Median Income
$127,929
70% higher than US avg
Home Value
$280,500
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,043
76% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Effort Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,499
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density495/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$127,929
Per Capita$47,916
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$2,798M
Commute49 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$280,500
Rent$2,043
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$315,151
Housing Units926
Rent Burden14.6%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking21.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain50.2 in/yr
Elevation790 ft (241 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+15.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute49 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Effort a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Effort receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times. Effort stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Effort is $127,929, which is significantly higher than the national average / 70% above $75,149. This places Effort among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 49 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Effort is $280,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,043 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Effort experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches, including 41.6 inches of snow.
Effort has a population of 2,499 with a density of 495 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.7% female and 58.3% male. The city is predominantly White (56.5%), with 9.2% Hispanic, 8.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,499
Total Population
2023 Census
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
The median household income in Effort is $127,929, which is 70% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,916 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $860, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,305 business establishments, including 132 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 49 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $127,929 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $860 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,587 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,305 |
| County GDP | $2,798M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Healthcare | 175 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,285 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 49.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Effort is $280,500, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,151, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $335,000 with homes selling in an average of 6 days. Homes sell for 102.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $2,043 (76% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 926 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $6,285 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $280,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $315,151 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $335,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $335,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $177 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 6 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.5% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,043 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 926 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,285 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.24% |
In Effort, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.1% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,973. The dentist ratio is 1:2,424. 64.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Effort vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 2.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,973 |
| Dentists | 1:2,424 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,148 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,784/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 175 |
Effort experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 790 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 790 ft (241 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 495/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9415°N, 75.4377°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Carbon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pocono Mountains Regional (MPO) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.2"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.59"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
63 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
85 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
65 km |
| Jan 9, 1992 |
4 km WNW of Robertsville, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
0 km W of Little Ferry, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
63 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
64 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Aug 5, 2025 |
1 km N of Hillsdale, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
2 km NW of Chester Heights, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
184 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
265 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 149 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1988 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
- |
- |
56 km |
| 1840 |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA |
Earthquake |
- |
- |
129 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
5,069 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
41 km |
| 2012 |
HOPEWELL FIRE |
812 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
26 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
27 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
29 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
32 km |
| 1999 |
WORTHINGTO |
514 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Effort has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 23°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.6") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Effort. 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 Effort
What is the population of Effort?
Effort has a population of 2,499 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 495 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.7% female and 58.3% male.
Is Effort expensive to live in?
Effort 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 $127,929, 70% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $280,500 (0% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,043 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Effort?
Effort has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.2 inches, with 41.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Effort?
The unemployment rate in Effort is 6.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $860. There are 1,305 business establishments in the area, including 132 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 49 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Effort?
The median home value in Effort is $280,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,151. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $335,000, with homes typically selling within 6 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,043. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,285.
How are the schools in Effort?
Schools in Effort score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Effort hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 15.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Effort?
The obesity rate in Effort is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 64.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,973.
What is transportation like in Effort?
The average commute in Effort is 49 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Effort?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Effort is 56.5% White, 8.6% Black or African American, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.