Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Shippensburg, PA Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

5,620

Median Agei

34.9

Race & Ethnicityi

White

92.1%5,174

Two or More

3.9%217

Black

3.8%212

Hispanic/Latino

0.3%17

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

5.2%208

High School Diploma

32.3%1,287

Some College (<1 yr)

6.5%260

Some College (1+ yr)

6.7%265

Associate's Degree

5%199

Bachelor's Degree

16.8%670

Master's Degree

11.8%469

Professional Degree

3.3%133

Doctorate

3%120

HS or Higher

90.7%

BA or Higher

35%

Graduate+

18.1%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$177,700

Median Renti

$891

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

44.2%1,234

Renter-Occupied

55.8%1,557

Total Units

2,936

Homeownership

44.2%

Vacancy Rate

4.9%

Home Values

Under $50K

2.1%26

$100K–$150K

36.6%452

$150K–$200K

18.6%229

$200K–$300K

34.8%430

$300K–$500K

7.9%97

Rent Distribution

Under $500

144

$500–$750

286

$750–$1,000

406

$1,000–$1,250

371

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

141

$2,000+

Year Built

2020 or later

0.8%23

2010–2019

1.2%35

2000–2009

2.6%76

1990–1999

7.9%232

1980–1989

3%87

1970–1979

14.9%438

1960–1969

13.9%408

1950–1959

8.1%238

1940–1949

20.3%595

1939 or earlier

27.4%804

Heating Fuel

Electricity

40.7%1,135

Utility Gas

36.4%1,016

Fuel Oil

20.3%567

Bottled/LP Gas

1.8%50

No Fuel

0.8%23

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$51,503

Mean Household Incomei

$68,046

Per Capita Incomei

$34,589

Poverty Ratei

10.7%

Unemploymenti

3.9%

Labor Forcei

2,869

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

238

Residentsi

272

Avg. Tenant Renti

$410/mo

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers9 homes

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 895 homes97% occupied$397/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

202/PRAC24 homes99% occupied$463/mo rent

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $51,503/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $15K/yr

78%

Very low income$15K–$26K/yr

20.4%

Low income$26K–$41K/yr

1.6%

Who Receives This Housing

65.2% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

8.8% of subsidized households are minority

51% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

71.3% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Social Characteristicsi

Veteransi

583(13.1% of civilian adults)