Median Income
$52,688
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$66,600
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.7%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$799
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Oil City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,517
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density2,120/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,688
Per Capita$30,848
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$2,149M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,600
Rent$799
Ownership61.4%
Zillow$91,387
Housing Units4,787
Rent Burden31.2%
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured3.7%
Smoking27.6%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Elevation1,019 ft (311 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.7%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 29%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Oil City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oil City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Oil City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oil City is $52,688, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oil City is $66,600, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $799 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Oil City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches, including 53.7 inches of snow.
Oil City has a population of 9,517 with a density of 2,120 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
9,517
Total Population
2023 Census
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Oil City is $52,688, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,848 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,208 business establishments, including 104 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,688 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,848 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,208 |
| County GDP | $2,149M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 104 |
| Healthcare | 172 |
| Retail | 193 |
| Manufacturing | 83 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,233 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Oil City is $66,600, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $91,387, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $69,500 with homes selling in an average of 115 days. Homes sell for 91.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $799 (31% 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. 61.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,787 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,233 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $66,600 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $91,387 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $69,500 |
| Median List Price | $79,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $69,500 |
| Median List Price | $79,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $32 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Days on Market | 115 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.2% |
| Price Drops | 18.5% |
| Inventory | 27 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $799 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.6% |
| Housing Units | 4,787 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,233 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.36% |
In Oil City, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 27.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,665. The dentist ratio is 1:2,620. 67.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oil City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.6% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 3.7% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,665 |
| Dentists | 1:2,620 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,820/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 172 |
Oil City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 53.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,019 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,019 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4288°N, 79.7078°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Venango County County |
| Nearest Airport | Venango Regional (FKL)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.32"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| 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
33 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 |
57 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jan 4, 2022 |
3 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
268 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 60 fatalities, 734 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
68 km |
16 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
61 km |
4 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
15 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
83 km |
12 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
48 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
93 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1823 |
LAKE ERIE |
Unknown |
2.7 m |
- |
144 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
23 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
586 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Oil City has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 26°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.3") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Oil City. 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 Oil City
What is the population of Oil City?
Oil City has a population of 9,517 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,120 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Oil City expensive to live in?
Oil City 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 $52,688, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,600 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $799 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Oil City?
Oil City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches, with 53.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Oil City?
The unemployment rate in Oil City is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $948. There are 1,208 business establishments in the area, including 104 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oil City?
The median home value in Oil City is $66,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $91,387. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $69,500, with homes typically selling within 115 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $799. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,233.
How are the schools in Oil City?
Schools in Oil City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.7% of adults in Oil City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oil City?
The obesity rate in Oil City is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.6% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 3.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,665.
What is transportation like in Oil City?
The average commute in Oil City is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oil City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oil City is 94.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Asian. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.