Median Income
$52,344
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,200
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
126/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.1%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$898
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Shippensburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,811
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density2,863/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,344
Per Capita$32,560
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$23,098M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,200
Rent$898
Ownership46.9%
Zillow$275,223
Housing Units3,074
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent126/100K
Property1,746/100K
Murder18.0/100K
Assault36/100K
Burglary180/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain42.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation644 ft (196 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.1%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+14.2%
School Score6.63
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries8
Is Shippensburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shippensburg receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Shippensburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shippensburg is $52,344, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shippensburg is $163,200, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Shippensburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Shippensburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.5 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Shippensburg has a population of 5,811 with a density of 2,863 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shippensburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shippensburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shippensburg is $52,344, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,560 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,253, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,995 business establishments, including 574 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shippensburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,344 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,560 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,253 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,422 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,995 |
| County GDP | $23,098M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 574 |
| Healthcare | 836 |
| Retail | 826 |
| Manufacturing | 212 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,909 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Shippensburg is $163,200, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,223, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $898 (23% 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. 46.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,074 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $5,909 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,200 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,223 |
| Median List Price | $240,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $240,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 6.7% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $898 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,145 |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,074 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,909 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.62% |
In Shippensburg, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,153. The dentist ratio is 1:1,436. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shippensburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,153 |
| Dentists | 1:1,436 |
| Mental Health | 1:402 |
| Dental Visits | 54.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 836 |
Shippensburg has a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 36.0 per 100,000, robbery at 36.0, rape at 36.0. The murder rate is 18.0 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,512, burglary at 180, vehicle theft at 54 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shippensburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shippensburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 126.0/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| Murder | 18.0/100K |
| 186% above US avg |
| Rape | 36.0/100K |
| Robbery | 36.0/100K |
| Assault | 36.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,746.5/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| Burglary | 180.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,512.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 54.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 525 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shippensburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 42.5 inches. The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 644 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.3°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 644 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,863/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0487°N, 77.5232°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cumberland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gettysburg Regional (GTY) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.5"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 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 |
130 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
42 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
42 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
47 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
324 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 138 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
0 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1995 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1992 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Shippensburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 30°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Shippensburg. 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 Shippensburg
What is the population of Shippensburg?
Shippensburg has a population of 5,811 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,863 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Shippensburg expensive to live in?
Shippensburg 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 $52,344, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,200 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shippensburg safe?
Shippensburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shippensburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shippensburg?
Shippensburg 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 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.5 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Shippensburg?
The job market in Shippensburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,253. There are 6,995 business establishments in the area, including 574 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shippensburg?
The median home value in Shippensburg is $163,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,223. For renters, the median monthly rent is $898. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,909.
How are the schools in Shippensburg?
Schools in Shippensburg score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.1% of adults in Shippensburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 14.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shippensburg?
The obesity rate in Shippensburg is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,153.
What is transportation like in Shippensburg?
The average commute in Shippensburg is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shippensburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shippensburg is 94% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.