Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania is 287,484 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $74,159, the median home value is $222,300, and the median age is 39.4.
The population of Dauphin County has grown 9.2% since 2010 (268,289 → 293,029), a +0.63% annualized rate.
287,484
Population
+0.63%
Annual growth
548
People / sq mi
$74,159
Median Income
$222,300
Median Home Value
Dauphin County covers 525 sq mi of land at 547.7 people per square mile.
About Dauphin County, PA
Remote work is unusually prominent in Dauphin County: 14.8% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. Dauphin County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 287,484. It ranks #14 among counties in Pennsylvania by population.
The typical household earns $74,159 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $222,300, with typical rent around $1,153.
College attainment is above the local norm at 34.3%, near the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 14.8% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Dauphin County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Dauphin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dauphin County had a population of 268,289 in 2010 and 293,029 in 2024, a 9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 293,029 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.
293,029
Population (2024)
268,289
Population (2010)
293,029
Peak (2024)
0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 268,289 |
| 2011 | 269,278 |
| 2012 | 270,058 |
| 2013 | 271,500 |
| 2014 | 272,312 |
| 2015 | 273,195 |
| 2016 | 274,305 |
| 2017 | 275,796 |
| 2018 | 276,951 |
| 2019 | 278,427 |
| 2020 | 286,717 |
| 2021 | 288,286 |
| 2022 | 289,049 |
| 2023 | 290,886 |
| 2024 | 293,029 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.9% |
| Black or African American | 17.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.4
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,159$-1,922 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,206 |
| Per-capita income | $41,055 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dauphin County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
70.8%
Public transit
14.8%
Work from home
21.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$222,300$-18,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,153
Median rent
63.3%
Homeownership rate
127,259
Total housing units
94.1%
Occupied
5.9%
Vacant
36.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
20.0%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.2%
With a disability
86.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
34.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania has a population of 287,484 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 548 people per square mile.
The population of Dauphin County has grown 9.2% since 2010 (268,289 → 293,029), a +0.63% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania is $74,159, with mean (average) household income of $98,206 and per-capita income of $41,055. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dauphin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (64.9%), Black or African American (17.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania is 39.4 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Dauphin County is $222,300 and median monthly rent is $1,153. 63.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 127,259 total housing units, 5.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Dauphin County, PA Climate
Dauphin County, PA has an average annual temperature of 10.7°C (51°F) and receives about 1079 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.7°C
Avg Temp
1079
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 74 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 71 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 85 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 89 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 112 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 108 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 87 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 99 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 79 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 93 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 83 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Dauphin County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Dauphin County, PA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dauphin County
Visiting or relocating to Dauphin County, PA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — 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.