Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Presque Isle, PA
Thinking about a move to Presque Isle, PA? This lakeside city of 24,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $158,000 and average rents at $820. Residents enjoy a friendly, close-knit community, short commute times averaging just over 16 minutes, and easy access to outdoor recreation thanks to the region’s natural beauty. With low violent crime rates, access to reputable hospitals, and solid public schools, Presque Isle combines small-town comfort with practical city amenities—making it a great fit for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Presque Isle, PA
Demographics - Presque Isle, PA
Presque Isle is home to 24,000 residents, with a median age of 44.2 and a predominantly White population. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming, close-knit community. With a population density of 2,400 per square mile, newcomers will find a comfortable blend of space and neighborly interaction.
Population:
24,000
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Presque Isle, PA?
Living in Presque Isle is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rents around $820. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses such as utilities and groceries manageable for most households. Residents also benefit from relatively low state income tax rates.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
68.8
Utilities:
100.3
Transportation:
88.9
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
90.4
Crime
Is Presque Isle, PA a safe place to live?
Presque Isle boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 178 incidents per 100,000 people, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals. Property crime is somewhat higher but still manageable compared to larger cities. Overall, the city is considered a safe place to live and raise a family.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,128
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Presque Isle, PA year-round?
Presque Isle experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 17°F and warm summers peaking around 78°F. The area receives about 42.7 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate diverse weather and outdoor activities. Residents should be prepared for snowy winters and pleasant, mild summers.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The community enjoys a median household income of $54,000, with most residents commuting just over 16 minutes to work. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the unemployment rate remains moderate. The area maintains a friendly, stable environment with a modest poverty rate and a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$66,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
20.2%
Education
How are the schools in Presque Isle, PA?
Presque Isle offers solid educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Presque Isle High School, known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Families also benefit from proximity to private schools and local colleges such as Penn State Behrend and Gannon University, both located within a short drive. This diverse educational landscape supports students from kindergarten through higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Presque Isle High School
Street:
16 Griffin St
Phone:
814-764-2564
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Pine Street Elementary
Street:
50 Pine St
Phone:
814-764-2562
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Erie Day School
Street:
1372 W 6th St, Erie, PA
Phone:
814-452-4273
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Penn State Behrend
City:
Erie
State:
PA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
Gannon University
City:
Erie
State:
PA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Presque Isle residents have access to quality medical care through major hospitals like UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and over 93% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible and reliable. The city’s healthcare index indicates favorable services for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Hamot
Address:
201 State St, Erie, PA 16550
Phone:
(814) 877-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Vincent Hospital
Address:
232 W 25th St, Erie, PA 16544
Phone:
(814) 452-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
70.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Presque Isle, PA?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $158,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $820. A high owner-occupied rate of 68.2% reflects a stable community, while moderate home appreciation and vacancy rates make both buying and renting attractive options. The area’s housing market is ideal for first-time buyers and families seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Presque Isle are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in nearby Erie. The DMV offers a full range of motor vehicle services, and information is easily accessible through their website or by phone. This ensures efficient support for licensing, registration, and other transportation needs.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 State St, Erie, PA 16501
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.