Median Income
$97,713
30% higher than US avg
Home Value
$215,600
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
459/100K
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$893
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hilldale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,131
Median Age52.0 yrs
Density1,379/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$97,713
Per Capita$46,371
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$20,580M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$215,600
Rent$893
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$229,837
Housing Units441
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent459/100K
Property3,412/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation642 ft (196 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute13 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries16
Is Hilldale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hilldale receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Hilldale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hilldale is $97,713, 30% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hilldale is $215,600, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,412 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Hilldale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches, including 45.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Hilldale has a population of 1,131 with a density of 1,379 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 52.0 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (99.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.0yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Hilldale is $97,713, which is 30% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,371 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,075, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,474 business establishments, including 769 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,713 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,371 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,075 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,474 |
| County GDP | $20,580M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 769 |
| Healthcare | 993 |
| Retail | 1,145 |
| Manufacturing | 299 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,079 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Hilldale is $215,600, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,837. Monthly rent averages $893 (23% 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. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 441 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $6,079 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.3% 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 | $215,600 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,837 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $893 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 441 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,079 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Hilldale, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320. The dentist ratio is 1:1,532. 88.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hilldale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,320 |
| Dentists | 1:1,532 |
| Mental Health | 1:668 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,192/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 993 |
Hilldale has a violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 residents, 21% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,412 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hilldale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hilldale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 459.3/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,412.1/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hilldale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.7 inches. The area receives 45.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 642 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 642 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,379/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2869°N, 75.8361°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Luzerne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
112 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
108 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
6 km ESE of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
1 km NW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Mendham, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
226 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
247 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 91 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
106 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
10 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
14 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
45 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
58 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
23 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
WORTHINGTO |
514 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Hilldale has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in February to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Hilldale. 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 Hilldale
What is the population of Hilldale?
Hilldale has a population of 1,131 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,379 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Hilldale expensive to live in?
Hilldale 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 $97,713, 30% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,600 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below 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.
Is Hilldale safe?
The violent crime rate in Hilldale is 459 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,412 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hilldale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hilldale?
Hilldale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches, with 45.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Hilldale?
The job market in Hilldale faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,075. There are 7,474 business establishments in the area, including 769 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hilldale?
The median home value in Hilldale is $215,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,837. For renters, the median monthly rent is $893. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,079.
How are the schools in Hilldale?
Schools in Hilldale score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.8% of adults in Hilldale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hilldale?
The obesity rate in Hilldale is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 88.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320.
What is transportation like in Hilldale?
The average commute in Hilldale is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hilldale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hilldale is 99.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.