Median Income
$52,656
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$237,000
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
378/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.0%
22% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$929
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Gettysburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,929
Median Age22.3 yrs
Density4,777/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,656
Per Capita$34,115
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$4,729M
Commute16 min
Housing
A
Home Value$237,000
Rent$929
Ownership47.3%
Zillow$361,856
Housing Units2,615
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
F
Violent378/100K
Property1,696/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault274/100K
Burglary222/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain44.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation531 ft (162 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.0%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+19.0%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute16 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations8
Libraries6
Is Gettysburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gettysburg receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gettysburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gettysburg is $52,656, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gettysburg is $237,000, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $929 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gettysburg is below the national average at 378 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,696 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Gettysburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Gettysburg has a population of 7,929 with a density of 4,777 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 22.3 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (76.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 4.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.2% of residents, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.3yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gettysburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.2%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.8%
4% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gettysburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gettysburg is $52,656, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,115 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,049, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,237 business establishments, including 225 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gettysburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,656 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,115 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,049 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,220 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,237 |
| County GDP | $4,729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 225 |
| Healthcare | 165 |
| Retail | 307 |
| Manufacturing | 106 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,531 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 41.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Gettysburg is $237,000, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $361,856, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $929 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,615 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,531 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $237,000 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $361,856 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $929 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,061 |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,615 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,531 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.33% |
In Gettysburg, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,859. The dentist ratio is 1:3,029. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gettysburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,859 |
| Dentists | 1:3,029 |
| Mental Health | 1:768 |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,266/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 165 |
Gettysburg has a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 273.9 per 100,000, robbery at 26.1, rape at 78.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,696 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,461, burglary at 222, vehicle theft at 13 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gettysburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gettysburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 378.2/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.3/100K |
| Robbery | 26.1/100K |
| Assault | 273.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,695.6/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| Burglary | 221.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,460.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 13.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 866 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gettysburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 531 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.8°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 531 ft (162 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,777/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8306°N, 77.2341°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gettysburg Regional (GTY) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.5"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0480 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.48 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.17 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 25, 2021.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
116 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
118 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
65 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
70 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
36 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
31 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
29 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
37 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
80 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
77 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
73 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
74 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
285 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
410 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 188 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1995 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Gettysburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Gettysburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Gettysburg
What is the population of Gettysburg?
Gettysburg has a population of 7,929 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 4,777 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Gettysburg expensive to live in?
Gettysburg has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,656, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $237,000 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $929 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gettysburg safe?
Gettysburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 378 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,696 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gettysburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gettysburg?
Gettysburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Gettysburg?
The job market in Gettysburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,049. There are 2,237 business establishments in the area, including 225 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gettysburg?
The median home value in Gettysburg is $237,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $361,856. For renters, the median monthly rent is $929. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,531.
How are the schools in Gettysburg?
Schools in Gettysburg score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.0% of adults in Gettysburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 19.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gettysburg?
The obesity rate in Gettysburg is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,859.
What is transportation like in Gettysburg?
The average commute in Gettysburg is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 41.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gettysburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gettysburg is 76.7% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 87.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.