Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
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
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.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is a medium-sized city with a population of 50,810 people. In Harrisburg, there are 6,250 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (34%) and Black or African American (52%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Harrisburg could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Harrisburg, only 35% of the population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Harrisburg is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time 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. The best areas in Harrisburg and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Pennsylvania and national averages.
Harrisburg, PA receives 85 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #53 in Pennsylvania and #440 in the USA. Clearly, Harrisburg is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Harrisburg ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Harrisburg has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Harrisburg, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (D) and employment (D).
Harrisburg has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Harrisburg has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Harrisburg: Appalachian Brewing Company, City Island, and Whitaker Center.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Harrisburg excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Harrisburg. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Harrisburg are affordable. The median home price for Harrisburg homes is $157,441, which is 46.9% lower than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Harrisburg, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 32.4% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 60.4% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.8% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 11.6% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.0% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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