Elections

Harrisonburg City, VA, had approximately 27,000 registered voters as of 2023. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, with 2020 presidential turnout at about 72%. Polling locations include Keister and Thomas Harrison schools. The city is administered by the Electoral Board and Registrar’s Office; major parties are Democratic and Republican, with recent city council elections showing Democrats winning 3 of 5 seats. Typical issues include education funding and affordable housing. Voting is accessible via early, absentee, and Election Day options, ensuring broad participation in the civic process.

Education, Employment and Housing

Harrisonburg City County, VA has a total of 8 public schools, including 1 high school (Harrisonburg High School), and is served by Harrisonburg City Public Schools. About 84.2% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, and 33.7% hold a bachelor’s degree or above. The district’s average graduation rate is 81%, with schools scoring 6/10 on GreatSchools. Harrisonburg offers diverse programs such as dual enrollment and ESL. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all schools. Adult education is available through the Massanutten Technical Center.

As of 2023, Harrisonburg City, VA, reports an unemployment rate of about 2.8%. The leading employment sectors include educational services, health care, and social assistance (31%), followed by manufacturing (13%) and retail trade (11%). Most workers are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (34%), with significant representation in sales and office (20%). Nearly 77% of residents work within Harrisonburg itself, with a mean commute time of 16 minutes, and about 81% of commuters drive alone to work.

Harrisonburg City, VA, features a homeownership rate of around 37%, with the median home value near $284,000 as of early 2024. Renters make up 63%, paying a median rent of about $1,200 per month. The housing market has seen prices rise by 5% annually, driven by demand for single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. Popular neighborhoods include Old Town, Park View, and Preston Heights. Real estate taxes are approximately $0.93 per $100 of assessed value, making local tax bills on a median-priced home around $2,641 yearly.

Demographics

As of the 2022 Census estimates, Harrisonburg City in Virginia has a population of approximately 52,154. The median age is about 24.6 years, reflecting a youthful demographic, partly due to James Madison University. The gender distribution is roughly even, with 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the population is 67% White, 7% Black or African American, 6% Asian, and about 19% Hispanic or Latino of any race, highlighting significant diversity within the community.

County Crime & Safety

Harrisonburg City, Virginia, generally maintains a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. According to FBI data, the 2022 violent crime rate was approximately 2.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at about 18.6 per 1,000. The city’s police department actively publishes annual reports, showing a steady decline in overall crime since 2020. Residents widely report feeling safe, with neighborhood watch programs and community policing initiatives contributing to positive perceptions of public safety.