Median Income
$41,478
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
508/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.2%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$698
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.3%
103% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
52% higher than US avg
How New Castle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21,727
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density2,615/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$41,478
Per Capita$23,135
Unemployment7.3%
Poverty18.9%
County GDP$4,200M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,000
Rent$698
Ownership54.7%
Zillow$141,502
Housing Units10,599
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent508/100K
Property3,836/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault265/100K
Burglary1,180/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation804 ft (245 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.2%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 33%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is New Castle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Castle receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. New Castle has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Castle is $41,478, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Castle is $72,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $698 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 508 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,836 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
15.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
New Castle has a population of 21,727 with a density of 2,615 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (77%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 10.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Castle vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Castle vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Castle is $41,478, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,135 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,000 business establishments, including 164 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). 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Castle vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,478 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,135 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.3% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.9% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,000 |
| County GDP | $4,200M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 280 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 126 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,252 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
The median home value in New Castle is $72,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,502, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $698 (40% 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. 54.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 10,599 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $5,252 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,502 |
| Median List Price | $84,658 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $84,658 |
| $/Sq Ft | $76 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 7.4% |
| Inventory | 121 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $698 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,134 |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.3% |
| Housing Units | 10,599 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,252 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.29% |
In New Castle, 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 1:2,443. The dentist ratio is 1:1,697. 87.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
7.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
162.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: New Castle 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 | 93.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,443 |
| Dentists | 1:1,697 |
| Mental Health | 1:579 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 280 |
New Castle has a violent crime rate of 508 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 265.2 per 100,000, robbery at 216.5, rape at 26.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,836 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,497, burglary at 1,180, vehicle theft at 159 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Castle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Castle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 508.2/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 26.5/100K |
| Robbery | 216.5/100K |
| Assault | 265.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,835.8/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,179.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,496.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 159.1/100K |
| Arson | 106.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 591 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°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 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 804 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 804 ft (245 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,615/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9956°N, 80.3458°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Youngstown/Warren Regional (YNG) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
56 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
112 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
92 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
331 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 75 fatalities, 1,152 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
71 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
87 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
56 km |
16 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
94 km |
12 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
22 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
New Castle has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in New Castle. 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 New Castle
What is the population of New Castle?
New Castle has a population of 21,727 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,615 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is New Castle expensive to live in?
New Castle 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 $41,478, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,000 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $698 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Castle safe?
The violent crime rate in New Castle is 508 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 3,836 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New Castle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Castle?
New Castle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in New Castle?
The unemployment rate in New Castle is 7.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 2,000 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Castle?
The median home value in New Castle is $72,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,502. For renters, the median monthly rent is $698. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,252.
How are the schools in New Castle?
Schools in New Castle score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.2% of adults in New Castle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Castle?
The obesity rate in New Castle is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 87.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,443.
What is transportation like in New Castle?
The average commute in New Castle is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 9.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Castle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Castle is 77% White, 10.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 24.6% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.