Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Hershey, Pennsylvania is a medium-sized city with a population of 14,941 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Hershey is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Hershey offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Hershey could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Pennsylvania if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Hershey and in the areas around Hershey is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 74/100, Hershey is ranked #3,857 in the United States and #359 in Pennsylvania. For each of the livability categories, we see that Hershey ranks very well for crime (B+), education (A+), employment (B) and housing (B-).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Hershey, the unemployment rate stands at 1.79%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Hershey, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Hershey apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Hershey is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Hershey come in at $248,700, which is 48.3% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Hershey, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 29% higher than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Hershey | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.2% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.2% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.3% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.8% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 17.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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