Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harrisburg, PA
Considering a move to Harrisburg, PA? With a population of about 50,000, Harrisburg offers affordable housing—median home prices around $105,000 and average rents near $1,120—plus a short average commute of 20 minutes. The city experiences all four seasons, has a vibrant and diverse community, and is home to top employers, colleges, and healthcare facilities. While crime rates are higher than the national average, Harrisburg’s low cost of living and urban amenities make it an attractive option for budget-minded movers, especially those seeking city life in Central Pennsylvania.
Demographics - Harrisburg, PA
Demographics - Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg is home to around 50,135 residents, featuring a diverse population with nearly half identifying as Black and a third as White. The city has a youthful median age of 33.7 years, a moderate population density, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
50,135
Density:
6,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.7
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
33.5%
Black:
48.3%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
15.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $105,000 and average rent at $1,120 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it appealing for individuals and families seeking budget-friendly urban living in Pennsylvania.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
66.9
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
91.7
Health Care:
92.6
Miscellaneous:
97.2
Crime
Is Harrisburg, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Harrisburg are higher than national averages, with a violent crime rate of 785 per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 39. While these figures may be a concern, many residents find that the city's affordability and amenities help balance safety considerations.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
785
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,550
Crime Index:
3,335
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 127
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Harrisburg, PA year-round?
Harrisburg experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters with lows around 23°F. The city enjoys about 52% sunny days each year and receives roughly 41.5 inches of rainfall annually, providing a classic Northeastern climate.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Residents of Harrisburg have a median household income of $44,300, with a relatively high poverty rate of 25.7%. Commutes are short, averaging under 20 minutes, and just over 6% of locals use public transportation for work, reflecting a compact, accessible urban environment.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$44,300
Family Income:
$53,400
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$31,600
Income Female:
$26,700
Poverty Rate:
25.7%
Non English Speakers:
12.7%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
6.1%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.6%
Bachelors or More:
20.1%
Education
How are the schools in Harrisburg, PA?
Education options in Harrisburg include several public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as higher education institutions like Harrisburg University and Penn State Harrisburg nearby. Around 83% of adults have at least a high school diploma, supporting a community engaged in lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Harrisburg High School
Street:
2451 Market St
Phone:
717-703-4300
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Marshall Math Science Academy
Street:
301 Hale Ave
Phone:
717-703-1400
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop McDevitt High School
Street:
1 Crusader Way
Phone:
717-236-7973
Students:
800

Colleges
Name:
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
City:
Harrisburg
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Penn State Harrisburg
City:
Middletown
State:
PA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
The city is served by major hospitals like UPMC Harrisburg and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, ensuring comprehensive care with emergency services available. Healthcare access is strong, with over 91% of residents insured and a physician ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 residents.

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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.9%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg's housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $105,000 and a strong home appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. The city has a balanced mix of renters and homeowners, and rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
35.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Harrisburg residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) at a central location on S Front St or online. The local DMV provides essential licensing and registration services for city dwellers and newcomers.
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.