Median Income
$40,179
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,600
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
420/100K
11% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.8%
148% higher than US avg
How Lewistown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,505
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density4,190/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,179
Per Capita$24,558
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty30.8%
County GDP$2,340M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,600
Rent$765
Ownership40.6%
Zillow$163,335
Housing Units4,399
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent420/100K
Property3,182/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault288/100K
Burglary384/100K
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation482 ft (147 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+83.3%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Lewistown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lewistown receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lewistown has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lewistown is $40,179, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 30.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lewistown is $98,600, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,182 per 100,000, 62% above the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Lewistown experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°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 42.1 inches, including 26.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Lewistown has a population of 8,505 with a density of 4,190 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lewistown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lewistown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lewistown is $40,179, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,558 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,005, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,093 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lewistown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,179 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,558 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,005 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,938 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.8% |
| 148% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,093 |
| County GDP | $2,340M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 170 |
| Manufacturing | 83 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,203 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Lewistown is $98,600, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,335, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% 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. 40.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,399 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,203 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,600 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,335 |
| Median List Price | $159,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $159,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $122 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 12.5% |
| Inventory | 16 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 40.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,399 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,203 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.26% |
In Lewistown, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,648. The dentist ratio is 1:2,874. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lewistown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,648 |
| Dentists | 1:2,874 |
| Mental Health | 1:937 |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,940/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Lewistown has a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 residents, 11% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 288.2 per 100,000, robbery at 48.0, rape at 84.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,182 per 100,000, 62% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,750, burglary at 384, vehicle theft at 48 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lewistown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lewistown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 420.3/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 84.1/100K |
| Robbery | 48.0/100K |
| Assault | 288.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,182.0/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
| Burglary | 384.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,749.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 48.0/100K |
| Arson | 12.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 703 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lewistown experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°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 42.1 inches. The area receives 26.2 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 482 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 482 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,190/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5972°N, 77.5715°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mifflin County County |
| Nearest Airport | State College Regional (SCE) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
133 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
20 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
75 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| May 7, 1994 |
2 km SW of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 111 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
74 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1992 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1985 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FIELDS RUN (711 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FIELDS RUN |
711 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
FIVE MILE FIRE |
658 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR TRAP |
561 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Lewistown has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 29°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Lewistown. 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 Lewistown
What is the population of Lewistown?
Lewistown has a population of 8,505 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 4,190 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Lewistown expensive to live in?
Lewistown 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 $40,179, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,600 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lewistown safe?
The violent crime rate in Lewistown is 420 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 3,182 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lewistown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lewistown?
Lewistown has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°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 42.1 inches, with 26.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Lewistown?
The job market in Lewistown is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,005. There are 1,093 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lewistown?
The median home value in Lewistown is $98,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,335. For renters, the median monthly rent is $765. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 40.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,203.
How are the schools in Lewistown?
Schools in Lewistown score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Lewistown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lewistown?
The obesity rate in Lewistown is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,648.
What is transportation like in Lewistown?
The average commute in Lewistown is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lewistown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lewistown is 85.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.