Harrisburg

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Overview

Harrisburg faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (42.7/100) and ranking #19 of 20 cities in Pennsylvania. Even so, the city scores 78/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 7/100.

Income & Employment in Harrisburg

Harrisburg’s median income of $47,783 is 35% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.7% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%.

Safety in Harrisburg

With a violent crime rate of 1071.1 per 100,000, Harrisburg exceeds the Pennsylvania average of 313. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2028.7 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Harrisburg

Harrisburg has a cost of living index of 96.5 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $121,000. Median monthly rent is $996. Renters spend 25.0% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Education & Schools in Harrisburg

The high school graduation rate in Harrisburg is 70.6%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio is 15.3:1. Local districts invest $16,555 per student, well above the national median. The city has 39 public schools serving 51,248 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Harrisburg

Harrisburg enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 56.8°F. Summers average 73.9°F. Winters average 41.5°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1 inches. The average commute of 17.5 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions