Downtown Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,685
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,694/yr
-13.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,240
-5.1% year-over-year change

Downtown Harrisburg population

How many people live in Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg is home to 3,685 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Downtown Harrisburg locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
3,685
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
1,866
Female
49.4%
1,819
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,866 50.6% -10.3%
Female 1,819 49.4% 9.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Downtown Harrisburg is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.7% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 38.3% of the population, while another 17.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.7%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
38.3%
45 to 64
17.6%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 468 12.7% -13.0%
15 to 24 553 15% 0.6%
25 to 44 1,411 38.3% 0.4%
45 to 64 649 17.6% -13.2%
Over 65 603 16.4% 21.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Downtown Harrisburg, 82.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.4% of locals are Caucasian, 30.6% are African American and 6.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.5%
Non-citizens
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,044 82.6% -3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 424 11.5% -0.7%
Non-citizens 217 5.9% 26.2%
Racial breakdown
White
41.4%
Black or African American
30.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
11.4%
Value Percent
White 1,524 41.4%
Black or African American 1,129 30.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.2%
Asian 253 6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0.1%
Two or more races 346 9.4%
Other 418 11.4%

Households in Downtown Harrisburg

A peek inside Downtown Harrisburg households

Downtown Harrisburg has 2,055 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 30.4% are families, while the remaining 69.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,055
-4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
1,431
Family households
624
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,431 69.6% -8.0%
Family households 624 30.4% 6.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Downtown Harrisburg

The housing landscape of Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg's housing consists of 2,240 units, with 5.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,240
-5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 127 5.7%
1 unit, attached 406 18.1%
2 units 44 2%
3 or 4 units 147 6.6%
5 to 9 units 326 14.6%
10 to 19 units 234 10.4%
20 to 49 units 113 5%
50 or more units 829 37%
Mobile home 14 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Harrisburg

In Downtown Harrisburg, the median construction year is 1948. About 43.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 973 43.4% 7.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 199 8.9% -3.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 232 10.4% -15.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 198 8.8% -31.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 329 14.7% 7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 178 8% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 71 3.2% -33.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3 0.1% -93.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 57 2.5% 18.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Downtown Harrisburg occupancy rates

Out of the 2,055 occupied housing units in Downtown Harrisburg, 17.2% are owner-occupied, while 82.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,055
-4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,700
Owner occupied
354
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,700 82.7% -6.5%
Owner occupied 354 17.2% 10.3%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Downtown Harrisburg housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Harrisburg come to a median of $1,018 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,035.

Median housing costs per month
$1,018/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Downtown Harrisburg
$1,035/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg education at a glance

About 35.4% of the population in Downtown Harrisburg went to high school, while 27.3% pursued college studies. Another 3% earned an associate degree and 16.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 160 5.1% 19.4%
High school diploma 1,106 35.4% 6.7%
College diploma 853 27.3% 4.8%
Associate degree 93 3% -48.3%
Bachelor's degree 518 16.6% -6.7%
Graduate degree 397 12.7% -7.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Downtown Harrisburg

How much people earn in Downtown Harrisburg

The average annual household income in Downtown Harrisburg was $53,421 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,694, reflecting a -13.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Harrisburg
$53,421/year
-10.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Harrisburg
$48,694/year
-13.2% year-over-year change

Downtown Harrisburg income by age

In Downtown Harrisburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,358. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,284 overall. Overall, 71.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $62,358 2.8%
45 - 64 $43,284 3.4%
Over 65 $23,892 -23.4%
Above poverty level
2,424
Below poverty level
975
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,424 71.3% -10.0%
Below poverty level 975 28.7% 25.5%

Employment in Downtown Harrisburg

Workforce and job types in Downtown Harrisburg

87.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.5% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,584
Blue collar
223
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,584 87.7% -13.4%
Blue collar 223 12.3% 14.9%
Employer type
Self employees
3.5%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
13.2%
Not for profit companies
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 63 3.5% -23.2%
Private companies 1,188 65.7% -15.1%
Governmental workers 238 13.2% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 318 17.6% 4.3%

Transportation in Downtown Harrisburg

How people get around in Downtown Harrisburg

In Downtown Harrisburg, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 68.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 24.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,036 68.9% -5.4%
Taxicab 9 0.6% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 78 5.2% -46.6%
Bicycle 17 1.1% 466.7%
Walk 363 24.2% -30.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Downtown Harrisburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17101 2,722 1,914 $50,878 $59,236
17104 18,541 7,522 $46,510 $57,878

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FAQs about Downtown Harrisburg demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Harrisburg?

Downtown Harrisburg has a total population of 3,685 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Harrisburg?

The gender ratio in Downtown Harrisburg is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (1,866 residents)
  • 49.4% females (1,819 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Harrisburg?

The median age in Downtown Harrisburg is 34.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Harrisburg?

The age distribution in Downtown Harrisburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.7% (468 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (553 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 38.3% (1,411 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.6% (649 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (603 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Harrisburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Harrisburg is as follows:
  • White: 41.4% (1,524 residents)
  • Black or African American: 30.6% (1,129 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 6.9% (253 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (346 residents)
  • Other: 11.4% (418 residents)

What percentage of the population in Downtown Harrisburg are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.6% of the population in Downtown Harrisburg.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Harrisburg?

There are 2,240 housing units in Downtown Harrisburg, reflecting a -5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Downtown Harrisburg and what is the average household size?

Downtown Harrisburg has a total of 2,055 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Harrisburg?

Downtown Harrisburg has a median household income of $48,694, representing a -13.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Harrisburg?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.7% (1,584 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.3% (223 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.5% (63 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (1,188 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.2% (238 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.6% (318 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025