Harrisburg, PA Census Data
The 10th largest city in Pennsylvania by population · 10 cities ranked
Harrisburg is the 10th largest city in Pennsylvania by population and ranks 8th of 10 for median household income. With 50,092 residents, its poverty rate of 29.1% ranks among the higher rates in Pennsylvania. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
50,092
48.8% male · 51.2% female
Median Age
32.8
5.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$47,783
$30,755 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
26.3%
8.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 85.5%
Poverty Rate
29.1%
16.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.0%
Broadband Access
90.4%
0.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$121,000
Median rent: $996 · 36% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
9.4%
Labor force participation: 60.6%
Per Capita Income
$36,967
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.6%
Disability rate: 17.1%
How Harrisburg Compares to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Rankings among all 10 Pennsylvania cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 8th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 5th of 10 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Harrisburg, PA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Harrisburg, PA?
The population of Harrisburg, PA is 50,092 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.8 years.
What is the median household income in Harrisburg?
The median household income in Harrisburg, PA is $47,783, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,967.
What is the poverty rate in Harrisburg?
The poverty rate in Harrisburg, PA is 29.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Harrisburg residents have a college degree?
26.3% of adults (25+) in Harrisburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 85.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Harrisburg?
The median home value in Harrisburg, PA is $121,000. Median rent is $996 per month, with 36% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Harrisburg?
Harrisburg's population is 32.5% White, 43.9% Black, 25.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Harrisburg rank among Pennsylvania cities?
Harrisburg is the 10th largest city in Pennsylvania by population, the 8th highest for median household income, the 10th lowest for poverty rate, the 5th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 10 ranked Pennsylvania cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Harrisburg?
The unemployment rate in Harrisburg, PA is 9.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.6%. Per capita income is $36,967.
Cities Similar to Harrisburg
Other Pennsylvania cities with comparable population and income levels.