Is Gettysburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gettysburg
Is it Safe to Live in Gettysburg?
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Gettysburg is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes also reported at rates below national figures (as reported by AreaVibes and Crime Explorer). This suggests a community where residents can feel secure in their daily lives.
While crime statistics are a crucial factor, neighborhood variations can exist. Some sources indicate that residents generally perceive the southeast part of the city as the safest, with crime rates varying by neighborhood (as reported by AreaVibes). Understanding these localized trends can further inform a decision about where to reside within Gettysburg.
Housing Costs in Gettysburg
The housing market in Gettysburg offers a range of options, with the median home price standing at approximately $268,500 (as reported by Data USA). This median price is lower than the national average, indicating that Gettysburg can be a more affordable place to purchase a home compared to many other U.S. cities (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Gettysburg is also notable, standing at 78.9%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
For those considering renting, the average rent in Gettysburg is around $1,360 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure falls within a range, with rental prices for properties spanning from $771 to $4,823 (as reported by Zillow). Recent trends show an increase in rental prices, with a $110 rise over the past year and a $160 increase in the last month (as reported by Zillow), suggesting a dynamic rental market.
Median Home Price and Rent
The median property value in Gettysburg was approximately $268,500 in 2024, showing a 4.84% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a steady appreciation in home values within the area. Renters can expect to pay an average of $1,360 per month for housing (as reported by Zillow).
The rental market has seen recent activity, with prices increasing by $110 year-over-year and $160 month-over-month (as reported by Zillow). This upward trend in rental costs should be considered by prospective renters when budgeting for their living expenses in Gettysburg.
Job Market and Economy in Gettysburg
Gettysburg’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector, with a 2.1% increase in employment from the previous year, leading to a total of 54,143 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common industries for residents include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). These sectors provide a diverse range of employment opportunities for the local workforce.
The unemployment rate in Gettysburg is reported to be around 5.6% (as reported by Point2Homes). While this indicates a segment of the population actively seeking employment, the overall employment rate is robust, with 95.92% of the working-age population employed (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The majority of the workforce, 77.2%, is employed in professional or administrative positions (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers
Key employers in the Gettysburg area include WellSpan Health, a large integrated healthcare system, and ACNB Bank, a financial holding company (as reported by Zippia). Other significant companies providing employment opportunities include Genesis HealthCare and various retail and service establishments like Walmart and McDonald’s (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).
The presence of these major employers contributes to the economic stability and job availability within Gettysburg. These organizations offer a variety of roles across different sectors, supporting the local economy and providing career paths for residents.
Average Salary and Wages
The average annual salary in Gettysburg, PA, is approximately $76,542 as of April 2026 (as reported by Salary.com). This translates to an estimated hourly wage of $37 (as reported by Salary.com). Salaries in Gettysburg typically range from $67,326 to $86,753 annually, depending on the specific role and experience level (as reported by Salary.com).
The median household income in Gettysburg was reported as $84,092 in 2024, showing a growth from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a healthy income level for households within the community.
Climate in Gettysburg
Gettysburg experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and cool to cold winters with snowfall (as reported by Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather). The temperature typically fluctuates between 24°F and 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 11°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summers are warm and humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 86°F and a low of 67°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 26°F and a high of 39°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with June typically being the wettest month.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
The average temperature in Gettysburg ranges from a low of 24°F in January to a high of 86°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The climate zone experiences hot summers and cool winters, with average annual precipitation around 46 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The wet season extends from late March to late August, with June having the most days with precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January experiences the fewest wet days (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is also a characteristic of Gettysburg’s winters, with an average of 29 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Gettysburg
Gettysburg is served by the Gettysburg Area School District, which has received an overall grade of A- and a rating of 4.38 out of 5 on Niche (as reported by Niche). The district educates approximately 2,825 students across 5 schools, with a student-to-classroom ratio of 13:1, which is slightly better than the state average (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
Public schools in Gettysburg demonstrate strong academic performance, with average math proficiency scores of 44% and reading proficiency scores of 64%, both exceeding the Pennsylvania state averages (as reported by BestPublicSchools.com). This indicates a commitment to educational excellence within the district.
School Ratings and Performance
The Gettysburg Area School District is ranked among the top districts in Pennsylvania, performing better than 64.4% of districts statewide (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Niche also ranks the Gettysburg Area School District as the best among 6 school districts in Adams County (as reported by Niche).
Specific schools within the district, such as Gettysburg Area Middle School and Gettysburg Area High School, are recognized for their academic achievements. Gettysburg Area High School, for instance, has a B+ rating on Niche and a 6/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Homes.com).
Demographics of Gettysburg
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has a population of approximately 9,418 residents as of 2026, showing significant growth since the 2020 census (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026). The median age in Gettysburg is 22.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026).
The racial makeup of Gettysburg is predominantly White, comprising about 74.97% of the population, followed by Hispanic (15.73%) and Asian (6.8%) demographics (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026). This composition contributes to the diverse cultural landscape of the town.
Population and Diversity
Gettysburg’s population is 9,418, with a notable annual growth rate of 4.27% (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026). The town’s population has increased by over 32% since the 2020 census (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026). The median age is young, at 22.3 years, indicating a potentially vibrant community (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026).
In terms of diversity, the population includes White (74.97%), Hispanic (15.73%), Asian (6.8%), and African American (4.58%) residents, among others (as reported by Gettysburg, PA Population 2026). This mix contributes to the unique character of Gettysburg.