countyscore
53.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.7Schools 82.7Health 75.8

County Report Card

About Adams County, Pennsylvania

Above the National Median

Adams County earns a composite score of 53.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that outpaces much of the country in key livability metrics.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's 53.4 composite score beats the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It stands as a strong performer within the Commonwealth's 67 counties.

Economic and Educational Excellence

Adams County shines with an Income Score of 84.9 and a School Score of 82.7. Median household incomes reach $81,071, supporting a high standard of living.

Navigating Higher Living Costs

Tax and Cost scores are both low at 17.5, reflecting a higher tax burden and less affordable housing market. The effective tax rate stands at 1.394%, while the median home value is $256,100.

Ideal for Established Families

High incomes and exceptional schools make this county perfect for established families and professionals. It suits those who prioritize education and safety over low tax rates.

2040608010017.618.174.775.882.785.732.541.858Tax17.6Cost18.1Safety74.7Health75.8Schools82.7Income85.7Risk32.5Water41.8Weather5853.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Adams County DNA

Foverall

How Adams County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Adams County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (17.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.6-34.4
Cost
18.1-29.9
Safety
74.7+19.700000000000003
Health
75.8+25.799999999999997
Schools
82.7+28.700000000000003
Income
85.7+34.7
Risk
32.5-14.5
Water
41.8-16.200000000000003
Weather
58
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Adams County?

Many homeowners in Adams County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$268,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,115/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$268,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,092/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams taxes run above the national norm

Adams County's effective tax rate of 1.394% exceeds the national median of 1.300%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $3,569 annually—33% higher than the national median of $2,690—even though the median home value ($256,100) falls slightly below the national average.

Above-average burden within Pennsylvania

Adams ranks among Pennsylvania's higher-taxing counties with an effective rate of 1.394%, compared to the state average of 1.317%. At $3,569 in median annual taxes, Adams homeowners pay roughly 34% more than the state median of $2,657.

Steeper taxes than surrounding counties

Adams County's 1.394% rate outpaces nearby Beaver County (1.440%), though both exceed the state average. Among South-Central peers, Adams sits in the mid-to-upper range of tax burden.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($256,100) in Adams County pays approximately $3,569 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $3,691; without one, it drops to $3,329.

Your property may be overassessed

Many homeowners in high-tax counties like Adams carry inflated assessed values and overpay as a result. A formal assessment appeal can lower your tax bill—often permanently—and is worth exploring if your home has declined in value or you believe the assessment is inaccurate.

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams earns above the national average

Adams County's median household income of $81,071 outpaces the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 8.5%, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier nationally. This advantage reflects a stronger local economy and workforce earning capacity compared to most American counties.

Top earner in Pennsylvania's county rankings

Adams ranks among Pennsylvania's highest-earning counties, with a median household income of $81,071 versus the state average of $69,614—a 16.4% premium. Per capita income of $39,339 also exceeds the state average of $37,407, signaling broad-based economic strength.

Outearns surrounding Keystone counties

Adams households earn $81,071, considerably more than nearby Beaver County ($70,156) and Bedford County ($60,302). This income advantage positions Adams residents with greater financial flexibility compared to rural neighbors in south-central Pennsylvania.

Strong income supports local housing costs

At a 16.1% rent-to-income ratio, Adams County stays well below the affordability threshold of 30%, meaning renters spend roughly one-sixth of income on housing. The median home value of $256,100 remains accessible for households earning the county's $81,071 median income.

Build long-term wealth with stable earnings

Adams County residents earning above-average incomes are well-positioned to save and invest for retirement. With manageable housing costs and strong per-capita earnings of $39,339, households have real opportunity to pursue financial planning and wealth-building strategies.

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County far exceeds national safety standards

Adams County maintains an impressive safety score of 99.0, placing it well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 602.2 per 100,000 residents is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A top performer for safety in Pennsylvania

Within the state, Adams County outperforms the Pennsylvania average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate is significantly lower than the statewide average of 932.4 per 100,000 people.

Exceptional safety across 21 local reporting agencies

Compared to its more urban neighbors, Adams County offers a tranquil environment with just 602.2 crimes per 100,000 residents. This low volume of incidents highlights its status as a regional leader in public safety.

Violent crime remains rare in Adams County

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 502.8 per 100,000, while violent crime remains extremely low at 99.4. A resident's risk of a violent encounter is nearly four times lower than the national rate.

Maintaining vigilance in a safe community

While the 99.0 safety score is exceptional, maintaining awareness remains the best defense for any household. Simple steps like motion-sensor lighting help deter property crime, which accounts for most local activity.

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild climate near the national median

Adams County maintains an annual average temperature of 52.7°F, sitting just below the national median for the lower 48 states. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasons with moderate shifts throughout the year. The county receives 44.6 inches of precipitation annually, aligning closely with typical mid-Atlantic weather patterns.

Among Pennsylvania's warmest agricultural hubs

The county's 52.7°F average temperature makes it significantly warmer than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This warmth supports its famous orchards and agricultural economy more effectively than cooler northern counties. It ranks among the warmer regions in the Commonwealth, benefiting from its position in the southern tier.

A warmer neighbor in South Central PA

Adams County runs warmer than its northern neighbor, Cumberland County, while sharing similar precipitation levels. Its July average of 74.8°F reflects a slightly higher heat index than more mountainous counties to the west. This relative warmth contributes to more consistent growing seasons compared to neighbors in higher elevations.

Hot summers and manageable winters

Summers are distinctively warm with 20 days per year exceeding 90°F and a July average of 74.8°F. Winters stay relatively mild with 27.6 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 30.1°F. This balance results in a winter average temperature of 32.5°F, which is notably higher than the state's colder northern tier.

Prepare for humidity and moderate snow

Homeowners should invest in efficient cooling systems to manage the three weeks of extreme heat each summer. While snowfall averages 27.6 inches, significant single-storm events are common, requiring reliable clearing equipment. Seasonal maintenance on HVAC systems ensures comfort during the high-humidity peaks of July.

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define the Adams County landscape

The county features an average pH of 5.60, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. However, this level remains slightly less acidic than the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22. While taxonomic data is limited, these numbers suggest a landscape that favors acid-loving vegetation.

A silt-heavy mix balances workability

The soil contains 51.3% silt and 30.3% sand, creating a texture that is easy to work but prone to erosion. With only 16.8% clay, the soil offers moderate nutrient retention without becoming overly dense or heavy. This balance makes it well-suited for the county's famous fruit orchards.

Moderate organic matter supports local growth

Organic matter sits at 2.41%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls far below the state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity of 0.160 in/in is slightly higher than the state average of 0.151 in/in. These figures indicate a reliable reservoir for plant hydration during dry spells.

Managing moisture in unclassified terrain

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. Given the high silt percentage, gardeners should watch for surface crusting after heavy rains. Local testing remains the best way to determine if your specific plot requires supplemental drainage.

Thriving in hardiness zone 7a

Adams County enjoys a warmer climate in zone 7a, perfect for its world-renowned apple and peach production. The combination of acidic soil and a long growing season provides a great foundation for diverse home gardens. Start your planting early to take full advantage of the mild spring weather.

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Adams County's Competitive Growing Advantage

Adams County earns a lawn difficulty score of 61.5, making it easier to maintain a yard here than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. This USDA Hardiness Zone 7a region provides a hospitable environment that significantly outperforms the national median score of 50.0.

Warmer Summer Cycles and Ample Rain

The county receives 44.6 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. While 20 extreme heat days put stress on cool-season grasses, the 3311 growing degree days support robust development.

Balancing Acidic Soils for Healthy Roots

With a soil pH of 5.60, Adams County lawns typically require lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil contains 16.8% clay and 30.3% sand, providing a stable foundation that usually needs supplemental organic matter for better nutrient retention.

Navigating Significant Recent Drought Pressures

The past year was challenging, with 31 weeks spent in drought and 85.7% of the county currently experiencing severe conditions. To protect your lawn, mow at a higher setting to shade the soil and water deeply but infrequently during the early morning hours.

Start Seeding After the Spring Frost

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass blends are excellent choices for Zone 7a. Plan to start your seeding or sodding projects after the final spring frost around April 24 to give your new lawn the best start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 53.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Adams County ranks #30 among all counties in Pennsylvania on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $3,561, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Pennsylvania is $84,092 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 85.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Adams County scores 53.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.