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

Total population
7,340
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,510/yr
10.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,219
-6.5% year-over-year change

South Harrisburg population

How many people live in South Harrisburg

South Harrisburg is home to 7,340 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of South Harrisburg locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
7,340
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
3,420
Female
53.4%
3,920
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,420 46.6% -8.0%
Female 3,920 53.4% -1.0%
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 South Harrisburg is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.6% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.6%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,805 24.6% -13.1%
15 to 24 1,014 13.8% 6.3%
25 to 44 1,884 25.7% 2.0%
45 to 64 1,621 22.1% -9.3%
Over 65 1,015 13.8% 0.0%
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 South Harrisburg, 75.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.9% of locals are Caucasian, 39.3% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 16.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.4%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,559 75.7% -8.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,203 16.4% 1.6%
Non-citizens 578 7.9% 38.3%
Racial breakdown
White
25.9%
Black or African American
39.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
14.6%
Other
16.8%
Value Percent
White 1,899 25.9%
Black or African American 2,882 39.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 34 0.5%
Asian 198 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 22 0.3%
Two or more races 1,072 14.6%
Other 1,232 16.8%

Households in South Harrisburg

A peek inside South Harrisburg households

South Harrisburg has 2,978 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 42% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,978
-3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,252
Family households
1,726
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,252 42% 4.6%
Family households 1,726 58% -8.7%
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 South Harrisburg

The housing landscape of South Harrisburg

South Harrisburg's housing consists of 3,219 units, with 16.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 51.3% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,219
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 517 16.1%
1 unit, attached 1,652 51.3%
2 units 179 5.6%
3 or 4 units 165 5.1%
5 to 9 units 184 5.7%
10 to 19 units 233 7.2%
20 to 49 units 162 5%
50 or more units 70 2.2%
Mobile home 57 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Harrisburg

In South Harrisburg, the median construction year is 1952. About 35.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.8% 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 1,149 35.7% -7.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 315 9.8% -5.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 666 20.7% -8.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 323 10% -19.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 248 7.7% 24.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 200 6.2% -2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 124 3.8% -22.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 0.4% -48.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 181 5.6% 19.1%
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.

South Harrisburg occupancy rates

Out of the 2,978 occupied housing units in South Harrisburg, 45.6% are owner-occupied, while 54.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,978
-3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,620
Owner occupied
1,357
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,620 54.4% -11.9%
Owner occupied 1,357 45.6% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
7.5%
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.

South Harrisburg housing costs

Housing costs in South Harrisburg come to a median of $938 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $963.

Median housing costs per month
$938/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 South Harrisburg
$963/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 South Harrisburg

South Harrisburg education at a glance

About 50.5% of the population in South Harrisburg went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.4% earned an associate degree and 9.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 430 8.3% -2.0%
High school diploma 2,612 50.5% 0.0%
College diploma 1,117 21.6% -1.2%
Associate degree 230 4.4% -41.2%
Bachelor's degree 473 9.2% -16.1%
Graduate degree 307 5.9% 20.9%
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 South Harrisburg

How much people earn in South Harrisburg

The average annual household income in South Harrisburg was $57,878 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,510, reflecting a +10.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Harrisburg
$57,878/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Harrisburg
$46,510/year
10.4% year-over-year change

South Harrisburg income by age

In South Harrisburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,752. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,007 overall. Overall, 70.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $51,752 4.4%
45 - 64 $59,007 19.1%
Over 65 $30,013 -5.6%
Above poverty level
5,100
Below poverty level
2,127
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,100 70.6% -3.8%
Below poverty level 2,127 29.4% -4.5%

Employment in South Harrisburg

Workforce and job types in South Harrisburg

68.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,911
Blue collar
882
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,911 68.4% -17.4%
Blue collar 882 31.6% 16.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 181 6.5% -22.0%
Private companies 1,905 68.2% -15.5%
Governmental workers 392 14% 2.6%
Not for profit companies 314 11.2% 53.2%

Transportation in South Harrisburg

How people get around in South Harrisburg

In South Harrisburg, the average commute time is 8 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
8 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,161 88.4% -7.0%
Taxicab 36 1.5% -2.7%
Bus or trolleybus 171 7% -24.0%
Walk 77 3.2% -41.7%
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 South Harrisburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17104 18,541 7,522 $46,510 $57,878

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FAQs about South Harrisburg demographics 

What is the total population of South Harrisburg?

South Harrisburg has a total population of 7,340 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Harrisburg?

The gender ratio in South Harrisburg is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (3,420 residents)
  • 53.4% females (3,920 residents)

What is the median age in South Harrisburg?

The median age in South Harrisburg is 35.6.

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

The age distribution in South Harrisburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.6% (1,805 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (1,014 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (1,884 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (1,621 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.8% (1,015 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Harrisburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Harrisburg is as follows:
  • White: 25.9% (1,899 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39.3% (2,882 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (34 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (198 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (22 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.6% (1,072 residents)
  • Other: 16.8% (1,232 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.7% of the population in South Harrisburg.

How many housing units are there in South Harrisburg?

There are 3,219 housing units in South Harrisburg, reflecting a -6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Harrisburg has a total of 2,978 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Harrisburg?

South Harrisburg has a median household income of $46,510, representing a +10.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Harrisburg?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.4% (1,911 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.6% (882 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (181 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (1,905 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (392 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (314 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