Clarks Summit 83 Exceptional
Clarks Summit Livability #116 ranked city in Pennsylvania#955 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Clarks Summit

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Clarks Summit?

Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Clarks Summit is a small-sized city with a population of 5,002 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,155 people per square mile, Clarks Summit is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Clarks Summit is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Clarks Summit will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Clarks Summit and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.

Clarks Summit, PA receives 80 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #159 in Pennsylvania and #1,490 in the USA. Clearly, Clarks Summit is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Clarks Summit also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Clarks Summit has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), cost of living (B+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Clarks Summit does not fare well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 46 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Clarks Summit boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Clarks Summit, the unemployment rate stands at 1.1%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Clarks Summit, the average school test scores reached an impressive 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Clarks Summit an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Clarks Summit market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Clarks Summit real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Clarks Summit. The median home price for Clarks Summit homes is $341,844, which is 15.3% higher than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Clarks Summit, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 21.6% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Clarks Summit

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      Clarks Summit transportation information

      Statistic Clarks Summit Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute18min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.9%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.9%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home12.1%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Clarks Summit, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.