Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Income Data
At a Glance
How Dauphin County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Dauphin matches U.S. income median
Dauphin County's median household income of $74,159 nearly aligns with the national median of $74,755, just $596 shy. This places Dauphin squarely in the national middle class and demonstrates the county's economic health relative to the entire U.S. Dauphin's proximity to Harrisburg and diverse economy support this middle-of-the-road performance.
Just above Pennsylvania state average
Dauphin's $74,159 median household income exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $4,545, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $41,055 similarly outpaces the state average of $37,407. These metrics place Dauphin among Pennsylvania's more prosperous counties.
Mid-tier earner behind Delaware and Cumberland
Dauphin's $74,159 ranks fourth in this eight-county sample, trailing only Delaware ($88,576) and Cumberland ($85,634) but well ahead of rural western counties. Columbia ($61,992) and Crawford ($60,254) trail Dauphin significantly. This gap reflects the urbanization premium of the Harrisburg metro area versus rural Pennsylvania.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Dauphin's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio—the highest in this county sample—indicates renters spend roughly $1,155 monthly on average. The median home value of $222,300 requires substantial mortgage payments relative to household income. This elevated housing burden leaves less discretionary income for savings and investing compared to western county peers.
Plan strategically around housing expenses
Dauphin residents should carefully budget around elevated housing costs while maximizing employer benefits and tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Refinancing opportunities can reduce monthly burdens; consult a mortgage advisor about options. Direct any freed-up cash flow into diversified investments to accelerate wealth accumulation despite housing constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.