Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shippensburg, PA
Thinking of moving to Shippensburg, PA? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of around 5,500, Shippensburg offers affordable living—median home prices are just $176,000 and average rents are $950. Residents enjoy short commute times (about 17.5 minutes), low violent crime rates (88 per 100K), and easy access to major healthcare facilities. The local university and strong community spirit make this a great spot for students, families, and anyone seeking a relaxed pace with four-season weather.
Demographics - Shippensburg, PA
Demographics - Shippensburg, PA
Shippensburg is a small, close-knit town of about 5,500 residents, with a notably youthful median age of 22.8, likely influenced by the local university. The community is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a vibrant yet approachable atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
5,500
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
6.4%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shippensburg, PA?
Living in Shippensburg is quite affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are around $176,000 and typical rents hover near $950, making it an appealing option for both homeowners and renters. Everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities are reasonable, helping residents maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$176,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
78.6
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
93.5
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Shippensburg, PA a safe place to live?
Shippensburg enjoys a low violent crime rate of just 88 incidents per 100,000 people, which adds to its reputation as a safe and family-friendly community. While property crime is more common, with a chance of 1 in 91, residents generally feel secure in their neighborhoods. Overall, safety is a key benefit for those considering a move to this town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
88
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,188
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,136
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Shippensburg, PA year-round?
Shippensburg experiences all four seasons, with mild to cold winters and pleasantly warm summers that peak around 84°F. The area receives about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year. This climate allows residents to enjoy diverse outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Shippensburg typically earn a median income of $48,300, and the area has a community-focused feel with a poverty rate of 22.1%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commutes are short, averaging just 17.5 minutes. The town is welcoming and compact, making it easy to connect with neighbors and participate in local life.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$48,300
Family Income:
$59,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$31,400
Income Female:
$26,600
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Shippensburg, PA?
Education in Shippensburg is well-rounded, with local public schools offering favorable student-teacher ratios and a range of academic resources. The presence of Shippensburg University brings additional educational opportunities and community vibrancy. Private and elementary schools in the area further support families seeking diverse learning environments.

Public Schools
Name:
Shippensburg Area Senior High School
Street:
201 Eberly Dr
Phone:
717-530-2730
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
James Burd Elementary School
Street:
600 Brad St
Phone:
717-530-2780
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Shalom Christian Academy
Street:
126 Social Island Rd, Chambersburg
Phone:
717-375-2223
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
City:
Shippensburg
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,100
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals, including WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital and UPMC Carlisle, both offering comprehensive services and emergency care. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible and reliable. The area's healthcare quality index supports a healthy, well-cared-for community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital
Address:
112 N 7th St, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone:
(717) 267-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UPMC Carlisle
Address:
361 Alexander Spring Rd, Carlisle, PA 17015
Phone:
(717) 249-1212
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
73.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shippensburg, PA?
The Shippensburg housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $176,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $950. Home values are appreciating modestly, making it a favorable market for buyers and investors alike. With a mix of rental and ownership options, the market offers flexibility for all types of residents.
Median Home Price:
$176,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Shippensburg residents are managed by PennDOT, located in Harrisburg, PA. The DMV provides essential licensing and registration services, and information can be easily accessed online or by phone. This ensures local drivers have straightforward support for all transportation needs.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.