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Hershey, PA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

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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🌤️ Live Weather — Hershey

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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 Rate	1.2%
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

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	7.5%
Property Tax Rate	1.2%
<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

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.

📰 Live Local News

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

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

Find Another City Guide

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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.