PennsylvaniaPop. 50,287Smaller cities
Is Harrisburg a Good Place to Live? Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Harrisburg ranks #1129 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #467 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($124,200, #16 of 524) and low rents ($1,062/mo, #69 of 524), and trails on high poverty (30.5%, #520 of 524) and low household income ($48,099, #509 of 524).
Harrisburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Harrisburg's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's cost of living index is 98.7, 1% below the US level of 100 and #626 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,062/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,027, 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Harrisburg | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.7#626 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $267,027#287 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,369/mo#228 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $124,200#39 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,062/mo#279 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.5%#1123 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Harrisburg housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Harrisburg is in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Harrisburg safe?
Harrisburg recorded 634 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 93% above the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #931 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #407 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Harrisburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,825 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Harrisburg | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 634#931 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,825#636 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Harrisburg?
The median household in Harrisburg earns $48,099, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 38% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 30.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Harrisburg | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $48,099#1253 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 30.5%#1296 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Harrisburg?
The median resident of Harrisburg is 33.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #941 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Harrisburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 25.9%#941 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 36.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Harrisburg's schools and health?
Harrisburg's 15 public schools graduate 71.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $18,696 spent per pupil. 41% of adults are obese and 15.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Harrisburg | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 71.8%#1023 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,696#287 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41%#1164 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.4%#1186 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.7%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,668 students are enrolled in Harrisburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Harrisburg?
The average commute in Harrisburg is 20.1 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 5.2% of workers take transit and 15.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Harrisburg scores 15.9 of 20 (most walkable), #4 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.3°F and winters 34.8°F, with 41 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Harrisburg | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.1 min#349 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 57.5% | 68.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.2% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 7.5% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.8% | 13.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.9#4 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40.3 | 24.9 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 43.2 | 26.2 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 52.6 | 33.9 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 64.9 | 43.3 | 3.7 |
| May | 74.7 | 53.2 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 62.8 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 87.6 | 67.4 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 85.4 | 65.5 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 78.6 | 58.4 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 46.7 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.1 | 37 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 44.4 | 29.5 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Harrisburg Capital City Airport.
| Measure | Harrisburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Harrisburg Capital City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Harrisburg?
Dauphin County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dauphin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
| Measure | Harrisburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#530 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dauphin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dauphin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0092% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 71% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0036% | 57% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Harrisburg compare with similar-size cities?
Harrisburg is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #467 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 50,287.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #1129 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 | 20.1 min |
| Irondequoit, NYPop. 50,657 | #306 | 62.0 | $79,162 | $1,159/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Enid, OKPop. 50,653 | #1016 | 49.8 | $62,125 | $914/mo | 572 | 16.5 min |
| Hilo, HIPop. 50,404 | #895 | 51.9 | $81,779 | $1,427/mo | no data | 20.3 min |
| Draper, UTPop. 50,278 | #292 | 62.2 | $128,910 | $1,894/mo | 192 | 24 min |
| Rosemead, CAPop. 50,013 | #1017 | 49.8 | $73,566 | $1,834/mo | 356 | 26.9 min |
| Lakewood, OHPop. 50,007 | #184 | 64.9 | $68,954 | $1,070/mo | 81 | 22.8 min |
| Tamiami, FLPop. 49,752 | #1083 | 48.3 | $78,353 | $1,939/mo | no data | 32.7 min |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #29 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Harrisburg compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg ranks #18 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 47.3 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 38% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Harrisburg's score calculated?
Harrisburg scores 47.3 out of 100, #1129 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 55.5.
31.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Harrisburg's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
53.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 58.9.
31.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Harrisburg's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Harrisburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 56.1.
5.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Harrisburg. Similar-size median 50.0.
68.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Harrisburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
78.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
56.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Harrisburg's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Harrisburg has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Harrisburg
Is Harrisburg, PA a good place to live?
Harrisburg ranks #1129 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #467 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($124,200, #16 of 524) and low rents ($1,062/mo, #69 of 524), and trails on high poverty (30.5%, #520 of 524) and low household income ($48,099, #509 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's cost of living index is 98.7, 1% below the US level of 100 and #626 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,062/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,027, 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg recorded 634 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 93% above the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #931 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #407 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Harrisburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,825 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Harrisburg?
The median household in Harrisburg earns $48,099, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 38% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 30.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Harrisburg?
Median rent in Harrisburg is $1,062/mo (Census), #279 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,369/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Harrisburg?
The typical home value in Harrisburg is $267,027, up 2.7% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $124,200.
How are the public schools in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's 15 public schools graduate 71.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $18,696 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Harrisburg?
The average commute is 20.1 minutes, #349 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg averages 55.2°F over the year, 75.3°F in summer and 34.8°F in winter, with 41 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Harrisburg walkable?
Harrisburg scores 15.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #4 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Harrisburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dauphin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 61% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Harrisburg?
Dauphin County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has 50,287 residents. The median resident of Harrisburg is 33.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #941 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Harrisburg compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg ranks #18 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 47.3 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 38% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Harrisburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Harrisburg's population of 50,287 are Irondequoit, NY (#306 overall), Enid, OK (#1016 overall), Hilo, HI (#895 overall), Draper, UT (#292 overall), and Rosemead, CA (#1017 overall). Harrisburg is #1129.