Performance
Score Breakdown
Ponca City
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Ponca City's average rent is
22% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Ponca City | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $800 | $655 | +22% |
| Groceries | $649 | $425 | +53% |
| Utilities | $208 | $239 | -13% |
| Transport | $186 | $387 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $149 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $1,982 | $1,855 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Ponca City offers 27% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Ponca City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Ponca City is estimated at
$52,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Ponca City | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $32,704 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,402 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $55,941 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Ponca City | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Johnstown.
Johnstown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Johnstown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Ponca City | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ponca City is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Ponca City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ponca City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Ponca City | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,221 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 37.1 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Ponca City
Advantages
The cost of living in Ponca City is 17.4% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, approximately 30.8% less expensive than the national average.
The average commute time is relatively short at 15.7 minutes.
Ponca City has a strong presence of manufacturing, agriculture, and energy industries, providing diverse employment opportunities.
The city offers a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Drawbacks
Ponca City has a higher crime rate than the national average, with an overall safety grade of D+.
The city has experienced a slight population decline, with a projected annual rate of -0.02% in 2026.
Employment in Ponca City saw a decline of -0.508% from 2023 to 2024.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is highly car-dependent.
The poverty rate in Ponca City is 17.95%, which is higher than the national average.
Johnstown
Advantages
The cost of living in Johnstown is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home property values in Johnstown are considerably more affordable than the national average, making homeownership accessible.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Johnstown has a strong healthcare sector with major employers like Conemaugh Health System, providing local job opportunities and medical services.
The city offers a rich historical and cultural experience, including museums and local sports teams.
Drawbacks
Johnstown's population is projected to decline, indicating potential challenges in growth and development.
The median household income in Johnstown is substantially lower than the national average.
A significant percentage of Johnstown families live in poverty, highlighting economic challenges.
The safety index for Johnstown is relatively low, suggesting concerns about crime.
Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average, offsetting some of the housing affordability.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Ponca City
#102Oklahoma, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$800
Avg Salary
$32,704
Cost Index
83
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
60
Business
65
Johnstown
#106Pennsylvania, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$655
Avg Salary
$25,800
Cost Index
93
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.80%
Livability
60
Business
55
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