Median Income
$42,851
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
277/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$842
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
8.5%
136% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.5%
41% higher than US avg
How Donora Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,536
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density2,387/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$42,851
Per Capita$27,878
Unemployment8.5%
Poverty17.5%
County GDP$132,892M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,700
Rent$842
Ownership56.5%
Zillow$41,511
Housing Units2,672
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent277/100K
Property1,812/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault277/100K
Burglary362/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation968 ft (295 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score6.30
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute29 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries72
Is Donora a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Donora receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Donora has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Donora is $42,851, 43% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Donora is $57,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Donora is below the national average at 277 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,812 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Donora experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Donora has a population of 4,536 with a density of 2,387 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (75.1%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 16.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 28.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Donora is $42,851, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,878 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,506. The unemployment rate is 8.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 36,316 business establishments, including 3,345 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,851 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,878 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,506 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,625 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.5% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 36,316 |
| County GDP | $132,892M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3,345 |
| Healthcare | 4,791 |
| Retail | 3,982 |
| Manufacturing | 940 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,851 |
| 153% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 15.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 3.6% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Donora is $57,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $41,511, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 78.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $842 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,672 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $8,851 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $41,511 |
| Median List Price | $99,724 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $99,724 |
| $/Sq Ft | $11 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 78.7% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $842 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,672 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,851 |
| 153% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 15.34% |
In Donora, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:915. The dentist ratio is 1:1,022. 93.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Donora vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:915 |
| Dentists | 1:1,022 |
| Mental Health | 1:207 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,412/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4,791 |
Donora has a violent crime rate of 277 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 277.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,812 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,428, burglary at 362, vehicle theft at 21 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 83 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Donora receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Donora vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 277.1/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 277.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,811.6/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 362.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,428.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 21.3/100K |
| Arson | 42.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 83 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Donora experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches. The area receives 21.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 968 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,387/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1795°N, 79.8624°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegheny County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0432 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 11.6 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.41 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.39 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
51 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
258 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 550 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
88 km |
9 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
16 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (510 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Donora has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Donora. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146-$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195-$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98-$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781-$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73-$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146-$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146-$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390-$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98-$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49-$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146-$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904-$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390-$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368-$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488-$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880-$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952-$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781-$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195-$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976-$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29-$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93-$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44-$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44-$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93-$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90-$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59-$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78-$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73-$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171-$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29-$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586-$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488-$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195-$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390-$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880-$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29-$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49-$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29-$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146-$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98-$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Donora
What is the population of Donora?
Donora has a population of 4,536 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,387 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Donora expensive to live in?
Donora has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,851, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Donora safe?
Donora is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 277 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,812 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Donora receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Donora?
Donora has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Donora?
The job market in Donora faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,506. There are 36,316 business establishments in the area, including 3,345 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Donora?
The median home value in Donora is $57,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $41,511. For renters, the median monthly rent is $842. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,851.
How are the schools in Donora?
Schools in Donora score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Donora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Donora?
The obesity rate in Donora is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 93.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:915.
What is transportation like in Donora?
The average commute in Donora is 29 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, 3.6% use public transit, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Donora?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Donora is 75.1% White, 16.1% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 28.5% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.