Median Income
$55,272
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$230,200
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.9%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$948
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Slippery Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,434
Median Age23.5 yrs
Density2,081/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,272
Per Capita$26,953
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$5,515M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$230,200
Rent$948
Ownership28.4%
Zillow$191,844
Housing Units1,484
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property1,198/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault27/100K
Burglary272/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain45.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,290 ft (393 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.9%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+20.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute26 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Slippery Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Slippery Rock receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Slippery Rock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Slippery Rock is $55,272, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Slippery Rock is $230,200, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $948 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Slippery Rock is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,198 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Slippery Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Slippery Rock has a population of 3,434 with a density of 2,081 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 23.5 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.5yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Slippery Rock vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Slippery Rock vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Slippery Rock is $55,272, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,953 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,857 business establishments, including 251 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Slippery Rock vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,272 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,953 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,842 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,857 |
| County GDP | $5,515M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 251 |
| Healthcare | 407 |
| Retail | 423 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,174 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Slippery Rock is $230,200, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,844, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $948 (18% 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. 28.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,484 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $4,174 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $230,200 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,844 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $948 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 28.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,484 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,174 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
In Slippery Rock, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617. The dentist ratio is 1:1,734. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Slippery Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,617 |
| Dentists | 1:1,734 |
| Mental Health | 1:454 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,603/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 407 |
Slippery Rock has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 27.2 per 100,000, robbery at 27.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,198 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 898, burglary at 272, vehicle theft at 27 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Slippery Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Slippery Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.5/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 27.2/100K |
| Assault | 27.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,197.9/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| Burglary | 272.3/100K |
| Theft | 898.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 126 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Slippery Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 70°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 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,290 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,290 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,081/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0695°N, 80.0579°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mercer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pittsburgh/Butler Regional (BTP)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 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 |
55 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
135 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Jan 4, 2022 |
3 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
324 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 76 fatalities, 1,183 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
93 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
94 km |
12 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
65 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
60 km |
16 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
44 km |
9 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
586 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Slippery Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 25°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Slippery Rock. 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 Slippery Rock
What is the population of Slippery Rock?
Slippery Rock has a population of 3,434 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,081 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Slippery Rock expensive to live in?
Slippery Rock 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 $55,272, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $230,200 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $948 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Slippery Rock safe?
Slippery Rock is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,198 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Slippery Rock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Slippery Rock?
Slippery Rock has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Slippery Rock?
The job market in Slippery Rock is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 2,857 business establishments in the area, including 251 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Slippery Rock?
The median home value in Slippery Rock is $230,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,844. For renters, the median monthly rent is $948. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 28.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,174.
How are the schools in Slippery Rock?
Schools in Slippery Rock score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.9% of adults in Slippery Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 20.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Slippery Rock?
The obesity rate in Slippery Rock is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617.
What is transportation like in Slippery Rock?
The average commute in Slippery Rock is 26 minutes. 70.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Slippery Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Slippery Rock is 90.3% White, 3.8% Black or African American. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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