Pennsylvania / Dauphin County

Moving to Harrisburg, PA

Thinking of making a move to Harrisburg, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harrisburg, PA

Considering a move to Harrisburg, PA? This welcoming community of 49,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $175,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Harrisburg's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg has a population of 49,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 33% White, 45% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
49,000
Density
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age
33.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
32.5%
Black
45.0%
Asian
3.2%
Others
19.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Harrisburg, PA?

The cost of living in Harrisburg is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.8. Median home values are around $175,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$175,000
Gross Rent
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$530
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
91.8
Grocery
96.0
Housing
74.5
Utilities
103.2
Transportation
101.4
Health Care
98.6
Miscellaneous
94.8

Crime

Is Harrisburg, PA a safe place to live?

Harrisburg is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,030 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 33. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,030
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,050
Crime Index
4,080
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 97
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 33

Weather

What is the weather like in Harrisburg, PA year-round?

Harrisburg experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
40°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $52,500 and a low poverty rate of 21.5%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 15% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,000
Household Income
$52,500
Family Income
$63,500
Per Capita Income
$27,500
Income Male
$36,000
Income Female
$31,000
Poverty Rate
21.5%
Non English Speakers
18.9%
Rent
$1,100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Public Transport Usage
14.8%
Commute Time
22.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.4%
Bachelors or More
21.8%

Education

How are the schools in Harrisburg, PA?

Harrisburg offers quality education options, with public schools like Harrisburg High School and Melrose Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Harrisburg Area Community College and Penn State Harrisburg. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Harrisburg High School
Street
2451 Market St
Phone
717-703-4000
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5
Name
Melrose Elementary School
Street
512 S 29th St
Phone
717-703-4075
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Patrick School
Street
2439 Herr St
Phone
717-236-4040
Students
210

Colleges

Name
Harrisburg Area Community College
City
Harrisburg
State
PA
Distance
2 miles
Students
10,000
Name
Penn State Harrisburg
City
Middletown
State
PA
Distance
11 miles
Students
4,700

Healthcare

Harrisburg residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

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
Name
UPMC Harrisburg
Address
111 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone
(717) 782-3131
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Harrisburg, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 45%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Harrisburg offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
44.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Harrisburg handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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.

FAQs About Moving to Harrisburg, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Harrisburg, review the core fields on this page: population 49,000, median home value $175,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 22.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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