Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Van Meter, PA
Considering a move to Van Meter, PA? This small, close-knit community of about 1,150 residents offers affordable living, with median home values around $172,000 and average rents at $830. Crime rates are notably low, and most families own their homes. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, reasonable commute times of about 28 minutes, and access to local schools and nearby colleges. The area features four distinct seasons with 52% sunny days, making it a pleasant choice for those seeking small-town charm in Pennsylvania.
Demographics - Van Meter, PA
Demographics - Van Meter, PA
Van Meter is a small community of approximately 1,150 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 44.7, offering a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit, neighborly atmosphere. The population density is moderate, and the town has a low percentage of non-English speakers, supporting a welcoming local environment.
Population:
1,150
Density:
520 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Van Meter, PA?
Living in Van Meter is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average. The median home value is about $172,000 and average rent is $830, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Residents also benefit from relatively low state taxes and reasonable utility costs.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
75.2
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
92.6
Crime
Is Van Meter, PA a safe place to live?
Van Meter is considered a safe place to live, with violent crime rates significantly below national norms—only 78 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is also low, giving residents peace of mind and contributing to the area’s family-friendly reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
858
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Van Meter, PA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters and warm summers; average highs range from 38°F in winter to 83°F in summer. The area receives roughly 40.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 52% of the year, creating a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Van Meter typically earn a median income of $56,200, and the community enjoys a high rate of educational attainment with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher. Unemployment is modest at 4.8%, and most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, reflecting the area’s hardworking and stable character.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$68,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
22.6%
Education
How are the schools in Van Meter, PA?
Families in Van Meter benefit from well-rated public and private schools, with favorable student-teacher ratios and a choice of local institutions. Higher education options are close by, including Westmoreland County Community College and Seton Hill University, both within a short drive, making the area appealing for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Yough Senior High School
Street:
915 Lowber Rd
Phone:
724-446-5520
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Name:
Yough Intermediate/Middle School
Street:
171 Route 31
Phone:
724-872-5164
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Private Schools
Name:
Greensburg Central Catholic High School
Street:
911 Armory Dr
Phone:
724-834-0310
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
Westmoreland County Community College
City:
Youngwood
State:
PA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,800
Name:
Seton Hill University
City:
Greensburg
State:
PA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Van Meter residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital and Allegheny Valley Hospital nearby. With 94.6% health insurance coverage and above-average physician availability, the community is well-supported for both general and emergency medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
Address:
532 W Pittsburgh St, Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone:
(724) 832-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Allegheny Valley Hospital
Address:
1301 Carlisle St, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone:
(724) 224-5100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Van Meter, PA?
The housing market in Van Meter is competitive yet affordable, with a median home price of $172,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78.2%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, and rental vacancies remain low, indicating a stable and desirable market.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Van Meter residents are served by Pennsylvania’s PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, providing convenient access to licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs. The main office is located in Harrisburg, and comprehensive information is available online for easy access.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 S. Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.