Hershey, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Hershey, PA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Hershey offers a sweet blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, with its famous chocolate heritage and family-friendly atmosphere.

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Hershey
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PPL Electric Utilities
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

UGI Utilities
💧 Water

$45/mo

Hershey Water Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Penn Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Hershey’s housing market is competitive, with steady demand due to its excellent schools and amenities. Prices have risen moderately, but options remain diverse for families and professionals.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, tourism, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, school funding, property taxes
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks and pedestrian pathways are well-maintained in most areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Hersheypark
  • 🎯
    ZooAmerica
  • 🎯
    The Hershey Story Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Hershey Heights and West Hershey are popular for families, offering proximity to schools and parks. The downtown area provides walkable amenities and community events.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Hershey based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents must adhere to local zoning laws, including restrictions on short-term rentals and noise ordinances.

Hershey's economy is bolstered by tourism and healthcare sectors. Recent investments in local infrastructure aim to support growing residential and commercial demand.

Financial Tools

Calculators
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📊 Hershey — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$69,626
👤 Median Age
46.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
52.6%
🔑 Renter Rate
47.4%
📉 Poverty Rate
8.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.0%
📡 Internet Access
88.9%
🎓 College Educated
38.0%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees higher electricity usage for air conditioning. Spring and fall typically have lower utility bills.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by school district, with Hershey's Derry Township School District at 1.2%. No local surtaxes apply.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, parks are accessible, but transit options are limited for families with strollers.

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