Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmyra, PA
Considering a move to Palmyra, PA? This welcoming town of 7,600 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $236,000 and average rents of $1,120. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (63 per 100K), manageable 23-minute commutes, and strong local schools. Palmyra’s friendly neighborhoods, access to major hospitals, and four-season climate with 54% sunny days make it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Palmyra, PA
Demographics - Palmyra, PA
Palmyra, PA is home to approximately 7,600 residents, with a population density that gives it a small-town feel while offering easy access to amenities. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 41, and about 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance is fairly even, making Palmyra a diverse and welcoming place for newcomers.
Population:
7,605
Density:
3,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
1.9%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palmyra, PA?
Living in Palmyra is relatively affordable, with a median house value of $236,000 and average rent around $1,120 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average at 92.0, and essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation remain manageable. State income tax is a flat 3.07%, which helps keep overall costs in check.
Median House Value:
$236,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$117
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,525
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$565
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
82.4
Utilities:
101.8
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
99.2
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is Palmyra, PA a safe place to live?
Palmyra boasts a low violent crime rate of just 63 incidents per 100,000 people, providing residents with a strong sense of safety. Property crime is moderate, with a 1 in 141 chance, but overall the area remains secure compared to many similarly sized towns. Families and individuals alike can feel comfortable in this close-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
63
Property Crimes Per 100k:
708
Crime Index:
771
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,587
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 141
Weather
What is the weather like in Palmyra, PA year-round?
Palmyra experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters dipping to around 22°F. The area receives about 41.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making outdoor activities possible throughout much of the year. The climate offers a balanced mix of seasonal variety and pleasant weather.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Palmyra benefit from a median household income of $67,900 and a low poverty rate of 7.7%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 95% holding a high school diploma or higher and over a third possessing a bachelor’s degree or more. Low unemployment and short, 23-minute average commutes contribute to a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$67,900
Family Income:
$87,100
Per Capita Income:
$34,300
Income Male:
$51,800
Income Female:
$38,400
Poverty Rate:
7.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
33.6%
Education
How are the schools in Palmyra, PA?
Palmyra offers quality education through its public school system, with Palmyra Area High School serving about 1,100 students and favorable student-teacher ratios. Several private options and nearby colleges, including Lebanon Valley College just four miles away, provide additional opportunities for learning. The strong emphasis on education makes this town appealing for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Palmyra Area High School
Street:
1125 Park Dr
Phone:
717-838-1331
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Forge Road Elementary School
Street:
400 Forge Rd
Phone:
717-838-1331
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Palmyra Christian Academy
Street:
1551 S Forge Rd
Phone:
717-838-3141
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
Penn State Harrisburg
City:
Middletown
State:
PA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
4,900
Name:
Lebanon Valley College
City:
Annville
State:
PA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Palmyra residents have access to top-rated healthcare, with major hospitals like Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital nearby. The area has a strong physician presence with about 2.5 doctors per 1,000 residents and high health insurance coverage at nearly 94%. Quality medical services and emergency care are readily available.

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
Name:
WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
252 S 4th St, Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone:
(717) 270-7500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palmyra, PA?
The local housing market in Palmyra is stable, with a median home price of $236,000 and a 64% owner-occupancy rate. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,120, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%, with modest home appreciation at 4.2% over the past year. Both buyers and renters will find appealing options in this community.
Median Home Price:
$236,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Palmyra residents use the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for their DMV needs, located in nearby Harrisburg. Services include licensing, registration, and titling, and assistance is available both in person and online. The convenient location and accessible resources make vehicle management straightforward for locals.
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.