Harrisburg, PA
Population 50,092 · Pennsylvania
About Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 50,092 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,783 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harrisburg features a median home value of $121,000, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Harrisburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $996, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,496 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (8,051 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (13,985 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harrisburg shows an unemployment rate of 9.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harrisburg have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.3% of Harrisburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Black or African American, and 7.3% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Harrisburg Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Harrisburg, PA
Compared to national averages, Harrisburg has a median household income of $47,783 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,000, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $996 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Harrisburg's income is 35% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 37% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $996/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,783) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Harrisburg provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Harrisburg has a population of 50,092 with a median age of 32.8 years. Compare Harrisburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Harrisburg
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | $47,970 | $108,000 | Compare |
| Altoona | 43,508 | $50,171 | $113,600 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| State College | 40,669 | $47,132 | $414,400 | Compare |
| Norristown | 35,782 | $65,058 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Chester | 33,209 | $39,809 | $85,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Harrisburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrisburg
What is the population of Harrisburg, PA?
The population of Harrisburg, PA is 50,092 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Harrisburg?
The median household income in Harrisburg, PA is $47,783 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harrisburg?
The median home value in Harrisburg, PA is $121,000, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Harrisburg?
The median monthly rent in Harrisburg, PA is $996, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harrisburg?
The unemployment rate in Harrisburg, PA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harrisburg, PA a good place to live?
Harrisburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 50,092 and a median age of 32.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Harrisburg, PA?
26.3% of residents in Harrisburg aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Harrisburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harrisburg, PA: median home value is $121,000 (51% below national), median rent is $996/month, and median household income is $47,783. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harrisburg?
The poverty rate in Harrisburg, PA is 29.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Harrisburg, PA?
Harrisburg's population is 1.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Black or African American, 7.3% Asian, and 41.5% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.