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income tax is a flat 3.07%, making this city attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$69,500
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.6
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
32.4
Utilities:
109.5
Transportation:
88.6
Health Care:
98.8
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is New Castle, PA a safe place to live?
New Castle experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 36 chance, while violent crime rates are moderate at 487 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should be mindful of safety precautions, but many still enjoy the city’s community-oriented environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
487
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,800
Crime Index:
3,287
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 205
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in New Castle, PA year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. Annual rainfall is moderate at 38.2 inches, and approximately 45% of days are sunny, offering a variety of weather throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Local households in New Castle typically earn a median income of $38,000, with about 84% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The city faces a higher poverty rate of 27.4% and an unemployment rate of 8.1%, but enjoys short average commutes of 19 minutes and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$23,700
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$48,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$31,800
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
27.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
8.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in New Castle, PA?
The city is served by public schools like New Castle Junior/Senior High, with a student-teacher ratio around 16:1, and private options such as St. Vitus School. Nearby colleges, including Westminster College and Youngstown State University, offer higher education opportunities within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
New Castle Junior/Senior High School
Street:
300 E Lincoln Ave
Phone:
724-656-4700
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
George Washington Intermediate School
Street:
101 E Euclid Ave
Phone:
724-656-4729
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Vitus School
Street:
915 S Jefferson St
Phone:
724-654-9297
Students:
200

Colleges
Name:
Westminster College
City:
New Wilmington
State:
PA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Youngstown State University
City:
Youngstown
State:
OH
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
11,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including UPMC Jameson, a major hospital offering emergency and surgical care. Health insurance coverage is high at 91.8%, and the city maintains an above-average ratio of physicians per capita for its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Jameson
Address:
1211 Wilmington Ave, New Castle, PA 16105
Phone:
(724) 658-9001
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New Castle, PA?
New Castle’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $69,500 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. Home values have seen healthy appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancies remain moderate, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$69,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for New Castle residents are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located nearby in Ellwood City. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in person and online.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
973 Lawrence Ave, Ellwood City, PA 16117
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.