Harrisburg, PA
Population 50,092 · Pennsylvania
About Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg is a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania with a population of 50,092 residents. The median household income is $47,783 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Harrisburg is 32.8 years.
Housing in Harrisburg has a median home value of $121,000 and median monthly rent of $996. Of the 24,496 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 8,051 owner-occupied and 13,985 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 9.4% and the poverty rate is 29.1%. 26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.6 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Harrisburg?
The median household income in Harrisburg, PA is $47,783 per year.
What is the median home value in Harrisburg?
The median home value in Harrisburg, PA is $121,000.
What is the average rent in Harrisburg?
The median monthly rent in Harrisburg, PA is $996.
What is the unemployment rate in Harrisburg?
The unemployment rate in Harrisburg, PA is 9.4%.