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Population Review

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 50,092 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest city in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $47,783, the median home value is $121,000, and the median age is 32.8.

The population has grown 2.3% since 2010 (49,512 → 50,649).

50,092

Population

6170

People / sq mi

$47,783

Median Income

$121,000

Median Home Value

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Harrisburg covers 8.1 sq mi of land at 6170 people per square mile.

About Harrisburg, PA

The poverty rate is what most separates Harrisburg from the typical city: 27.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Harrisburg is a city in Pennsylvania with a population of 50,092. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Pennsylvania in the country, at #10 by population.

Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $47,783, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 27.5%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $121,000, with typical rent around $996.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 26.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is close to the national 14.0% at 13.8%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.

The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Harrisburg: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.

Harrisburg city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Harrisburg city had a population of 49,512 in 2010 and 50,649 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 50,649 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.16%.

2024 · 51K20102024
Harrisburg city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

50,649

Population (2024)

49,512

Population (2010)

50,649

Peak (2024)

0.16%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201049,512
201149,417
201249,427
201349,378
201449,344
201549,253
201649,177
201749,207
201849,209
201949,271
202050,092
202150,248
202250,213
202350,292
202450,649

Race & Ethnicity

White32.5%
Black or African American43.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.1%

Economy & Income

$47,783

Median Household Income

$27,779

Per Capita Income

27.5%

Poverty Rate

6.3%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$121,000

Median Home Value

$996

Median Rent

36.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

85.5%

High School+

26.3%

Bachelor's+

Commute

5.6%

Drive Alone

58.5%

Public Transit

13.8%

Work From Home

20.6 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

26.1%

Foreign Born

80.5%

Non-English at Home

4.6%

Veterans

17.1%

With Disability

91.0%

Health Insurance

90.4%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management22.7%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate14.1%
Education, Health Care & Social Services10.7%
Retail Trade9.1%
Public Administration8.2%
Information7.6%
Manufacturing5.8%
Construction3.7%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services2.5%
Transportation & Warehousing1.3%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in Pennsylvania

Largest counties in Pennsylvania

Part of Pennsylvania

Metro areas in Pennsylvania

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has a population of 50,092 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest city in Pennsylvania.

The median household income in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is $47,783, with 27.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is $121,000, with median monthly rent at $996 and a homeownership rate of 36.5%.

The median age in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 32.8 years. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

The population has grown 2.3% since 2010 (49,512 → 50,649).

Where to stay in Harrisburg

Visiting or relocating to Harrisburg, PA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.