Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dauphin, PA
Considering a move to Dauphin, PA? With a close-knit population of just over 800, Dauphin offers affordable housing—median prices around $186,000 and average rents near $1,050—plus a cost of living below the national average. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 28-minute commutes, and excellent access to nearby healthcare and schools. If you’re seeking small-town charm with proximity to Harrisburg’s amenities, Dauphin delivers a friendly community, mild climate, and a relaxed pace of life perfect for families or retirees.
Demographics - Dauphin, PA
Demographics - Dauphin, PA
Dauphin, PA is a small borough with a population of 814, featuring a predominantly White community and a median age of 43. Most residents speak English, and the area has a fairly balanced gender ratio. The close community atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a quieter, neighborly environment.
Population:
814
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dauphin, PA?
Dauphin offers a cost of living nearly 11% below the national average, with affordable housing—median home values around $186,000 and average rent at $1,050. Utility and transportation costs are moderate, while Pennsylvania’s flat state income tax rate of 3.07% helps keep expenses manageable. Grocery and healthcare expenses are close to national norms, making Dauphin a budget-friendly option.
Median House Value:
$186,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
97.3
Housing:
77.4
Utilities:
104.8
Transportation:
95.2
Health Care:
97.9
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Dauphin, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Dauphin are relatively low, with a 1 in 806 chance of experiencing violent crime and property crime risks remaining moderate. The overall crime index suggests a peaceful community, providing reassurance for families and individuals seeking a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
124
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,149
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 806
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 97
Weather
What is the weather like in Dauphin, PA year-round?
Dauphin enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 23°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The area receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 54% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents in Dauphin benefit from a median household income of $72,600 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. The community is well-educated, with 94% holding at least a high school diploma and over 32% having a bachelor's degree or higher. Most people commute around 28 minutes to work, highlighting accessibility to nearby employment centers.
Median Income:
$48,000
Household Income:
$72,600
Family Income:
$87,100
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$44,100
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
32.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dauphin, PA?
Dauphin families have access to quality public schools, such as Susquehanna Township High School and Middle Paxton Elementary, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Private and parochial options are also nearby, and local colleges like Harrisburg Area Community College and Penn State Harrisburg are within a short drive. The area’s commitment to education supports students at all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Susquehanna Township High School
Street:
3500 Elmerton Ave
Phone:
717-657-5117
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Middle Paxton Elementary School
Street:
931 Peter's Mountain Rd
Phone:
717-957-3691
Students:
265
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Margaret Mary School
Street:
2826 Herr St
Phone:
717-232-3771
Students:
230

Colleges
Name:
Harrisburg Area Community College
City:
Harrisburg
State:
PA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Penn State Harrisburg
City:
Middletown
State:
PA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Dauphin residents have convenient access to major hospitals like UPMC Harrisburg and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The community is well-served by local physicians, with a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.2%. Healthcare in the area is rated favorably for accessibility and quality.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Harrisburg
Address:
111 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone:
(717) 782-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
Address:
503 N 21st St, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Phone:
(717) 763-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dauphin, PA?
The housing market in Dauphin is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $186,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 69.2%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,050, and home values have appreciated by 4.1% in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting a healthy local market.
Median Home Price:
$186,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Dauphin residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Harrisburg, located at 1101 S Front St. Services are accessible by phone or online, making DMV transactions convenient for locals. PennDOT provides comprehensive information for all driver and vehicle services in the state.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.