Violent Crime
154/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
65.0%
93% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
How Penn State Erie (Behrend) Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,561
Median Age19.9 yrs
Density2,001/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$5,000
Unemployment3.1%
County GDP$6,275M
Commute20 min
Housing
Zillow$194,885
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent154/100K
Property2,643/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Smoking27.6%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.5 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,049 ft (320 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+65.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+61.5%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 39%
Commute20 min
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations28
Libraries24
Is Penn State Erie (Behrend) a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Penn State Erie (Behrend) receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Penn State Erie (Behrend) offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Penn State Erie (Behrend) is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,643 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
Penn State Erie (Behrend) is a highly educated community / 65.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above 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
Penn State Erie (Behrend) experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 43.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a population of 1,561 with a density of 2,001 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 19.9 years, 49% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 6.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.4% of residents, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.9yrs
Median Age
49% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Penn State Erie (Behrend) vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.4%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.6%
6% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Penn State Erie (Behrend) vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $5,000 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 3,224 business establishments, including 330 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). 17.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Penn State Erie (Behrend) vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $5,000 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,667 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 3,224 |
| County GDP | $6,275M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 330 |
| Healthcare | 255 |
| Retail | 443 |
| Manufacturing | 176 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,210 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 31.9% |
| Public Transit | 3.5% |
| Work from Home | 17.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,885. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $7,210 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,210 |
| 106% above US avg |
In Penn State Erie (Behrend), 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. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,585. The dentist ratio is 1:1,826. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Penn State Erie (Behrend) 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 | 99.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,585 |
| Dentists | 1:1,826 |
| Mental Health | 1:516 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,667/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 255 |
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,643 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Penn State Erie (Behrend) receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Penn State Erie (Behrend) vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 153.7/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,642.9/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Penn State Erie (Behrend) experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,049 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,049 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,001/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1178°N, 79.9858°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chautauqua County County |
| Nearest Airport | Erie International/Tom Ridge Field (ERI) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.5"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 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 |
77 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
131 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
70 km |
| Feb 6, 2023 |
1 km NE of West Seneca, New York |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
92 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| May 25, 1995 |
3 km NW of Amherst, New York |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
11 km NNW of Angola on the Lake, New York |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
147 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 368 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
96 km |
4 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
57 km |
12 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
70 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
84 km |
16 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
48 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
30 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 14, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 14, 2011 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
38 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 |
— |
86 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 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
586 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in February to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Penn State Erie (Behrend). 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State Erie (Behrend)
What is the population of Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a population of 1,561 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,001 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Penn State Erie (Behrend) expensive to live in?
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100).
Is Penn State Erie (Behrend) safe?
Penn State Erie (Behrend) is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,643 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Penn State Erie (Behrend) receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 43.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
Penn State Erie (Behrend) has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 3,224 business establishments in the area, including 330 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 17.5% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
Schools in Penn State Erie (Behrend) score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 65.0% of adults in Penn State Erie (Behrend) hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 61.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
The obesity rate in Penn State Erie (Behrend) is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.6% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,585.
What is transportation like in Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
The average commute in Penn State Erie (Behrend) is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 31.9% of workers drive alone to work, 3.5% use public transit, and 17.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Penn State Erie (Behrend)?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Penn State Erie (Behrend) is 78.8% White, 6.7% Black or African American. 87.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.