Median Income
$71,750
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$241,700
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
384/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.3%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$857
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Scotland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,535
Median Age32.2 yrs
Density1,872/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,750
Per Capita$36,224
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$8,379M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$241,700
Rent$857
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$276,547
Housing Units493
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent384/100K
Property3,667/100K
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation705 ft (215 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.3%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute28 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Scotland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scotland receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Scotland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scotland is $71,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scotland is $241,700, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $857 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,667 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
27.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Scotland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.5 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Scotland has a population of 1,535 with a density of 1,872 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 32.2 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.2yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Scotland is $71,750, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,224. The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,466 business establishments, including 288 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 27.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,750 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,224 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,390 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,466 |
| County GDP | $8,379M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 288 |
| Healthcare | 343 |
| Retail | 454 |
| Manufacturing | 201 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,983 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 27.1% |
The median home value in Scotland is $241,700, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $276,547, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 107% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $857 (26% 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. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 493 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,983 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $241,700 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $276,547 |
| Median List Price | $341,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $341,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $169 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 107.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $857 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 493 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,983 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.06% |
In Scotland, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:2,149. 73.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scotland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:2,149 |
| Mental Health | 1:727 |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,611/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 343 |
Scotland has a violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,667 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Scotland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scotland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 384.2/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,667.1/100K |
| 87% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scotland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 43.5 inches. The area receives 30.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 705 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 705 ft (215 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,872/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9698°N, 77.5844°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gettysburg Regional (GTY) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.5"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 25, 2021.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
138 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
80 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
51 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
54 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
102 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
85 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
333 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 145 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1995 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1992 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR DEN (945 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Scotland has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Scotland. 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 Scotland
What is the population of Scotland?
Scotland has a population of 1,535 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,872 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Scotland expensive to live in?
Scotland 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 $71,750, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $241,700 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $857 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Scotland safe?
The violent crime rate in Scotland is 384 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 3,667 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Scotland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scotland?
Scotland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.5 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Scotland?
The job market in Scotland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 3,466 business establishments in the area, including 288 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 27.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scotland?
The median home value in Scotland is $241,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $276,547. For renters, the median monthly rent is $857. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,983.
How are the schools in Scotland?
Schools in Scotland score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.3% of adults in Scotland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scotland?
The obesity rate in Scotland is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 73.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in Scotland?
The average commute in Scotland is 28 minutes. 65.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 27.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scotland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scotland is 94.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.