Median Income
$38,702
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,800
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
185/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.9%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
16.2%
350% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Northwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population161
Median Age62.3 yrs
Density304/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans16.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$38,702
Per Capita$24,941
Unemployment16.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$8,000M
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,800
Ownership86.5%
Zillow$141,138
Housing Units84
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent185/100K
Property2,724/100K
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain42.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,084 ft (330 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Northwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northwood receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Northwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northwood is $38,702, 48% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northwood is $84,800, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Northwood is below the national average at 185 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,724 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
5.9% 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 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Northwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°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 42.0 inches, including 50.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Northwood has a population of 161 with a density of 304 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 62.3 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 36.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.3yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Northwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northwood is $38,702, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,941 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.2% (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 3,430 business establishments, including 305 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Northwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,702 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,941 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,997 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.2% |
| 350% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,430 |
| County GDP | $8,000M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 305 |
| Healthcare | 462 |
| Retail | 495 |
| Manufacturing | 128 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,849 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Northwood is $84,800, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,138, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 84 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,849 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% 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 | $84,800 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,138 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.5% |
| Housing Units | 84 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,849 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.72% |
In Northwood, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,295. The dentist ratio is 1:1,552. 75.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Northwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,295 |
| Dentists | 1:1,552 |
| Mental Health | 1:329 |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,059/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 462 |
Northwood has a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,724 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Northwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 185.3/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,723.7/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°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 42.0 inches. The area receives 50.0 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 1,084 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,084 ft (330 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 304/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6864°N, 78.2271°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Blair County County |
| Nearest Airport | State College Regional (SCE) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.0"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0428 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.47 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.8 on Sep 15, 2019.
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
165 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1975 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FIELDS RUN (711 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FIELDS RUN |
711 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
FIVE MILE FIRE |
658 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR TRAP |
561 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Northwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Northwood. 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 Northwood
What is the population of Northwood?
Northwood has a population of 161 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 304 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.5% female and 43.5% male.
Is Northwood expensive to live in?
Northwood 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 $38,702, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,800 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Northwood safe?
Northwood is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,724 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Northwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northwood?
Northwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°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 42.0 inches, with 50.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Northwood?
The job market in Northwood faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,024. There are 3,430 business establishments in the area, including 305 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Northwood?
The median home value in Northwood is $84,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,138. The homeownership rate is 86.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,849.
How are the schools in Northwood?
Schools in Northwood score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.9% of adults in Northwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northwood?
The obesity rate in Northwood is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 75.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,295.
What are the demographics of Northwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwood is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.9% of the population are military veterans. 36.1% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.