countyscore
53.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.9Schools 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.

Score breakdown

Tax17.5Cost17.5Safety74.7Health75.8Schools82.7Income84.9Risk32.5Water41.8Weather58
🏛17.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Cumberland County
Pennsylvania
53
York County
Pennsylvania
44.6
Carroll County
Maryland
57
Franklin County
Pennsylvania
46.9
Frederick County
Maryland
49.9
Perry County
Pennsylvania
53.2
Dauphin County
Pennsylvania
40.7
Juniata County
Pennsylvania
56.7

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams keeps pace with nation

Adams County renters spend 16.1% of income on housing, slightly below the national average and well-aligned with affordability benchmarks. With a median household income of $81,071—$6,316 above the national median—Adams offers better financial breathing room than most U.S. counties.

Pennsylvania's affordable middle

Adams ranks in the middle tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% compared to the state average of 16.5%. The county's $1,084 median rent runs $124 above the state average, but higher incomes keep the burden manageable.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Adams' median rent of $1,084 sits between nearby Berks County ($1,143) and Armstrong County ($802), making it a middle-ground option in south-central Pennsylvania. Homebuyers will find median values near $256,100, competitive with Berks but notably higher than rural Armstrong at $146,300.

Where Adams income goes

Renters spend $1,084 monthly (16.1% of median income), while homeowners pay $1,330 (19.6%). Together, these housing costs leave the average Adams household with solid discretionary income compared to most Pennsylvania counties.

Adams for balanced affordability

If you're relocating to Pennsylvania, Adams County delivers above-average income with reasonable housing costs—ideal if you want suburban proximity without urban-level rents. Compare these figures to neighboring Berks and Armstrong to find your sweet spot in south-central PA.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams County leads on life expectancy

At 78.8 years, Adams County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 16.8% poor/fair health rate also sits below the national median, suggesting overall health outcomes that outpace much of the country.

Outpacing Pennsylvania's health profile

Adams County's 78.8-year life expectancy ranks it well above Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years—a meaningful 2.4-year advantage. This positions Adams as one of the healthier counties in a state with mixed health outcomes across regions.

A bright spot in south-central PA

Adams County's life expectancy of 78.8 years significantly exceeds nearby Berks County (77.8 years) and beats York County residents by roughly 18 months. Its 16.8% poor/fair health rate ties it with Allegheny County, suggesting urban-suburban health parity despite geographic distance.

Healthcare access reflects rural reality

With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Adams County has capacity but below state averages for specialist care. The 7.0% uninsured rate matches Pennsylvania's state average, meaning roughly 1 in 14 residents lack coverage—a barrier to preventive care in an otherwise healthy county.

Close the coverage gap in Adams

If you're among the 7% uninsured in Adams County, your better health outcomes can improve further with consistent access to care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans available this season.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adams County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network with Solid Infrastructure

Adams County supports a network of 26 public schools across nine distinct districts, serving a total of 13,092 students. The landscape features 11 elementary, 8 middle, and 7 high schools, providing a balanced educational pipeline for the community. This regional structure ensures localized access to education throughout the county.

High Graduation Rates and Steady Outcomes

The county boasts a 93.3% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87% and the state average of 90.3%. While per-pupil spending of $10,090 is slightly below the state average, the county's school score of 61.9 remains above the Pennsylvania median. These metrics suggest efficient resource management that yields competitive academic results.

Leading Districts and Choice Options

Conewago Valley School District stands as the largest in the area, educating 3,744 students across five schools. Gettysburg Area School District follows closely with 2,778 students, while two charter schools provide alternative options for nearly 8% of the student population. Families have access to both large comprehensive districts and smaller specialized learning environments.

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Learning

Education here is primarily rural, with 15 schools situated in quiet, open settings compared to just two in city locales. Average school size is 504 students, but facilities range from smaller primary centers to the 1,249-student New Oxford Senior High. This diversity allows for both intimate classroom settings and large-scale extracurricular opportunities.

Relocate Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and a mix of rural and suburban life will find Adams County particularly attractive. School quality remains a significant driver of local property values, making these districts a smart focus for your home search. Explore the community-centric living offered by Gettysburg and Conewago Valley today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County's Risk: Right at National Baseline

With a composite risk score of 67.53, Adams County sits nearly in line with the national average, rating as relatively low overall. This means residents face moderate natural disaster exposure comparable to many American communities, though certain hazards deserve specific attention.

Slightly Below Pennsylvania's Average Risk

Adams County's score of 67.53 sits just marginally above Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk spectrum. Among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, Adams ranks in the lower-to-moderate tier for overall hazard vulnerability.

Adams Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Adams County faces notably less risk than nearby Allegheny County (98.09 score), which includes Pittsburgh and experiences significantly higher flood and tornado exposure. Compared to other central Pennsylvania neighbors like Berks County (92.72), Adams residents enjoy a comparatively lower hazard profile.

Hurricanes and Earthquakes Pose Biggest Threats

Hurricane risk tops Adams County's hazard list at 84.06, reflecting the region's susceptibility to Atlantic storm systems even at this inland distance. Earthquake risk follows at 72.65, while flooding (76.21) and tornado risk (46.25) round out the county's exposure profile.

Prepare for Multiple Hazards with Right Coverage

Adams County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the county's 76.21 flood risk score—standard homeowners policies don't cover flooding. Consider earthquake coverage as well, and ensure your policy addresses wind and tornado damage, particularly if you live in mobile housing or rural areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 53.4 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 #29 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 $3,569, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Pennsylvania is $81,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 84.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Adams County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 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.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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