Median Income
$101,534
35% higher than US avg
Home Value
$281,400
0% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
442/100K
16% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.5%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,349
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.7%
94% lower than US avg
How Harrisburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,790
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density1,633/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,534
Per Capita$36,689
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty0.7%
County GDP$8,823M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$281,400
Rent$1,349
Ownership79.6%
Zillow$354,472
Housing Units2,812
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent442/100K
Property2,951/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking11.1%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,426 ft (435 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.5%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute21 min
Broadband98.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Harrisburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harrisburg receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Harrisburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harrisburg is $101,534, which is significantly higher than the national average / 35% above $75,149. This places Harrisburg among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harrisburg is $281,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,349 per month. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 442 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,951 per 100,000, 51% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Harrisburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.8 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Harrisburg has a population of 7,790 with a density of 1,633 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harrisburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harrisburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harrisburg is $101,534, which is 35% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,689. The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,515 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Harrisburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,534 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,689 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $124,882 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.7% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,515 |
| County GDP | $8,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 180 |
| Manufacturing | 61 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Harrisburg is $281,400, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $354,472, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,349 (16% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,812 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $8,467 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $281,400 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $354,472 |
| Median List Price | $410,200 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $410,200 |
| $/Sq Ft | $194 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 3.7% |
| Inventory | 27 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,349 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,453 |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,812 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,467 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.01% |
In Harrisburg, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 11.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 16.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.0% report depression. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:754. The dentist ratio is 1:1,109. 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harrisburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.1% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.3% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 9.1% |
| Short Sleep | 28.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:754 |
| Dentists | 1:1,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:320 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 72.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,503/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Harrisburg has a violent crime rate of 442 per 100,000 residents, 16% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,951 per 100,000, 51% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harrisburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harrisburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 442.2/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,950.9/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harrisburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,426 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,426 ft (435 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,633/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4343°N, 96.7124°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.8"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
639 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 265 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Harrisburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Harrisburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harrisburg
What is the population of Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has a population of 7,790 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,633 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Harrisburg expensive to live in?
Harrisburg is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $101,534, 35% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $281,400 (0% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,349 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harrisburg safe?
The violent crime rate in Harrisburg is 442 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,951 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Harrisburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.8 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Harrisburg?
The job market in Harrisburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 2,515 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harrisburg?
The median home value in Harrisburg is $281,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $354,472. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,349. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,467.
How are the schools in Harrisburg?
Schools in Harrisburg score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.5% of adults in Harrisburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harrisburg?
The obesity rate in Harrisburg is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.1% of adults are smokers. 16.3% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:754.
What is transportation like in Harrisburg?
The average commute in Harrisburg is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harrisburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harrisburg is 91.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.