Median Income
$79,375
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$233,000
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
436/100K
15% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.0%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,250
93% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Penn Lake Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population343
Median Age52.1 yrs
Density217/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$79,375
Per Capita$44,171
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$20,580M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$233,000
Rent$2,250
Ownership92.1%
Zillow$233,590
Housing Units271
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent436/100K
Property3,533/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain48.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,342 ft (409 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.0%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute31 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries16
Is Penn Lake Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Penn Lake Park receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Penn Lake Park offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Penn Lake Park is $79,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Penn Lake Park is $233,000, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $2,250 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,533 per 100,000, 80% above the national average.
Education
33.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Penn Lake Park 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 48.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Penn Lake Park has a population of 343 with a density of 217 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 52.1 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.1yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Penn Lake Park 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
Penn Lake Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Penn Lake Park is $79,375, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,171 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,075, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below 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 7,474 business establishments, including 769 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Penn Lake Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,375 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,171 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,075 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,474 |
| County GDP | $20,580M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 769 |
| Healthcare | 993 |
| Retail | 1,145 |
| Manufacturing | 299 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,079 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Penn Lake Park is $233,000, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,590. Monthly rent averages $2,250 (93% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 271 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $6,079 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $233,000 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,590 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,250 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.9% |
| Housing Units | 271 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,079 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.61% |
In Penn Lake Park, 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 1:1,320. The dentist ratio is 1:1,532. 88.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Penn Lake Park 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 | 96.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,320 |
| Dentists | 1:1,532 |
| Mental Health | 1:668 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,192/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 993 |
Penn Lake Park has a violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 residents, 15% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,533 per 100,000, 80% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Penn Lake Park receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Penn Lake Park vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 436.4/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,532.7/100K |
| 80% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Penn Lake Park 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 48.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,342 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 | 1,342 ft (409 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 217/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1147°N, 75.7751°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Luzerne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hazleton Regional (HZL) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.8"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
97 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
90 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
90 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
99 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Jan 9, 1992 |
4 km WNW of Robertsville, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
0 km W of Little Ferry, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
90 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Aug 5, 2025 |
1 km N of Hillsdale, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
2 km NW of Chester Heights, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
109 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 |
216 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
260 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 98 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1992 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
32 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 |
— |
— |
90 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 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
11 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
7 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
8 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
47 km |
| 1999 |
WORTHINGTO |
514 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Penn Lake Park has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Penn Lake Park. 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 Penn Lake Park
What is the population of Penn Lake Park?
Penn Lake Park has a population of 343 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 217 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Penn Lake Park expensive to live in?
Penn Lake Park 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 $79,375, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $233,000 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,250 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Penn Lake Park safe?
The violent crime rate in Penn Lake Park is 436 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 3,533 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Penn Lake Park receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Penn Lake Park?
Penn Lake Park 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 48.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Penn Lake Park?
The job market in Penn Lake Park is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,075. There are 7,474 business establishments in the area, including 769 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Penn Lake Park?
The median home value in Penn Lake Park is $233,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,590. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,250. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,079.
How are the schools in Penn Lake Park?
Schools in Penn Lake Park score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.0% of adults in Penn Lake Park hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Penn Lake Park?
The obesity rate in Penn Lake Park is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 88.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320.
What is transportation like in Penn Lake Park?
The average commute in Penn Lake Park is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Penn Lake Park?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Penn Lake Park is 91% White. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.