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.
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
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
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.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Hershey is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 15,338 inhabitants. The majority of Hershey residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Hershey. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Hershey could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Pennsylvania if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Hershey and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Pennsylvania and national averages.
With a livability score of 75 out of 100, Hershey is ranked #3,444 in the United States and #342 in Pennsylvania. Based on this score, Hershey would be considered a very livable city! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Hershey ranks very well for crime (A), education (A+), employment (B+) and housing (A-).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Hershey, the unemployment rate stands at 1.9%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Hershey, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Hershey 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Hershey is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Hershey come in at $443,017, which is 49.5% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Hershey, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 32.4% higher than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Hershey | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.2% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.2% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.3% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.8% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 17.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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