Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sunbury, PA
Considering a move to Sunbury, PA? With a close-knit population of 9,540 and median home prices around $81,200, Sunbury offers affordable living and short commute times averaging just under 20 minutes. The city’s cost of living is well below the national average, though crime rates are slightly higher than average for the area. Residents have access to solid healthcare and nearby colleges, while the local schools provide small class sizes. Enjoy four distinct seasons, a welcoming atmosphere, and a budget-friendly lifestyle in this riverside Pennsylvania community.
Demographics - Sunbury, PA
Demographics - Sunbury, PA
Sunbury is a small, close-knit city of 9,540 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 39.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The population density is high for its size, providing an urban feel, while nearly 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
9,540
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sunbury, PA?
Sunbury offers a cost of living that is significantly below the national average, with a median home value of just $81,200 and average gross rent at $800. Utilities and daily expenses are also affordable, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$81,200
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.6
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
48.0
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Sunbury, PA a safe place to live?
While Sunbury maintains a welcoming atmosphere, its crime rates are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 298 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 46 chance of property crime. Residents should consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods and housing options.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
336
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,178
Crime Index:
2,514
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 298
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Sunbury, PA year-round?
Sunbury experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and chilly winters dipping to 21°F. The area receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on over half the days each year.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Sunbury have a median income of $41,600, with about 23% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults hold at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are under 20 minutes, reflecting the city’s compact layout and ease of getting around.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$41,600
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
23.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
13.4%
Education
How are the schools in Sunbury, PA?
Sunbury features small public schools with low student-to-teacher ratios, alongside private options such as Sunbury Christian Academy. The city’s proximity to Bucknell and Susquehanna Universities, both within 12 miles, offers residents convenient access to higher education opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Shikellamy High School
Street:
600 Walnut St
Phone:
570-286-3702
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Chief Shikellamy Elementary School
Street:
338 Memorial Dr
Phone:
570-286-3721
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
Sunbury Christian Academy
Street:
135 Spruce Hollow Rd
Phone:
570-286-4131
Students:
130

Colleges
Name:
Bucknell University
City:
Lewisburg
State:
PA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
Susquehanna University
City:
Selinsgrove
State:
PA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to major hospitals like UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury, and a physician density of 2.2 per 1,000 people ensures reasonable healthcare access. Over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage, supporting a strong community health profile.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury
Address:
350 N 11th St, Sunbury, PA 17801
Phone:
(570) 286-3333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Evangelical Community Hospital
Address:
1 Hospital Dr, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone:
(570) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sunbury, PA?
The Sunbury housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $81,200 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $825. Roughly half of the residents own their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$81,200
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Sunbury are provided by PennDOT, with the nearest major office located in Harrisburg. Residents can access services like licensing and vehicle registration both in-person and online through the Pennsylvania DMV website.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
2550 Interstate Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110
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.