Allentown, PA

Allentown PA scores 67/100 on safety (about average). Crime is about 20% below the national average. Pick the neighborhood carefully. Some ZIPs are fine, others are not.

Detail: overall crime index 80 (100 = avg); violent crime index 74; property crime index 86. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Allentown. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Allentown is about $1,317/month (moderate). At $1,317/month for a typical unit, you need about $47,412+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $206,600.

Median household income is $55,494, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($55,494) clears the $47,412 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 56°F (highs near 62°F, lows near 49°F).

Cooler months cut into patio season; plan indoor hobbies for part of the year. Heating will show up on winter bills more than AC does in summer. If you visit, go in January. That is when the cold is honest.

Who tends to thrive in Allentown: (1) Renters who want $1,317/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $47,412) (2) Households earning $47,412+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,317/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Allentown who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 67/100) (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Allentown does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $47,412 household income for $1,317/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Allentown holds up well on the core metrics we publish. Safety at 67/100 makes it a reasonable choice for households who can manage $1,317/month rent. Verify school ratings for your target ZIP separately.