Ephrata, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Ephrata, PA Utility & Living Guide

Ephrata offers a charming small-town atmosphere with easy access to urban amenities in nearby Lancaster.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ephrata
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PPL Electric Utilities
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

UGI Utilities
💧 Water

$45/mo

Ephrata Borough Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Ephrata Township Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Ephrata is competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new developments. Prices have risen steadily due to demand from commuters to Lancaster and Reading.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + Local 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mix of Republican and Democratic voters)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks are well-maintained in most areas. The downtown area is walkable.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Ephrata Cloister
  • 🎯
    Ephrata Park
  • 🎯
    Dutch Wonderland

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Highlands and Spring Glen are popular for families due to their proximity to schools and parks. Downtown offers historic charm but less space.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Ephrata based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Ephrata has strict zoning laws and requires permits for most home renovations. Short-term rentals are regulated.

Ephrata's economy is growing, with investments in healthcare and manufacturing. The town is also seeing an influx of remote workers.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Ephrata — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$56,280
👤 Median Age
35.6
🏠 Homeownership Rate
50.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
49.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
9.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.0%
📡 Internet Access
84.2%
🎓 College Educated
21.8%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees moderate increases from air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by township, with Ephrata Borough at 1.2%.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Good sidewalk coverage in residential areas, but some older neighborhoods lack curb cuts.

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