Find Bereavement Support Groups Serving
Lower Paxton, PA

Frequently asked questions

Lower Paxton, PA

Lower Paxton is a township in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 53,501 at the 2020 census. It is the most populous municipality in Dauphin County and the 17th-most populated municipality in the state.

Lower Paxton Township is located 76.6 miles (123.3 km) miles southwest of Allentown, 9.4 miles (15.1 km) northeast of Harrisburg, and 107.3 miles (172.7 km) northwest of Philadelphia. The township was incorporated in 1767 from Paxton Township.

Lower Paxton Township is located in south-central Dauphin County, bordered by Susquehanna Township to the west, Middle Paxton Township to the north, West Hanover and South Hanover townships to the east, and Swatara Township to the south. The eastern border of Lower Paxton Township is formed by Beaver Creek, a south-flowing tributary of Swatara Creek, which flows to the Susquehanna River. The northern border of the township follows or is close to the crest of Blue Mountain, the southernmost ridge of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians in this region. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 28.1 square miles (72.8 km²), all of it land.

There are four unincorporated communities, all of which are census-designated places, in Lower Paxton Township. Linglestown (population 6,334) is in the northeast part of the township, Paxtonia (population 5,412) is in the center, Colonial Park (population 13,229) is in the west and southwest, and a small portion of Progress is in the far west, though it is mainly in Susquehanna Township.

Interstate 83 runs through the western part of the township, terminating at Interstate 81, which crosses the center of the township from west to east. I-83 access in the township is from Exit 50 (U.S. Route 22/Jonestown Road) and Exit 48 (Union Deposit Road), while I-81 access is from Exit 72, between Linglestown and Paxtonia.

Lower Paxton places a strong emphasis on health and wellness among its residents. Enjoy outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, and sports at parks such as George Park, Brightbill Park, and Kohl Memorial Park. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center provides comprehensive medical care, including primary care, specialty services, and emergency care. Planet Fitness provides a comprehensive fitness experience with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training. For yoga enthusiasts, Studio B Power Yoga offers various classes suitable for all levels. Skocik Chiropractic offers holistic treatments to enhance physical health and alleviate pain. Fitness enthusiasts can visit Harrisburg Area YMCA which offers a range of fitness classes and programs.

Top sites in Lower Paxton, PA are The National Civil War Museum, AACA Museum, Inc., and Wildwood Park.

Population: 54,088 (2023). ZIP code: 17109. Area code(s): 717, 223. Elevation: 394 feet (120 meters). Area: 28.17 sq mi (72.96 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Lower Paxton, PA?

Paxton Township was created in 1729 within Lancaster County. Organized long before the City of Harrisburg, it was at that time about the size of Dauphin County. In the years after Dauphin County was established, the township was slowly divided. Hanover Township was cut off to the east in 1736 and Upper Paxton Township was cut off to the north in 1767. What remained in 1767 was then renamed Lower Paxton Township. The divisions continued. 

Is Lower Paxton, PA a good place to live?

Lower Paxton Township is located in Pennsylvania with a population of 53,601. Lower Paxton Township is in Dauphin County and is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Living in Lower Paxton Township offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lower Paxton Township there are a lot of parks.

What is the crime rate in Lower Paxton, PA?

Lower Paxton, PA has a lower crime rate than the U.S. average. Specifically, the violent crime rate in Lower Paxton is 16.1 compared to the national average of 22.7, and the property crime rate is 27 versus 35.4 across the nation. This means that Lower Paxton is a relatively safe place to live concerning both violent and property crimes.

Sources

Township of Lower Paxton

Wikipedia

Niche

Best Places

The National Civil War Museum 

AACA Museum, Inc. 

Wildwood Park

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Planet Fitness

George Park

Brightbill Park

Kohl Memorial Park

Studio B Power Yoga

Skocik Chiropractic

Harrisburg Area YMCA

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.