Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Harrisburg

Affordability in Harrisburg, PA

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Harrisburg is $1,062 and the median household income is $48,099 annually. With 63% of residents renting, demand for affordable housing options in the city is significant.

Lease Lantern tracks 16 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 1,529 units in Harrisburg, offering renters a range of subsidized options across the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Harrisburg Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 776 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

Getting Around Harrisburg

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Harrisburg rates 53 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking, 34 (Some Transit) for public transit, and 32 for biking.

Schools

Harrisburg is served by 41 schools across 11 districts, including 22 elementary, 7 middle, 10 high schools, and 2 other schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Living

The median household income in Harrisburg is $48,099 per year, and the median gross rent is $1,062 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. Affordable and income-based housing in the city can offer significantly lower monthly costs for eligible renters.

• Median household income: $48,099/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median gross rent: $1,062/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 63% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)

With nearly two-thirds of residents renting, demand for affordable units is high. The 1,529 income-based units across 16 HUD-assisted properties in Harrisburg provide an important resource for renters who qualify.

Environmental Exposure

All 16 affordable housing properties in Harrisburg have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. Harrisburg sits along the Susquehanna River, so prospective renters at that one property may want to ask about flood insurance requirements before signing a lease.