Harrisburg 79 Exceptional
Harrisburg Livability #23 ranked city in North Carolina#2,104 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Harrisburg

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

What's it like Living in Harrisburg?

Harrisburg is a medium-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 16,618 inhabitants. An important consideration when living in Harrisburg is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Harrisburg, North Carolina could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Harrisburg and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Harrisburg to North Carolina and the national average.

Using data and statistics Harrisburg has received a livability score of 78 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Harrisburg is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Harrisburg is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Harrisburg has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B+) and education (B).

The unemployment rate in Harrisburg has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Harrisburg can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Harrisburg real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Harrisburg. Median real estate prices in Harrisburg come in at $533,482, which is 84.3% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Harrisburg, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 22% lower than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Harrisburg

See all the best places to live around Harrisburg

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Compare Harrisburg, NC Livability

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      Harrisburg transportation information

      Statistic Harrisburg North Carolina National
      Average one way commute31min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.8%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.6%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.5%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home12.1%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Harrisburg, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.