Pennsylvania · Metropolitan Area
Harrisburg is a mid-size city in Pennsylvania with a population of 50,092. Residents earn $47,783 per year, which is 36% below the national average.
Based on current data, Harrisburg receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Harrisburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Harrisburg is $47,783, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 27.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Harrisburg is $121,000, 57% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $996 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 1,114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,722 per 100,000, 90% above the national average.
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Harrisburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches, including 23.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 79.0% |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 21.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $47,783 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $27,779 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,308 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,173 |
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 27.5% |
| 122% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 7,552 |
| County GDP | $28,909M |
| Restaurants | 716 |
| Healthcare | 979 |
| Retail | 898 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,206 |
| 77% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.13% |
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Work from Home | 13.8% |
| Census Median | $121,000 |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,294 |
| Median List Price | $164,900 |
| Median List Price | $164,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 31 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.2% |
| Price Drops | 47.4% |
| Inventory | 78 |
| Census Median Rent | $996 |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,351 |
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
| Owner-Occupied | 36.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,206 |
| 77% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.13% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,617/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 979 |
| Total Violent | 1,113.9/100K |
| 193% above US avg | |
| Murder | 34.6/100K |
| 450% above US avg | |
| Rape | 85.5/100K |
| Robbery | 553.9/100K |
| Assault | 439.8/100K |
| Total Property | 3,722.3/100K |
| 90% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 971.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,472.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 279.0/100K |
| Arson | 50.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg | |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 45.2 inches |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 23.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 338 ft (103 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,169/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2759°N, 76.8850°W |
| County FIPS | 42043 |
Winner: Democrat by 5.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.3% |
| 22% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 85.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.95 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 6,169/sq mi |
| Total Area | 8.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 33 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 40 |
| Public Libraries | 10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 979 |
| Restaurants | 716 |
| Retail Stores | 898 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Avg Commute | 20.6 min |
| Work from Home | 13.8% |