Where is Swatara, Pennsylvania

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Swatara, Pennsylvania Located in the United States? Swatara is a city located in the Dauphin County of Pennsylvania, United States. Swatara lies between 40.2584 Degrees North latitudes and -76.8097 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Swatara in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Where is Swatara, Pennsylvania

About Map: The map shows the location of Swatara in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Swatara is a city in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

Swatara Map, Pennsylvania, USA

About Swatara Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Swatara in Pennsylvania, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Swatara.

About Swatara, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Swatara is a township located in Dauphin County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, United States. Situated in south-central Pennsylvania just southeast of Harrisburg, the township is part of the Harrisburg metropolitan area and serves as a residential and commercial community within Dauphin County. Swatara was established in 1799 and was named after Swatara Creek, a prominent waterway in the region. The township has developed into a suburban area with a mix of neighborhoods, businesses, and community facilities.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Swatara is 26,942 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,000 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Swatara covers a total area of approximately 8.7 square miles (about 22.53 square kilometers), including about 8.6 square miles (22.27 square kilometers) of land and about 0.1 square miles (0.26 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Swatara is located in south-central Pennsylvania within Dauphin County, approximately 3 miles southeast of Harrisburg. The surrounding region features suburban neighborhoods, commercial districts, and nearby industrial areas that contribute to the township’s character.

Top Attractions in the City

Swatara offers parks, recreational facilities, and community attractions for residents and visitors. Swatara Township Park provides sports fields, walking trails, and playgrounds, while nearby attractions in the Harrisburg area offer additional cultural and recreational opportunities.

Transportation

Swatara is served by major roadways including Interstate 83 and Pennsylvania Route 441, providing convenient access to Harrisburg and surrounding regions. The nearest major airport serving the area is Harrisburg International Airport, located about 6 miles southeast of the township.

Explore more cities and counties across Pennsylvania or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from the Official Swatara Township Website.

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Swatara, Pennsylvania Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
TownshipSwatara
CountyDauphin County
StatePennsylvania
State CapitalHarrisburg
US RegionNortheastern United States
Latitude40.2554° N
Longitude76.8019° W
ElevationApproximately 420 ft (128 m)
Land Area (sq mi)15.78
Water Area (sq mi)0.20
Total Area (sq mi)15.98
Population (2020 Census)24,518
Population Density (per sq mi)1,553.4
ZIP Codes17111, 17113
Area Code717
Time Zone StandardEastern Standard Time (EST), UTC−5
Time Zone DaylightEastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC−4
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code4274976
Congressional District10th Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Swatara

Transportation FeatureDetails
Airport NameHarrisburg International Airport provides commercial air service.
IATA CodeMDT
PortNo direct port access; regional freight connections are available through Susquehanna River transportation networks.
Major HighwaysInterstate 81, Interstate 83, U.S. Route 322, and Pennsylvania Route 230 provide regional connections.
Train/Amtrak ServiceAmtrak service is available from Harrisburg Transportation Center.
Local Bus/Transit ServiceCapital Area Transit provides bus service throughout the Harrisburg metropolitan area.
  • Swatara is a township located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
  • The township is located southeast of Harrisburg in the Susquehanna Valley region.
  • Swatara is known for suburban neighborhoods, parks, transportation access, and proximity to Pennsylvania's capital city.
  • The community developed from agricultural roots into a growing suburban area of the Harrisburg metropolitan region.

Top Places to Visit in Swatara, Pennsylvania

Landmark NameType
Swatara State ParkState Park
Appalachian TrailHiking Trail
Fort Indiantown GapHistoric and Recreation Area
Harrisburg Mall AreaShopping Area
Wildwood ParkNature Park
Pennsylvania State CapitolHistoric Government Landmark
National Civil War MuseumHistory Museum
City IslandRecreation Area
HersheyparkTheme Park
Susquehanna Riverfront AreaRiver Recreation Area

Driving Distances from Swatara, Pennsylvania to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
HarrisburgPennsylvania510 min
HersheyPennsylvania1220 min
YorkPennsylvania3040 min
LancasterPennsylvania451 hr
ReadingPennsylvania601 hr 15 min
AllentownPennsylvania901 hr 40 min
PhiladelphiaPennsylvania1052 hr
BaltimoreMaryland851 hr 40 min
Washington, D.C.District of Columbia1202 hr 15 min
PittsburghPennsylvania2203 hr 30 min

Colleges and Universities near Swatara, Pennsylvania

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Harrisburg Area Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeHealthcare, technology, business, and workforce programs
Pennsylvania State University - HarrisburgPublicUniversityEngineering, business, education, and research programs
Messiah UniversityPrivateUniversityLiberal arts, education, business, and professional programs
Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyPrivateUniversityTechnology, analytics, cybersecurity, and innovation programs
Lebanon Valley CollegePrivateCollegeArts, sciences, business, and health programs

Waterbodies near Swatara, Pennsylvania

Swatara Creek, Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, and nearby south-central Pennsylvania waterways

Golf Courses near Swatara, Pennsylvania

Sportsman's Golf Course, Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, and nearby Harrisburg-area golf facilities

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Swatara, Pennsylvania

Landmark NameType
Swatara State ParkState Park
Appalachian TrailHiking Trail
Fort Indiantown GapHistoric and Recreation Area
National Civil War MuseumHistory Museum
Pennsylvania State CapitolHistoric Government Landmark
Wildwood ParkNature Park
City IslandRecreation Area
HersheyparkTheme Park
Susquehanna Riverfront AreaRiver Recreation Area
Harrisburg Mall AreaShopping Area

Waterbodies near Swatara, Pennsylvania

Swatara Creek, Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, and nearby south-central Pennsylvania waterways

Golf Courses near Swatara, Pennsylvania

Sportsman's Golf Course, Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, and nearby Harrisburg-area golf facilities

Swatara, Pennsylvania — Key Historical Facts

  • Swatara Township was established in the 18th century as part of the early settlement history of Dauphin County.
  • The township name comes from Swatara Creek, which has long been an important local waterway.
  • The area developed from agricultural communities into a suburban region connected to Harrisburg.
  • Transportation improvements, including nearby highways and rail connections, supported residential and commercial growth.
  • Today, Swatara is known for its parks, access to outdoor recreation, and location within the Harrisburg metropolitan area.

References

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