Hershey, PA
Population 14,334 · Pennsylvania
About Hershey, PA
Hershey is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 14,334 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,750 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hershey features a median home value of $339,300, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Hershey in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,241, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,791 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (3,071 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (2,524 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hershey shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hershey have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
49.1% of Hershey residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 13.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hershey Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Hershey, PA
Compared to national averages, Hershey has a median household income of $78,750 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $339,300, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,241 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Hershey's income is 7% above the state average of $73,376, and home values are 78% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Hershey, PA?
Hershey offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,750, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Hershey has a population of 14,334 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Hershey with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Hershey
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 14,170 | $44,784 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Ardmore | 14,165 | $115,273 | $446,300 | Compare |
| Wilkinsburg | 14,165 | $48,565 | $140,300 | Compare |
| Dunmore | 14,123 | $75,632 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Willow Grove | 13,919 | $98,402 | $326,300 | Compare |
| Greensburg | 14,777 | $62,977 | $177,000 | Compare |
| Whitehall | 14,863 | $85,000 | $229,200 | Compare |
| Ephrata | 13,729 | $68,117 | $215,100 | 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 Hershey With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hershey
What is the population of Hershey, PA?
The population of Hershey, PA is 14,334 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 Hershey?
The median household income in Hershey, PA is $78,750 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hershey?
The median home value in Hershey, PA is $339,300, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hershey?
The median monthly rent in Hershey, PA is $1,241, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hershey?
The unemployment rate in Hershey, PA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hershey, PA a good place to live?
Hershey offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,334 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hershey, PA?
49.1% of residents in Hershey aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hershey?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hershey, PA: median home value is $339,300 (39% above national), median rent is $1,241/month, and median household income is $78,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hershey?
The poverty rate in Hershey, PA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hershey, PA?
Hershey's population is 6.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 13.9% of residents are foreign-born.