What to know when moving to Ephrata, PA
Ephrata at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.8% of residents rent and the median household income is $71,865.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 12 nearby educational institutions, including Franklin and Marshall College.
- The Reality Check:
- With a 0.2% public transit commute rate, owning a car is essential here.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,171 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Ephrata has a population of 33,601, and around 23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a moderately educated community. With a median household income of $71,865, many residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. However, the fact that only 33.8% of residents are renters suggests a strong homeownership presence.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as only 0.2% of commuters use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,171, making it an affordable choice compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $263,600, reflecting a stable housing market.
- Education level shows 23.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree, while 8.2% live in poverty, indicating a diverse income range.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Pennsylvania's crime rates show a downward trend in both property and violent crimes. The state annual property crime rate is 1,363.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 11.8% lower than the national rate. Violent crime is at 228.5 per 100,000, marking a 29.8% decrease compared to the national average.
- Violent crime: 228.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 28.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,363.9 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 15.4% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 55% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Pennsylvania).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the area is noteworthy, with 12 institutions nearby, including notable options like Franklin and Marshall College and Harrisburg Area Community College-Lancaster.
- Postsecondary institutions: 12
- Nearby: Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster Bible College, and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Ephrata has some great nearby outdoor spots to explore. Check out these highly rated locations for a day out.
- Lititz Springs Park - 4.8 stars (2,895 reviews)
- Lancaster County Central Park - 4.7 stars (1,808 reviews)
- Historic Ephrata Cloister - 4.7 stars (584 reviews)
- Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster - 4.4 stars (1,011 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.