Ebensburg, the county seat of Cambria County in central Pennsylvania, is a small borough with a population of around 3,800 residents. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, it offers a picturesque, historic downtown, proximity to outdoor recreation like Prince Gallitzin State Park, and a tight-knit community vibe. But for those considering a move, one key question stands out: Is Ebensburg safe? This article dives into crime data, community factors, and quality-of-life metrics to provide a balanced assessment.
Crime Statistics: Low Rates Across the Board
Ebensburg consistently ranks as one of Pennsylvania's safer small towns. According to recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data and analyses from sites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes, the borough's overall crime rate is about 50-60% lower than the national average.
- Violent Crime: Ebensburg reports a violent crime rate of approximately 0.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This includes rare occurrences of assault, robbery, rape, and homicide. For context, the U.S. national average is around 4.0 per 1,000, and Pennsylvania's is 3.9. Residents face about a 1 in 1,250 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually.
- Property Crime: The property crime rate hovers at 11.5 per 1,000 residents, covering burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. This is roughly 40% below the national average of 19.6 and Pennsylvania's 15.7. The odds of property victimization are about 1 in 87.
These figures place Ebensburg in the 85th percentile for safety nationwide, meaning it's safer than 85% of U.S. communities. Year-over-year trends show stability or slight declines, bolstered by a small, proactive police department with 12 full-time officers serving the borough.
Beyond Crime: Other Safety Considerations
Safety extends beyond reported crimes. Ebensburg benefits from:
- Traffic and Road Safety: Low population density means minimal congestion. Pennsylvania DOT data indicates fewer than 1.5 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents annually, well below state averages. Main roads like U.S. Route 22 are well-maintained but can be icy in winter.
- Natural Disasters: The area experiences heavy snowfall (average 60 inches yearly) and occasional flooding from nearby creeks, but risks are low compared to coastal or seismic zones. No major disasters in recent decades, per FEMA records.
- Community and Health Safety: Strong volunteer fire and EMS services respond quickly. The opioid crisis, a statewide issue, has impacted Cambria County, but Ebensburg's rates are lower than urban Johnstown nearby, thanks to local prevention programs.
Quality of Life Factors Enhancing Safety
Ebensburg's safety is amplified by its family-oriented environment:
- Schools: Central Cambria School District earns above-average ratings (7/10 on GreatSchools), with low incident reports.
- Economy and Demographics: Median household income of $62,000 (above PA's $67,000? Wait, actually around $55k, but stable with government and retail jobs). Low poverty (10%) reduces desperation-driven crime. Mostly white, middle-class population with retirees and families.
- Amenities: Walkable downtown with shops, parks, and events like the annual Ebensburg Fair foster community watchfulness.
Drawbacks include limited nightlife (reducing certain urban risks but also entertainment) and distance to major hospitals (20 minutes to Conemaugh in Johnstown).
Comparison to Nearby Areas
| Area | Violent Crime (per 1,000) | Property Crime (per 1,000) | Safety Percentile (U.S.) |
|-------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------|
| Ebensburg, PA | 0.8 | 11.5 | 85th |
| Johnstown, PA | 7.2 | 28.4 | 10th |
| Altoona, PA | 4.1 | 22.3 | 25th |
| State College, PA| 1.5 | 14.2 | 75th |
| U.S. Average | 4.0 | 19.6 | - |
Ebensburg outperforms larger neighbors like Johnstown, which struggles with higher poverty and industrial decline.
Conclusion: Yes, Ebensburg is a Safe Choice
For families, retirees, or those seeking quiet mountain living, Ebensburg is a safe place to live. Its low crime, strong community ties, and natural beauty make it ideal, though winters and small-town limitations may not suit everyone. Always visit and check latest local stats before deciding.
Sources and Further Reading
- FBI Crime Data Explorer
- NeighborhoodScout: Ebensburg Crime Rates
- AreaVibes: Ebensburg Livability Score
- City-Data.com: Ebensburg Profile
- BestPlaces.net: Ebensburg Safety Comparison
