Is Shippensburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Shippensburg
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a new place to call home. Nestled in the Cumberland Valley, this borough provides a generally agreeable environment with a cost of living that is more affordable than the national average. The community is supported by a mix of local businesses and institutions, contributing to its overall appeal.
The town’s character is shaped by its historical roots and its present-day community, which includes a significant student population due to Shippensburg University. This dynamic adds a youthful energy to the area, complementing its established residential feel. Understanding the various facets of life in Shippensburg, from safety and cost of living to employment and climate, is crucial for anyone contemplating a move.
Is it Safe to Live in Shippensburg?
Shippensburg presents a relatively safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are generally lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Shippensburg is reported to be 45.5% lower than the national average (DoorProfit). This statistic encompasses both violent and property crimes, indicating a lower likelihood of experiencing such incidents compared to many other areas.
Specifically, violent crimes in Shippensburg are reported to be 70% lower than the national average (DoorProfit). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Shippensburg is approximately 1 in 87 (DoorProfit). While these figures are encouraging, it is always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, as with any community. Some data suggests that the southeast part of the city is considered the safest by residents (Crime Maps and Statistics).
Crime Statistics Breakdown
Property crimes, such as theft and vehicle theft, are the most frequently reported issues in Shippensburg (DoorProfit). Violent incidents, like assaults, tend to be clustered in specific areas, though their overall rates remain moderate (DoorProfit). The town experiences a mix of minor crimes, with serious offenses being uncommon (DoorProfit).
The crime rate in Shippensburg is 1.15%, with a violent crime rate of 0.11% and a property crime rate of 1.05% (ERI Economic Research Institute). These numbers, when contextualized within the town’s population, suggest a manageable level of criminal activity. Shippensburg is considered safer than 63% of cities in the United States, with a year-over-year decrease in crime by 15% (DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing
Shippensburg offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living in Shippensburg is approximately 6% less expensive than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs in Shippensburg are also more affordable than the U.S. average, receiving a score of 8 out of 10 for affordability (ERI Economic Research Institute).
The median home value in Shippensburg borough is $165,014 (Livability.com). However, more recent data indicates that the median sale price of a home in Shippensburg was $215,000 as of last month, a slight decrease of 2.3% since the previous year (Redfin). Another source reports the median home price in Shippensburg to be $320,000 (Homes for Sale). The median rent in Shippensburg is around $1,200 per month (Home & Rental Trends) or $1,100 as of April 2026 (Zumper).
Housing Market Trends
Shippensburg’s housing market is described as very competitive, with a median listing price of $299.9K (Home & Rental Trends). The number of active listings for sale is around 79, indicating limited inventory for buyers (Home & Rental Trends). Year-over-year, sale prices have seen a slight decrease of 5.36%, while days on market have increased by 55% (Home & Rental Trends).
For renters, there are approximately 43 rental listings available, with a median rent of $1,200 per month (Home & Rental Trends). Month-over-month, the number of rental listings increased, while the median rent price decreased (Home & Rental Trends). Year-over-year, rental prices have seen a modest increase of 6.43%, signaling continued rental demand (Home & Rental Trends).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Shippensburg is influenced by a variety of employers, including educational institutions, government entities, and private companies. The average salary in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, is approximately $50,000 per year, with an hourly rate of $24.04 (Zippia). More specific data indicates an average salary of $66,381 yearly in Shippensburg (ERI Economic Research Institute), and another source states the average annual salary for government positions in Shippensburg is $108,960 (ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Shippensburg is reported to be 3.9% (Data USA). Some neighborhoods within Shippensburg have unemployment rates ranging from 0-5% (BestNeighborhood.org). Major employers in the region include Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, and various government and private sector companies (Shippensburg Township). The employment rate in Shippensburg, PA, is currently 95.30% (BestNeighborhood.org).
Major Employers and Employment Sectors
Key employment sectors in Shippensburg include retail trade, health care and social assistance, and educational services (Data USA). Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a significant employer, as are various state and federal government agencies. Private companies also contribute substantially to the local job market, offering diverse opportunities across different industries.
The majority of the working population is employed in professional or administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs (Data USA). A portion of residents are self-employed or work for private companies, while a notable percentage are employed in the public sector (Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Shippensburg experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies between 24°F and 85°F throughout the year, with rare extremes (Weather Spark). The average annual temperature range is from 21°F in January to 87°F in July (myPerfectWeather).
Summers are warm and humid, with the hottest month being July, averaging a high of 84°F and a low of 66°F (Weather Spark). Winters are cold and snowy, with January being the coldest month, featuring an average low of 25°F and a high of 38°F (Weather Spark). The town is partly cloudy year-round (Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
Shippensburg receives an average of 43 inches of precipitation annually, with approximately 33 inches of snowfall (myPerfectWeather). The wet season extends from late March to late August, with June typically having the most wet days (Weather Spark). The drier season lasts from late August to late March, with January having the fewest wet days (Weather Spark).
May is generally the wettest month, receiving around 3.5 inches of rain (Weather Spark). January sees the least amount of rain, averaging about 1.5 inches (Weather Spark). The town experiences significant seasonal variations in monthly rainfall and has around 148 days per year with comfortable weather (myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Shippensburg is served by the Shippensburg Area School District, which is considered an above-average public school district. The district serves approximately 3,638 students from kindergarten to 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 41% of students are proficient in math and 50% in reading (Niche).
Shippensburg Area Senior High School, a part of this district, has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, with 58% of students proficient in math and 64% in reading (Niche). The district is ranked 197th out of 494 school districts in Pennsylvania for its overall quality (Niche).
School District Performance
The Shippensburg Area School District receives an overall Niche grade of B. It is ranked among the top school districts in Pennsylvania for diversity and has dedicated teachers (Niche). The district is known for its commitment to providing a solid educational foundation for its students.
Shippensburg Intermediate School, serving grades 4-5, also demonstrates strong performance, with 51% of students proficient in math and 54% in reading (Niche). The district’s commitment to education is further reflected in its resources and teacher-student ratios across its various schools.
Demographics and Community
Shippensburg, PA, has a population of approximately 5,620 residents (Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight increase from the 2020 Census (Census Dots). The community is predominantly White, with 92.1% of the population identifying as White (Census Dots).
The median age in Shippensburg is 34.9 years (Data Commons). The median household income is reported as $51,503 annually (Point2Homes), though another source indicates a median income of $37,702 (Data Commons). The poverty rate in Shippensburg is 10.8%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA).
Population Characteristics
The racial makeup of Shippensburg includes White residents at 92.1%, followed by Multiracial at 3.9%, and Black at 3.8% (Census Dots). A small percentage of the population, 2.85%, was born outside the country (Data USA). The majority of residents are US-born citizens, at 96.1% (Point2Homes).
The community’s economic profile includes a median property value of $177,700 (Data USA) and a homeownership rate of 44.2% (Data USA). Most residents commute by driving alone, with an average commute time of 19.8 minutes (Data USA).