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Is Harrisonburg a Good Place to Live? Harrisonburg, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Harrisonburg ranks #436 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.1 min, #35 of 524) and low living costs (94.9, #110 of 524), and trails on high poverty (25.7%, #504 of 524) and low household income ($62,254, #420 of 524).
Harrisonburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Harrisonburg'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 Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg's cost of living index is 94.9, 5% below the US level of 100 and #437 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,184/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $354,251, 15% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Harrisonburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 94.9#437 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $354,251#524 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,780/mo#568 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $299,100#526 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,184/mo#424 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.8%#756 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). Virginia 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.
Harrisonburg 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. Harrisonburg is in the Harrisonburg, VA metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Harrisonburg safe?
Harrisonburg recorded 211 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% below the US rate of 328 and 3% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #373 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #170 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Harrisonburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,401 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Harrisonburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 211#373 of 1,085 | 206 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,401#422 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 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). Virginia 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 Harrisonburg?
The median household in Harrisonburg earns $62,254, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Harrisonburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $62,254#995 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.7%#1250 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +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). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Harrisonburg?
The median resident of Harrisonburg is 25 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 37.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Harrisonburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 25 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 37.5%#535 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 39.5% | 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 Harrisonburg's schools and health?
Harrisonburg's 10 public schools graduate 89.4% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $15,750 spent per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Harrisonburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.4%#444 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,750#499 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.9%#1285 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.2%#973 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). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,034 students are enrolled in Harrisonburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Harrisonburg?
The average commute in Harrisonburg is 17.1 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 1.8% of workers take transit and 9.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Harrisonburg scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.9°F and winters 34.4°F, with 39 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Harrisonburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.1 min#144 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 10% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.9% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.2% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.1% | 15.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.9#46 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). Virginia 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 | 42.1 | 22.7 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 46.1 | 23.6 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 53.6 | 30.4 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 39.6 | 3.3 |
| May | 73.5 | 50.3 | 4 |
| Jun | 82 | 59.7 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 86 | 63.7 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 62.1 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 54.8 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 43 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 55.7 | 32.5 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 46 | 26 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dale Enterprise.
| Measure | Harrisonburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 34.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39 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 Dale Enterprise.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Harrisonburg?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Harrisonburg's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harrisonburg city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Harrisonburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#85 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 Harrisonburg city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Harrisonburg city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0062% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0049% | 66% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 46% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 18% 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 Harrisonburg compare with similar-size cities?
Harrisonburg is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #200 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,392.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #436 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 | 17.1 min |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #1076 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 | 24.2 min |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #120 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 | 25.1 min |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #670 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 | 26.7 min |
| East Honolulu, HIPop. 51,360 | #97 | 68.5 | $159,518 | $3,313/mo | no data | 30.9 min |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #557 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 | 15.9 min |
| Country Club, FLPop. 51,296 | #1146 | 46.8 | $75,212 | $1,899/mo | no data | 35.6 min |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #112 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 | 28.5 min |
| Grapevine, TXPop. 51,139 | #368 | 60.6 | $111,376 | $1,863/mo | 165 | 22.3 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 Harrisonburg compare with the rest of Virginia?
Harrisonburg ranks #11 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 32% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Virginia home.
| City | Rank in VA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #1 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #2 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #3 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #4 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #5 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #6 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #7 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #8 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #9 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #10 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #11 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #12 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #13 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #14 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #15 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #16 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #17 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #18 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #19 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #20 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 |
All 20 Virginia cities we track, by overall score. Virginia statewide: median income $92,090, violent crime 205.9 per 100,000.
How is Harrisonburg's score calculated?
Harrisonburg scores 59.4 out of 100, #436 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Virginia'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 Harrisonburg. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Harrisonburg's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
83.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Harrisonburg. Similar-size median 58.9.
50.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Harrisonburg's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
64.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Harrisonburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Harrisonburg. Similar-size median 56.1.
19.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Harrisonburg. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Harrisonburg. Similar-size median 50.0.
57.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Harrisonburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
73.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
95.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Harrisonburg'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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live?
Harrisonburg ranks #436 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.1 min, #35 of 524) and low living costs (94.9, #110 of 524), and trails on high poverty (25.7%, #504 of 524) and low household income ($62,254, #420 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg's cost of living index is 94.9, 5% below the US level of 100 and #437 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,184/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $354,251, 15% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg recorded 211 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% below the US rate of 328 and 3% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #373 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #170 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Harrisonburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,401 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Harrisonburg?
The median household in Harrisonburg earns $62,254, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Harrisonburg?
Median rent in Harrisonburg is $1,184/mo (Census), #424 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,780/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Harrisonburg?
The typical home value in Harrisonburg is $354,251, up 3.5% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $299,100.
How are the public schools in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg's 10 public schools graduate 89.4% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $15,750 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Harrisonburg?
The average commute is 17.1 minutes, #144 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg averages 53.6°F over the year, 72.9°F in summer and 34.4°F in winter, with 39 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Harrisonburg walkable?
Harrisonburg scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 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 Harrisonburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harrisonburg city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
Who lives in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has 51,392 residents. The median resident of Harrisonburg is 25 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 37.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Harrisonburg compare with the rest of Virginia?
Harrisonburg ranks #11 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 32% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Harrisonburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Harrisonburg's population of 51,392 are Middletown, OH (#1076 overall), Collierville, TN (#120 overall), Burien, WA (#670 overall), East Honolulu, HI (#97 overall), and La Crosse, WI (#557 overall). Harrisonburg is #436.