Median Income
$66,111
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$185,900
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$729
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Nicholson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population628
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density541/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,111
Per Capita$27,963
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$2,616M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$185,900
Rent$729
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$250,205
Housing Units316
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property729/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,005 ft (306 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute29 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Nicholson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nicholson receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Nicholson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nicholson is $66,111, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nicholson is $185,900, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Nicholson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 729 per 100,000, 63% below the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Nicholson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches, including 82.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Nicholson has a population of 628 with a density of 541 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 3% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nicholson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Nicholson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nicholson is $66,111, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,963 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 990 business establishments, including 81 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Nicholson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,111 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $90,369 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 990 |
| County GDP | $2,616M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 81 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,074 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Nicholson is $185,900, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,205, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $729 (37% 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. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 316 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,074 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,900 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,205 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $729 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 316 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,074 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Nicholson, 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 1:2,742. The dentist ratio is 1:4,759. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nicholson 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 | 98.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,742 |
| Dentists | 1:4,759 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,504/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Nicholson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 729 per 100,000, 63% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nicholson receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Nicholson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 728.7/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 153 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Nicholson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°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 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 82.7 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 1,005 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,005 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 541/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6286°N, 75.7894°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Susquehanna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively 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: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
135 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
144 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Mendham, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
1 km NW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
6 km ESE of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Jan 15, 1992 |
5 km NNE of Tuxedo Park, New York |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| May 7, 1994 |
2 km SW of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
148 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 |
238 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
190 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 98 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
22 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
95 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 |
— |
— |
131 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 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
49 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
52 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
65 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
69 km |
| 1999 |
WORTHINGTO |
514 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Nicholson has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 68°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Nicholson. 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 Nicholson
What is the population of Nicholson?
Nicholson has a population of 628 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 541 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Nicholson expensive to live in?
Nicholson 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 $66,111, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,900 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nicholson safe?
Nicholson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 729 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nicholson receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nicholson?
Nicholson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 82.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Nicholson?
Nicholson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 990 business establishments in the area, including 81 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nicholson?
The median home value in Nicholson is $185,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,205. For renters, the median monthly rent is $729. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,074.
How are the schools in Nicholson?
Schools in Nicholson score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Nicholson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nicholson?
The obesity rate in Nicholson is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,742.
What is transportation like in Nicholson?
The average commute in Nicholson is 29 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nicholson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nicholson is 95.2% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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