City Profile
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a city with a rich industrial heritage, notably known for its steel production and the devastating floods that shaped its history. Located in Cambria County, the city has a resilient spirit, often highlighted by its ability to rebuild and adapt. Today, Johnstown offers a more affordable cost of living compared to national averages, attracting those seeking a community with a strong sense of history and a slower pace of life. The city is characterized by its unique topography, nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Little Conemaugh and Stonycreek rivers, which form the Conemaugh River. Its historical significance, particularly the 1889 Johnstown Flood, remains a defining aspect of its identity, drawing visitors to its museums and historical sites.
Pennsylvania offers a diverse character, blending vibrant urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with picturesque rural landscapes and historical charm. The state boasts a robust and varied economy, with major industries including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, real estate, financial services, and tourism, alongside significant contributions from agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and energy production. Living in Pennsylvania generally provides a high quality of life with a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, though expenses can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. The climate is primarily humid continental, featuring four distinct seasons with warm, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters, while the southeastern region experiences a slightly warmer, humid subtropical climate.
How this 47/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 37 / 100 | 37.0 | 30% | 11.1 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 93.0 | 52.5 | 25% | 13.1 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $37,888 Income needed to live here: $35,000 Unemployment rate: 5.8% | 43.9 | 20% | 8.8 |
| Growth | No usable reading — dataset average used | 56.4 | 15% | 8.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 55 / 100 | 55.0 | 10% | 5.5 |
| Overall score | 47.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=89), last refreshed
21 August 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Johnstown is notably lower than both the state and national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Overall, the cost of living is approximately 6.8% to 7% lower than the national average. Housing is a significant driver of this affordability, with costs being substantially cheaper—around 29% lower than the U.S. average.
While housing costs are low, some other expenses in Johnstown are slightly higher than the national average. Groceries, for instance, are about 6% to 6.2% pricier, and utilities can be around 6% to 6.5% higher. Transportation costs also tend to be higher, approximately 10% to 10.4% above the national average. Despite these increases in certain categories, the overall lower housing expenses contribute to Johnstown's reputation as an affordable place to live.
Income
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Johnstown's economy has historically been rooted in heavy industry, particularly steel and manufacturing, but it has diversified over time. As of 2024, the largest industries in the Johnstown metropolitan area are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. The healthcare sector, in particular, is a major employer, with institutions like Conemaugh Health System playing a significant role in the local job market.
While the city's employment saw a slight decline of -0.577% from 2023 to 2024, efforts are underway to attract and retain businesses of all sizes in Cambria County, with a focus on manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and contributions to defense and technology industries. The average individual salary in Johnstown is around $25,800 annually, reflecting a local economy that offers opportunities, particularly in its dominant sectors.
The average salary in Johnstown is $25,800 per year. You would need approximately $35,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Johnstown primarily relies on personal vehicles, with car ownership being approximately two cars per household. The average commute time for residents is around 20 minutes, which is shorter than the national average. Public transportation options are available, with Amtrak and Greyhound providing services to and from Pittsburgh, but only a small percentage of the workforce (4.1%) utilizes public transit for their daily commute.
Walkability is a factor for some residents, with about 6.4% to 7% walking to work. However, the overall infrastructure and commuting patterns suggest a medium to high car dependency. Road conditions, especially during winter, can impact travel times, with local routes like 954 and 56 being key arteries for regional travel.
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