Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmdale, PA
Thinking of moving to Palmdale, PA? With a cozy population of 1,310, Palmdale offers affordable living—median home prices are around $168,000 and average rents just $990. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle with low violent crime (101 per 100K), a manageable commute of 25 minutes, and access to highly-rated schools. The area experiences four true seasons with over 50% sunny days and reputable healthcare nearby. Palmdale is ideal for those seeking a small-town feel, affordability, and a relaxed pace close to Hershey.
Demographics - Palmdale, PA
Demographics - Palmdale, PA
Palmdale is a small community with 1,310 residents and a median age of 47, reflecting a mature population. The city is predominantly White, with some diversity and about 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a close-knit, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
1,310
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.8%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palmdale, PA?
Living in Palmdale is affordable, with a median home value of $168,000 and average rent at $990, both well below national averages. The cost of living index is 87.5, making day-to-day expenses such as groceries and utilities relatively budget-friendly. State income tax is low, meaning residents can stretch their dollars further here.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$990
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$465
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
72.6
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
95.2
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Palmdale, PA a safe place to live?
Palmdale offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates at 101 per 100,000 people—significantly lower than most areas. While property crime risk exists (1 in 89 chance), overall crime remains manageable for a town of its size. Peace of mind is a key part of life in this community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
101
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,221
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 990
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Palmdale, PA year-round?
Residents in Palmdale experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 21°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year. This climate offers a pleasant balance for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
The median household income in Palmdale is $54,200, with a poverty rate of 7.9% and an unemployment rate of 5.4%. Most adults have completed high school, and public transportation use is low, with typical commutes averaging about 25 minutes. The community is stable, with incomes and rental rates reflecting the area’s affordability.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$65,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,600
Income Male:
$43,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$990
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.9%
Bachelors or More:
20.3%
Education
How are the schools in Palmdale, PA?
Families in Palmdale benefit from quality education options, including well-regarded public schools with low student-teacher ratios. Private schooling and nearby colleges like Penn State Harrisburg and Harrisburg Area Community College provide additional academic opportunities. The local commitment to education supports lifelong learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
South Hanover Elementary School
Street:
15 W 3rd St, Hershey, PA 17033
Phone:
717-566-2564
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Lower Dauphin Middle School
Street:
251 Quarry Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Phone:
717-566-5310
Students:
910
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Hershey Christian Academy
Street:
1525 Sand Hill Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Phone:
717-533-4900
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Penn State Harrisburg
City:
Middletown
State:
PA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
4,600
Name:
Harrisburg Area Community College
City:
Harrisburg
State:
PA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major medical facilities such as Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and most people are insured, with a coverage rate of 93.9%. There are 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring quality care is within reach. The healthcare index of 76.2 indicates services are both accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Address:
500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
Phone:
(800) 243-1455
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palmdale, PA?
Palmdale’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $168,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have appreciated by 2.1% over the past year. The market is attractive for buyers seeking stability and affordability.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$990
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver services in Palmdale are managed by PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, with the nearest full-service center located in Harrisburg. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other DMV needs either in person or online. The convenience of nearby state-level services supports hassle-free driving and vehicle ownership.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
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.