Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hershey, PA
Considering a move to Hershey, PA? With a friendly population of 13,500, Hershey blends small-town charm with excellent local amenities—including highly rated schools and a nationally recognized medical center. The median home price is $330,000 and average rent is $1,320, both below national averages, while violent crime rates remain low at just 83 per 100K. Residents enjoy short, 21-minute average commutes, a balanced climate with 53% sunny days, and a wealth of educational opportunities—making Hershey a sweet spot for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Demographics - Hershey, PA
Demographics - Hershey, PA
Hershey is home to about 13,500 residents, offering a close-knit community with a median age of 44.2 years. The population is predominantly White, with a growing Asian and Black presence, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse yet friendly atmosphere appeals to a range of newcomers seeking both stability and inclusivity.
Population:
13,500
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.4%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
7.5%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hershey, PA?
The cost of living in Hershey is slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 99.2 and median home values around $330,000. Renters pay about $1,320 monthly, while utilities and taxes remain reasonable. This affordability, combined with moderate grocery and healthcare costs, makes Hershey attractive for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
99.2
Grocery:
98.4
Housing:
95.1
Utilities:
101.7
Transportation:
96.3
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
100.9
Crime
Is Hershey, PA a safe place to live?
Hershey is considered a safe place to live, with low violent crime rates—just 83 incidents per 100,000 people—and a 1 in 1,200 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is moderate but still below many urban areas, contributing to a strong sense of community security. Residents enjoy peace of mind while living and raising families here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
83
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,103
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Hershey, PA year-round?
Hershey experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and winters dipping to around 23°F. The area sees about 42.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year. This balanced climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Local households in Hershey have a median income of $77,800, and the poverty rate is a relatively low 9%. Nearly half of the adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is just under 21 minutes. The community is well-educated and enjoys a comfortable suburban lifestyle with minimal reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$38,700
Household Income:
$77,800
Family Income:
$92,000
Per Capita Income:
$42,200
Income Male:
$52,700
Income Female:
$43,900
Poverty Rate:
9.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
20.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
49.5%
Education
How are the schools in Hershey, PA?
Hershey offers strong educational options, with public schools like Hershey High School maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios and a variety of private and specialized schools, including the renowned Milton Hershey School. Higher education is easily accessible through local institutions like Penn State College of Medicine. The community's commitment to education makes it appealing for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Hershey High School
Street:
550 Homestead Rd
Phone:
717-531-2244
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Hershey Middle School
Street:
500 Homestead Rd
Phone:
717-531-2222
Students:
960
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
Milton Hershey School
Street:
1201 Homestead Ln
Phone:
717-520-2000
Students:
2,100
Colleges
Name:
Penn State College of Medicine
City:
Hershey
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
Harrisburg Area Community College
City:
Harrisburg
State:
PA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Hershey boasts excellent healthcare access, anchored by the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a major teaching hospital offering comprehensive services. With 3.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from quality medical care. The city consistently ranks high for healthcare services and resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Address:
500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
Phone:
(800) 243-1455
Type:
Teaching Hospital & General Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hershey, PA?
The housing market in Hershey is stable, with a median home price of $330,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,320. About 64% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 6.3% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a steady demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Hershey are served by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), located in nearby Harrisburg. Services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and road testing are accessible both in-person and online. This convenient access helps new arrivals settle in smoothly and manage transportation needs efficiently.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S. Front Street, 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.