Median Income
$40,131
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,500
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
208/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$794
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Lock Haven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,386
Median Age26.6 yrs
Density3,354/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,131
Per Capita$24,322
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$1,963M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,500
Rent$794
Ownership31.9%
Zillow$193,182
Housing Units3,713
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent208/100K
Property2,190/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault99/100K
Burglary387/100K
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation562 ft (171 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Lock Haven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lock Haven receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lock Haven has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lock Haven is $40,131, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lock Haven is $127,500, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lock Haven is below the national average at 208 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,190 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Lock Haven experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 27°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 41.7 inches, including 29.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Lock Haven has a population of 8,386 with a density of 3,354 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 26.6 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 4.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.6yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lock Haven vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lock Haven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lock Haven is $40,131, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,322 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,009, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 917 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lock Haven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,131 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,322 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,009 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,855 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 917 |
| County GDP | $1,963M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,577 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Lock Haven is $127,500, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,182, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $794 (32% 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. 31.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,713 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,577 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $127,500 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,182 |
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $99 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $794 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $894 |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 31.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 31.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 68.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,713 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,577 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.59% |
In Lock Haven, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,882. The dentist ratio is 1:2,371. 58.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lock Haven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,882 |
| Dentists | 1:2,371 |
| Mental Health | 1:696 |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,572/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
Lock Haven has a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 99.1 per 100,000, robbery at 39.6, rape at 69.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,190 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,754, burglary at 387, vehicle theft at 50 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lock Haven receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lock Haven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 208.1/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 69.4/100K |
| Robbery | 39.6/100K |
| Assault | 99.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,190.3/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| Burglary | 386.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,754.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 49.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 395 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lock Haven experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 27°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 41.7 inches. The area receives 29.6 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 562 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 562 ft (171 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,354/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1371°N, 77.4532°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | State College Regional (SCE)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.9 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 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 |
149 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
169 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 83 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 21, 2003 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
26 km |
6 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1978 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1975 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1974 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1967 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1966 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL RUN (2,003 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
WOODRUFF |
757 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
FIELDS RUN |
711 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
FIVE MILE FIRE |
658 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR TRAP |
561 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Lock Haven has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 27°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Lock Haven. 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 Lock Haven
What is the population of Lock Haven?
Lock Haven has a population of 8,386 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 3,354 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Lock Haven expensive to live in?
Lock Haven 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 $40,131, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,500 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lock Haven safe?
Lock Haven is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,190 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lock Haven receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lock Haven?
Lock Haven has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°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 41.7 inches, with 29.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Lock Haven?
The unemployment rate in Lock Haven is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,009. There are 917 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lock Haven?
The median home value in Lock Haven is $127,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,182. For renters, the median monthly rent is $794. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 31.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,577.
How are the schools in Lock Haven?
Schools in Lock Haven score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Lock Haven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lock Haven?
The obesity rate in Lock Haven is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 58.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,882.
What is transportation like in Lock Haven?
The average commute in Lock Haven is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lock Haven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lock Haven is 89.8% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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