Is Hershey Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and significant employment opportunities, largely driven by its namesake confectionery company and associated attractions. This community, while not an incorporated municipality itself, functions as the heart of Derry Township, providing residents with a distinct lifestyle centered around a rich history and a commitment to community well-being. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained public spaces, Hershey presents an appealing option for those seeking a balance between a peaceful environment and access to amenities.

The town’s identity is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, whose vision led to the creation of not only a world-renowned chocolate company but also a thriving community. This historical foundation continues to shape Hershey’s character, fostering a sense of pride and a unique cultural landscape. The presence of major employers and attractions ensures a dynamic local economy, while the town’s overall safety record contributes to its desirability as a place to live and raise a family.

Is it Safe to Live in Hershey?

Hershey, PA, generally presents a safe living environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Hershey is reported to be lower than the national average, with specific analyses indicating it is safer than a significant percentage of cities across the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). This perception of safety is further supported by data suggesting a decrease in crime rates year over year (as reported by AreaVibes).

While violent crimes are reported to be lower than both the national and state averages (as reported by AreaVibes), property crime rates are also a factor to consider. NeighborhoodScout indicates that while violent crime is around the national average, property crime is above average. However, other sources suggest that property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Crime tends to be more concentrated in certain areas, with residents often considering the southeast part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Hershey, Pennsylvania, reflects a competitive environment with a median home value that is higher than the national average. As of March 2026, the average home value in Hershey was approximately $402,019, showing a notable increase of 3.5% over the preceding year (as reported by Zillow). This upward trend is also evident in the median sale price, which stood at $395,000 in March 2026, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Hershey are also above the national average, though they offer a more accessible entry point into the housing market for some. The average rent for an apartment in Hershey was around $1,205 per month as of May 2026, which is 27% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). However, other data indicates a higher average rent, with Zillow reporting an average rent of $1,544 as of March 2026. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is typically around $1,115 to $1,205, while two-bedroom units can range from $1,270 to $1,441 (as reported by RentCafe and Apartments.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

Hershey’s job market is significantly influenced by its major corporate and institutional employers. The Hershey Company itself, along with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, are primary drivers of employment within the community (as reported by Wikipedia). These entities not only offer direct employment but also support a wider ecosystem of related businesses and services.

Beyond the confectionery giant, the healthcare and education sectors are also substantial contributors to the local economy. Penn State Health and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are key employers, providing a wide range of medical and research-related job opportunities (as reported by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). Additionally, the Milton Hershey School, a prominent institution for underprivileged youth, is another major employer in the area (as reported by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is slightly higher than the national average. Reports indicate that Hershey’s cost of living is approximately 3% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale) and 8% higher than the Pennsylvania average (as reported by AreaVibes). This increase is largely influenced by housing expenses, which are notably higher than the national average.

While housing costs are elevated, some other cost categories are more aligned with or even lower than national averages. For instance, grocery prices in Hershey are reported to be 4% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices, however, tend to be higher, with transportation expenses also being slightly above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Climate and Weather

Hershey, Pennsylvania, experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature throughout the year typically ranges from a low of 23°F to a high of 85°F, with extremes rarely dropping below 10°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Time and Date). The hot season extends from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures surpassing 76°F, with July being the warmest month, often reaching highs of 85°F.

Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures falling below 46°F. January is the coldest month, typically experiencing lows around 24°F and highs of 37°F (as reported by Time and Date). The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 41 inches and an average annual snowfall of approximately 28 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Hershey is served by the Derry Township School District, which consistently receives high ratings for its educational institutions. Hershey High School, in particular, is recognized for its academic excellence, earning an A+ overall Niche grade and ranking among the top public high schools in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole is considered to be among the best school districts in Pennsylvania (as reported by Niche).

The public schools in Hershey are highly rated, with a strong emphasis on college preparation. Hershey High School boasts a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and demonstrates strong student proficiency in both math and reading (as reported by Niche). This commitment to quality education contributes to Hershey’s appeal for families prioritizing academic achievement for their children.

Demographics and Population

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a CDP with a population of approximately 14,242 residents as of recent census data (as reported by Point2Homes and Livability.com). The median age in Hershey is around 39 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with a significant portion identifying as White (around 69.6%), followed by Asian (around 8.6%) and African American (around 5.9%) residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Wikipedia).

The demographic makeup also includes a notable percentage of residents aged 65 and older, approximately 21.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). Families with children constitute about 23% of households in Hershey, which is slightly less than the surrounding county average (as reported by Patricia Jones). The median household income in Hershey is reported to be around $78,587, with a poverty rate of 17.64% (as reported by Point2Homes and Wikipedia).

Major Employers

The economic landscape of Hershey is dominated by a few key entities, with The Hershey Company and its associated entertainment and resorts being the most prominent. Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company manages attractions like Hersheypark and is a significant employer in the region (as reported by Wikipedia). The Hershey Company itself, a global leader in confectionery, also provides substantial employment opportunities.

Beyond the chocolate and theme park industries, healthcare and education are crucial sectors for employment. Penn State Health and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are major employers, offering numerous positions in medical, research, and administrative fields (as reported by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania). The Milton Hershey School, dedicated to educating underprivileged youth, also plays a vital role in the local job market (as reported by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).

Unemployment and Salaries

Hershey, Pennsylvania, benefits from a generally stable job market, reflected in its unemployment rates. While specific local unemployment data for Hershey is not readily available, the unemployment rate for Pennsylvania as a whole was 4.2% in March 2026 (as reported by Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry). This rate has remained consistent with the previous month and is slightly below the national unemployment rate.

Salaries in Hershey vary by profession and experience level. The average annual salary in Hershey is reported to be around $50,000, with an average hourly wage of approximately $24.00 (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources suggest a higher median wage, with ZipRecruiter reporting a median wage of $53.2K per year and Payscale indicating a median income of $77,738 for the area (as reported by ZipRecruiter and Livability.com). Top-paying professions can significantly exceed these averages, with roles like Physician Assistants earning around $100,332 annually (as reported by ReadySetHire).