Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oil City, PA
Thinking of moving to Oil City, PA? With a close-knit population of about 9,600, Oil City offers very affordable living, with median home prices around $62,000 and rents near $670, making it a budget-friendly choice. Commute times are short at 17 minutes, and the city enjoys a scenic, seasonal climate. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, Oil City features accessible healthcare, solid local schools, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere ideal for those seeking affordability and a quieter lifestyle.
Demographics - Oil City, PA
Demographics - Oil City, PA
Oil City, PA, is home to about 9,600 residents with a median age of 44.7, reflecting a mature, tight-knit community. The city is predominantly White at over 93%, with limited ethnic diversity and a small percentage of non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density offer a comfortable small-town living experience.
Population:
9,597
Density:
1,390 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oil City, PA?
Oil City stands out for its affordability, with a median home value of $62,000 and average rents around $670, making it attractive to budget-conscious movers. The cost of living index is notably low at 78.0, and state income taxes are a flat 3.07%. Utilities are slightly above average, but overall living costs remain well below national norms.
Median House Value:
$62,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$108
Auto Insurance:
$1,075
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$925
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
46.2
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Oil City, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Oil City are somewhat higher than average for its size, with a violent crime rate of 246 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,735 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 406 chance of experiencing violent crime, so it’s advisable to stay alert and informed about local safety. Despite these figures, many find the community supportive and neighborly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
246
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,735
Crime Index:
1,981
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 406
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Oil City, PA year-round?
Oil City experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 17°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives around 41 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 44% of the year. Residents appreciate the scenic seasonal changes, though winters can be long and brisk.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The median household income in Oil City is around $41,000, with a poverty rate of 17.4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the typical commute is a short 17 minutes. The area maintains a friendly, close-knit atmosphere, although public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$56,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$29,600
Poverty Rate:
17.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.3%
Bachelors or More:
15.1%
Education
How are the schools in Oil City, PA?
Oil City offers solid educational opportunities, with public schools like Oil City Senior High and Hasson Heights Elementary providing small class sizes and a supportive environment. Private and parochial options, as well as proximity to Clarion University’s Venango campus, offer diverse choices for families and students. The city’s educational resources are well-suited for a range of academic needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Oil City Senior High School
Street:
10 Lynch Blvd
Phone:
814-676-2771
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Hasson Heights Elementary School
Street:
833 Grandview Rd
Phone:
814-677-3152
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0

Private Schools
Name:
St. Stephen School
Street:
214 Reed St
Phone:
814-677-3035
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Clarion University – Venango
City:
Oil City
State:
PA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
600
Name:
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville
City:
Titusville
State:
PA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Oil City provides access to quality healthcare, with major facilities like UPMC Northwest nearby and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 93%. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring reasonable access to medical professionals. Emergency and specialized care are readily available within the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Northwest
Address:
100 Fairfield Dr, Seneca, PA 16346
Phone:
(814) 676-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Address:
1293 Grandview Rd, Oil City, PA 16301
Phone:
(814) 676-8208
Type:
Rehabilitation & Nursing
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oil City, PA?
The housing market in Oil City is highly affordable, with median home prices at $62,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $670. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Modest home appreciation and limited new construction reflect a stable but slow-growth market.
Median Home Price:
$62,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Oil City’s residents are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located at 255 Elm Street. The local DMV office provides essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration, and more information is available on the state’s official website. Customer service is accessible by phone or online for added convenience.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
255 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301
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.