Is Hummelstown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hummelstown
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, offers a compelling blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, situated in Dauphin County. It provides residents with a dense suburban feel, where many choose to own their homes. The community is known for being family-friendly, with a liberal-leaning populace and public schools that are considered above average.
This borough is strategically located near Hershey, Pennsylvania, allowing residents to enjoy the attractions and amenities of the larger town without the associated higher housing costs. Hummelstown boasts a friendly atmosphere, a quaint market square, and a strong sense of community engagement, often coming together for local events. While the town itself may not be a major economic hub, its proximity to Harrisburg and Hershey provides access to broader employment opportunities and a more diverse cultural landscape.
Is it Safe to Live in Hummelstown?
Hummelstown is generally considered a very safe place to live, with a crime rate significantly lower than both national and state averages. The town’s overall crime grade is an A minus, indicating that crime rates are well below those of the average U.S. city. Residents often feel secure walking around the town, even at night, contributing to its reputation as a safe environment for families and individuals alike.
Violent crime in Hummelstown is notably low, with a rate of 1.052 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are more common but still considered moderate. The northeast parts of Hummelstown see the most reported incidents, while the northern areas have the fewest. The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $88 annually, which is substantially less than the national and state averages, further underscoring the town’s safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and Niche).
Housing Costs in Hummelstown
The housing market in Hummelstown presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. As of April 2026, the median sale price for a home was $348,800, with a median list price of $376,433. The average home value in Hummelstown has seen a slight increase of 3.3% over the past year, reaching approximately $385,492 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
For renters, the market offers a range of options. The average rent in Hummelstown is $2,225 per month, which is higher than the national average rent of $1,930. Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,696, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,000. The price range for all rentals spans from $1,200 to $3,095, reflecting diverse housing needs and budgets (as reported by Zillow and Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
Hummelstown’s economy benefits from its proximity to larger employment centers like Harrisburg and Hershey. While specific major employers within Hummelstown are not extensively detailed, the presence of national companies like McDonald’s, FedEx, and UPS indicates a diverse retail and service sector. Companies such as Drayer Physical Therapy Institute and Flagger Force are also noted as significant employers in the area (as reported by Indeed and Zippia).
The unemployment rate in Hummelstown borough was 3.8% as of 2023, showing a slight increase from previous years but remaining a point of consideration for the local economy (as reported by CensusDepth). The median household income in Hummelstown was $63,175 in 2024, which is below the national median household income of $80,734, suggesting that while employment is available, earning potential might be higher in surrounding areas (as reported by Census Bureau).
Climate and Weather
Hummelstown experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm, humid, and wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 76°F from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, with highs around 85°F and lows of 67°F.
Winters are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures remaining below 46°F from early December to early March. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 25°F and highs of 37°F. The town experiences partly cloudy skies year-round, and temperatures generally fluctuate between 23°F and 85°F, rarely dipping below 11°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by various weather sources).
Education and Schools
Hummelstown is served by a public school system that is generally regarded as above average. Niche.com gives the area an overall B+ grade for its public schools. Specific schools like Hershey High School and Hershey Middle School receive solid ratings, with Hershey High School rated 4 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche).
Lower Dauphin Middle School, located in Hummelstown, has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and shows proficiency rates of 39% in math and 61% in reading. Lower Dauphin High School also maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, with 45% of students proficient in math and 77% in reading. These figures suggest a supportive educational environment for students in the area (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Hummelstown
Hummelstown has a population of approximately 4,527 residents, making it the 622nd most populated city in Pennsylvania out of 2,568. The community is predominantly White, accounting for about 77.5% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 11.4% and Asian at 7.7%. The median age in Hummelstown is 37.6 years (as reported by Census Bureau and Census Dots).
The town’s racial composition has become more diverse since the 2020 Census, though it remains less diverse than Pennsylvania overall. The median household income was $63,175 in 2024, with a poverty rate of 9.4%. For comparison, the national median household income is $80,734 (as reported by Census Bureau).
Pros and Cons of Living in Hummelstown
Hummelstown offers a safe environment with friendly residents and a strong community spirit, making it appealing for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Its proximity to Hershey and Harrisburg provides convenient access to employment, entertainment, and amenities, all while maintaining a lower cost of living than more tourist-heavy areas like Hershey itself (as reported by Niche).
However, the town is noted for its relative lack of diversity, which may be a drawback for some. While the local job market is present, the median household income suggests that higher earning potential might be found in surrounding cities. The cost of living is generally in line with or slightly above the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses (as reported by Niche and Salary.com).