Looking down Steelton's busy Front Street.
Enjoy a lazy afternoon by the Susquehanna River in Steelton.
A beautiful glass mosaic adorns the Coexist Glass Shop in Steelton.
Traditional row homes in Steelton.
The 26-mile Capital Area Greenbelt Trail runs through Steelton and goes into Harrisburg.

Steelton, PA Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,211

Population

6,506

Renter Mix

53% Rent

See what the Little Town with a Big Heart has to offer

Affordable Riverside Scenic

Steelton, Pennsylvania carries the kind of industrial backbone that shaped an entire region. Situated just southeast of Harrisburg along the Susquehanna River, this compact borough in Dauphin County has roots stretching back to 1866, when the Pennsylvania Steel Company chose the site to build one of the nation's early large-scale steel mills. That legacy still defines the character of the place, giving Steelton a grounded spirit that feels genuine rather than manufactured.

At just two square miles, Steelton is tightly knit and easy to navigate. Its proximity to Harrisburg means residents can reach the state capital's employment centers, cultural institutions, and Penn State Harrisburg campus in minutes. Local streets are lined with modest rowhouses and established single-family homes, and the rental market reflects that same no-frills sensibility, with apartment communities offering straightforward, accessible options ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Brick-built walk-ups and converted rowhouse rentals define much of the housing landscape.

Steelton's location along the Susquehanna gives the borough an unexpected natural asset, with river views and access to nearby green corridors. The borough hosts an annual community day that draws residents together and reflects a neighborhood pride that has persisted across generations. For those seeking an affordable base with direct access to a major metro area, Steelton delivers a grounded sense of place with real historical weight behind it.

Explore the City

A beautiful glass mosaic adorns the Coexist Glass Shop in Steelton.

Traditional row homes in Steelton.

The 26-mile Capital Area Greenbelt Trail runs through Steelton and goes into Harrisburg.

The Steelton boat launch also offers scenic views of the Susquehanna River.

The Susquehanna River runs along Steelton and offers plenty of great spots for fishing.

Naples Pizza is a Steelton staple, serving the community since 1974.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$46,339

Average: $61,212

Education

1,109

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

2,718

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

34 Years

Largest Age Group

5-14 Years

Approximately 16% of Residents

Under 20

30%

Over 65

14%

Housing Distribution

Steelton has more renters than homeowners.

Renters
53%
Non-Renters
47%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
12%
Other Education
88%

Rent Trends

As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Steelton, PA is $1,123 for a studio, $1,211 for one bedroom, and $679 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Steelton has increased by 0.1% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,211/month
718 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Steelton, PA

Learn More About Steelton

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Limited Public Transit

Transit

20 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

90 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

30 / 100

Schools

Steelton-Highspire El School

Public

Grades K-5

738 Students

Tri-Community El School

Public

Grades K-5

427 Students

Swatara Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

611 Students

Steelton-Highspire High School

Public

Grades 6-12

599 Students

Steelton-Highspire High School

Public

Grades 6-12

599 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
  • State Museum of Pennsylvania
  • Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
  • Wildwood Park
  • Indian Echo Caverns

Airports

  • Harrisburg International

Top Apartments in Steelton

Houses for Rent in Steelton

Living in Steelton

History

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Steelton's industrial heritage is evident throughout this small borough just southeast of Harrisburg. Founded in 1866 when the Pennsylvania Steel Company established operations here, the town grew rapidly as steelworkers from across Europe and beyond settled along the Susquehanna River. The massive steel plant dominated the landscape for over a century, and while the mills have since closed, remnants of that era remain visible in the architecture and street layout. Historic row houses built for steel workers still line many streets, reflecting the town's roots.

The Steelton Heritage Corporation works to preserve local history, and visitors can explore the borough's multicultural past through various landmarks and gathering spaces. The Croatian Fraternal Union building and other community halls stand as testaments to the diverse populations that built the town. These preserved structures offer glimpses into the community's rich history that shaped the region.

Parks

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Steelton sits along the Susquehanna River, giving residents easy access to riverfront recreation and scenic views. Nearby Riverfront Park in Harrisburg, just minutes away, offers miles of paved trails, open green space, and water access ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. Wildwood Park, a 224-acre wildlife sanctuary a short drive away in Harrisburg, features nature trails, a scenic lake, and diverse bird-watching opportunities. City Island, accessible from Harrisburg, provides baseball fields, miniature golf, and riverfront picnic areas. Residents also benefit from proximity to state game lands and the broader Susquehanna Greenway trail network for hiking and outdoor exploration.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.