Shippensburg, PA
Population 5,811 · Pennsylvania
About Shippensburg, PA
Shippensburg is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 5,811 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,344 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 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 Shippensburg features a median home value of $163,200, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Shippensburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $898, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,987 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (1,287 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (1,457 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 Shippensburg shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shippensburg have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.1% of Shippensburg 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 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shippensburg, PA
Compared to national averages, Shippensburg has a median household income of $52,344 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $163,200, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $898 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Shippensburg's income is 29% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 15% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Shippensburg, PA?
Shippensburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $163,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $898/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,344) that falls below the national average. However, Shippensburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shippensburg has a population of 5,811 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Shippensburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Shippensburg
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merion Station | 5,796 | $250,001 | $875,500 | Compare |
| McKees Rocks | 5,827 | $33,510 | $70,400 | Compare |
| Sierra View | 5,795 | $85,250 | $239,200 | Compare |
| Bryn Mawr | 5,777 | $87,218 | $391,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 5,763 | $61,470 | $309,600 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 5,761 | $42,348 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Campbelltown | 5,759 | $96,250 | $319,900 | Compare |
| Media | 5,868 | $86,219 | $398,400 | 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 Shippensburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shippensburg
What is the population of Shippensburg, PA?
The population of Shippensburg, PA is 5,811 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Shippensburg?
The median household income in Shippensburg, PA is $52,344 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shippensburg?
The median home value in Shippensburg, PA is $163,200, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Shippensburg?
The median monthly rent in Shippensburg, PA is $898, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shippensburg?
The unemployment rate in Shippensburg, PA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shippensburg, PA a good place to live?
Shippensburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,811 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shippensburg, PA?
33.1% of residents in Shippensburg 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 Shippensburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shippensburg, PA: median home value is $163,200 (33% below national), median rent is $898/month, and median household income is $52,344. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shippensburg?
The poverty rate in Shippensburg, PA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shippensburg, PA?
Shippensburg's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.