Harrisburg
cityHarrisburg is the capital city of Pennsylvania, situated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County. As of 2026, the city has an estimated population of 50,927. Harrisburg blends its rich historical background with modern urban life, offering a mix of landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Historically, Harrisburg's economy was driven by heavy manufacturing, agriculture, and food services, but it has since diversified to include service-related industries such as healthcare and technology. As the state capital, government agencies play a significant role in the local economy. The city is also a hub for transportation, commerce, recreation, and special events. Harrisburg's strategic location has been pivotal throughout its history, playing a role in westward migration, the Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. Today, it maintains a vibrant arts and music scene and hosts various cultural events, making it a distinctive city with a blend of historical significance and modern amenities.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 42-32800
- Country
- United States
- County
- Dauphin County
- Region
- South Central Pennsylvania
- Total Area
- 11.4 sq mi
- Land Area
- 8.1 sq mi
- Water Area
- 3.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.26368
- Longitude
- -76.890739
- Climate
- Changeable, four-season climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters
- Notable Features
- Susquehanna River · Paxton Creek · Blue Mountain Ridge · Wildwood Lake · Italian Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Lower Paxton · Middle Paxton · Susquehanna · Swatara · West Hanover · Penbrook · Paxtang
- Population (2020)
- 50,099
- Est. Population (2026)
- 50,927
- Median Age
- 33.4
- Median Income
- $48,099
- Poverty Rate
- 30.5%
- Family Households
- 48.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 36.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Harrisburg includes 43.17% Black or African American, 30.82% White, 12.05% other race, and smaller percentages for Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Harrisburg School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · 311 · Licensing, Taxation and Central Support
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.2% (2025)
- Economic Profile
- Diversified · Service-oriented · Government
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Accommodation & Food Services · Government · Education
- Major Employers
- US Government · Giant Food Stores · Penn State Hershey Medical Center · Hershey Entertainment and Resorts
- Students
- 6,536
- School Districts
- Harrisburg School District · Central Dauphin School District · Susquehanna Township School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) · Harrisburg University of Science and Technology · Widener University Commonwealth Law School
- Transportation
- Interstates I-76, I-81, I-83, I-283 · Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) · Capital Area Transit (CAT) · Rail Service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Harrisburg Hospital · UPMC Harrisburg · Harrisburg International Airport · Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- City Island · Riverfront Park · Reservoir Park · Wildwood Park · Italian Lake · Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
- Parks & Trails
- City Island · Riverfront Park · Capital Area Green Belt · 25 parks and playgrounds maintained by the city
- Founded
- 1785
- Incorporated
- 1791
- Named After
- John Harris, Sr.
- Historical Significance
- Played a key role in American history during Westward Migration, the Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution
- Key Events
- Settled by John Harris, Sr. in the 1700s · Became Pennsylvania state capital in 1812 · Training center for the Union Army during the Civil War · Developed into an industrialized city due to the Pennsylvania Canal and Railroad