Median Income
$62,321
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,000
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
508/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$946
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How South New Castle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population849
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density2,653/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,321
Per Capita$29,752
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$4,200M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,000
Rent$946
Ownership85.4%
Zillow$141,502
Housing Units379
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent508/100K
Property3,836/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,015 ft (309 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 33%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is South New Castle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South New Castle receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. South New Castle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South New Castle is $62,321, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South New Castle is $86,000, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $946 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 508 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,836 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
South New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
South New Castle has a population of 849 with a density of 2,653 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South New Castle vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South New Castle vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South New Castle is $62,321, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,752 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,000 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.6% of workers work from home.
Income: South New Castle vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,321 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,752 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,000 |
| County GDP | $4,200M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 280 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 126 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,252 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.8% |
| Work from Home | 12.6% |
The median home value in South New Castle is $86,000, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,502, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $946 (19% 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. 85.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 379 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $5,252 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,000 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,502 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $946 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.6% |
| Housing Units | 379 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,252 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.11% |
In South New Castle, 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 1:2,443. The dentist ratio is 1:1,697. 87.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South New Castle 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 | 96.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,443 |
| Dentists | 1:1,697 |
| Mental Health | 1:579 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 280 |
South New Castle has a violent crime rate of 508 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,836 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South New Castle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South New Castle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 508.2/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,835.8/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 72°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 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,015 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,015 ft (309 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,653/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9747°N, 80.3456°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pittsburgh/Butler Regional (BTP) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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
38 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 |
58 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
114 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
337 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 76 fatalities, 1,173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
72 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
97 km |
12 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
88 km |
7 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
58 km |
16 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
20 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (628 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
628 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
South New Castle has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in South New Castle. 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 South New Castle
What is the population of South New Castle?
South New Castle has a population of 849 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,653 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is South New Castle expensive to live in?
South New Castle 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 $62,321, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,000 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $946 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South New Castle safe?
The violent crime rate in South New Castle is 508 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 3,836 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South New Castle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South New Castle?
South New Castle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in South New Castle?
The job market in South New Castle is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 2,000 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 12.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South New Castle?
The median home value in South New Castle is $86,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,502. For renters, the median monthly rent is $946. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,252.
How are the schools in South New Castle?
Schools in South New Castle score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.8% of adults in South New Castle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South New Castle?
The obesity rate in South New Castle is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 87.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,443.
What is transportation like in South New Castle?
The average commute in South New Castle is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.1% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 12.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of South New Castle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South New Castle is 94.9% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.