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Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#61 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.6
County Score
Health 79.8Income & Jobs 79.1Schools 69.6

County Report Card

About Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Trailing the National Median

Allegheny County scores a 43.6, which falls below the national median score of 50.0. This ranking reflects significant urban challenges despite the county's prominent regional status.

Below the Pennsylvania Average

The county's score of 43.6 sits significantly lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It faces unique pressures compared to its more rural or suburban state neighbors.

Strong Healthcare and Incomes

The county excels in health and income, scoring 79.8 and 79.1 respectively. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $76,393 and extensive medical infrastructure.

Addressing High Environmental Risk

A critical Risk Score of 1.9 highlights significant environmental or climate vulnerabilities. Additionally, the Tax Score of 10.0 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.569%.

A Hub for Urban Professionals

This county is best suited for urban professionals who value career opportunities and healthcare access. It appeals to those willing to trade environmental risk and higher taxes for city amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax10Cost20.3Safety40.1Health79.8Schools69.6Income79.1Risk1.9Water62Weather58.8
🏛10
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.4
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

Westmoreland County
Pennsylvania
57
Washington County
Pennsylvania
55.1
Beaver County
Pennsylvania
50.3
Hancock County
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Butler County
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Armstrong County
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Deep Dives

Allegheny County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Allegheny County

via TaxByCounty

Allegheny's tax rate ranks among nation's highest

Allegheny County's effective rate of 1.569% places it well above the national median of 1.300%, landing in the top 20% of all U.S. counties for tax burden. Despite a lower median home value ($216,700) than the national average, Allegheny residents pay $3,399 annually—26% more than the national median tax of $2,690.

Pennsylvania's highest effective tax rate

Allegheny County tops Pennsylvania with an effective rate of 1.569%, significantly outpacing the state average of 1.317%. Residents pay a median of $3,399 in annual taxes, roughly 28% above Pennsylvania's median of $2,657.

Highest burden in the western region

Allegheny's 1.569% effective rate far exceeds neighboring Beaver County (1.440%) and Armstrong County (1.487%), making it the costliest county in Western Pennsylvania. This concentration reflects the region's higher municipal and school district spending needs.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($216,700) in Allegheny County pays roughly $3,399 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill reaches $3,692; without one, it drops to $2,980.

Assessment appeals can yield real savings

With Allegheny's high tax rate, even a modest reduction in assessed value translates to significant annual savings. Many homeowners find their properties overvalued; filing an appeal is free and can lock in a lower assessment for years to come.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allegheny County

via CostByCounty

Allegheny stretches household budgets

Allegheny County renters spend 17.4% of income on housing, above both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. The median household income of $76,393 trails the national median by $2,362, intensifying affordability pressure in the Pittsburgh metro area.

Pennsylvania's affordability challenge

Allegheny ranks among the less affordable Pennsylvania counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.4%—one of the state's highest. At $1,111 monthly, median rent exceeds the state average by $151, while incomes remain below state medians.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Allegheny's $1,111 rent significantly outpaces nearby Armstrong ($802) and Beaver ($867), reflecting Pittsburgh's urban housing demand. Home values near $216,700 also exceed most neighboring counties, positioning Allegheny as the region's premium market.

Allegheny's housing cost burden

Renters allocate 17.4% of the median household income to rent alone, while homeowners spend $1,154 monthly (18.2% of income). Combined, these costs consume over one-third of household earnings when considering both rental and ownership pathways.

Allegheny: weighing metro convenience

Pittsburgh's urban amenities and job market come at a housing cost premium—plan accordingly if relocating here. Compare Allegheny's rents and home values to more affordable neighbors like Armstrong and Beaver to stretch your housing budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allegheny County

via IncomeByCounty

Allegheny keeps pace with national earnings

Allegheny County's median household income of $76,393 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 2.2%, reflecting a stable regional economy. As Pennsylvania's largest county, Allegheny's performance tracks closely with the national average, making it a reliable economic bellwether.

Allegheny ranks above state average income

At $76,393, Allegheny's median household income surpasses Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by nearly 10%. The county's per capita income of $48,208 leads the entire state average of $37,407, reflecting its concentration of higher-wage professionals and service sectors.

Economic anchor for western Pennsylvania

Allegheny households earn $76,393, significantly more than surrounding Beaver County ($70,156) and Armstrong County ($64,295). Pittsburgh's diverse economy and regional influence drive this income premium across the county.

Rental housing absorbs moderate income share

Allegheny's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% signals affordable rental conditions, staying well below the 30% affordability ceiling. Median home values of $216,700 remain within reach for households earning the county median of $76,393.

Diversified economy supports financial growth

Allegheny's robust per capita income of $48,208 provides households with genuine capacity to save, invest, and build wealth over time. The county's economic diversity across healthcare, technology, and professional services creates stable income-growth opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allegheny County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in a major metropolitan hub

Allegheny County reports a safety score of 97.8, reflecting its status as a bustling urban center. While higher than rural areas, its total crime rate of 1364.4 is still 43% lower than the national average.

Allegheny sits slightly below state safety averages

The county's safety profile sits below the Pennsylvania average score of 98.5. With 125 reporting agencies, the local crime rate of 1364.4 exceeds the statewide average of 932.4 per 100,000 people.

Urban challenges compared to neighboring counties

Allegheny sees a higher frequency of incidents than neighboring Beaver County, yet it remains well-controlled for its size. Its violent crime rate of 248.9 is higher than the state average but beats the national figure.

Property crime dominates the local landscape

Property crime accounts for 1115.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is much less common. Violent incidents make up less than 20% of the total reported crimes in the county.

Active participation improves community safety

Urban living requires active participation to maintain the county's 97.8 safety score. Residents should focus on securing entry points and joining neighborhood watch groups to mitigate property crime risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Allegheny County

via HealthByCounty

Allegheny's life expectancy trails slightly

At 76.9 years, Allegheny County residents live slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a negligible 0.5-year gap. However, the 16.1% poor/fair health rate is competitive nationally, reflecting a county where many residents report good to excellent health despite aging.

Holding steady above state median

Allegheny County's 76.9-year life expectancy edges out Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average by 0.5 years, placing it in the middle tier of county performance. As Pennsylvania's most populous county, Allegheny's health trends meaningfully influence statewide data.

Urban advantage in southwest PA

Allegheny's 76.9-year life expectancy outpaces Beaver County (75.6 years) and Armstrong County (75.3 years), a Pittsburgh-area urban advantage of roughly 1.5 years. Its 16.1% poor/fair health rate ties with Beaver County, suggesting shared industrial-legacy health challenges offset by urban healthcare density.

Urban hub with provider strength

Allegheny County boasts 109 primary care providers and 482 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding most Pennsylvania counties and reflecting Pittsburgh's major medical centers. The 4.7% uninsured rate, lowest in this group, means coverage is accessible for most, though 1 in 20 residents still lack insurance.

Bridge coverage gaps in Allegheny

Even in a well-insured county, 4.7% of Allegheny residents remain uninsured—roughly 30,000 people who could benefit from coverage. Call 211 or visit healthcare.gov to explore free and low-cost plans designed for working Pennsylvanians.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Allegheny County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban and Suburban Powerhouse

Allegheny County operates a vast educational system with 275 public schools across 73 districts, making it one of the largest in the state. Over 141,197 students are enrolled in a diverse array of 154 elementary schools and dozens of secondary facilities. The infrastructure includes specialized education centers and 25 charter schools to meet varied learning needs.

Strong Investment and Competitive Scoring

With a school score of 62.5, Allegheny County exceeds the state median for academic performance. The county invests $11,323 per pupil, which is roughly $1,000 more than the state average, though still below the national $13,000 benchmark. The graduation rate of 89.4% currently sits just below the state average but remains higher than the national 87% mark.

Pittsburgh and Suburban Giants

Pittsburgh School District is the county's largest, managing 56 schools and nearly 20,000 students. Other major players include North Allegheny School District, which serves 8,419 students, and the high-ranking Mt Lebanon School District. Charter schools represent 9.1% of all schools, offering significant choice for families within the metropolitan area.

A Predominantly Suburban Experience

The majority of the county's schools—200 in total—are located in suburban settings, though 68 schools serve the urban core of Pittsburgh. High schools like North Allegheny can be massive, housing over 2,600 students, while the average school across the county maintains about 515 students. This variety ensures families can choose between bustling urban campuses and quieter suburban school yards.

Target Your Search by District Excellence

Allegheny County offers some of the most sought-after school districts in Pennsylvania, making it a prime destination for home buyers. Whether you prefer the elite suburban districts or the innovative charters in the city, school proximity is a key factor in long-term home value. Start your search in neighborhoods where high school scores and deep investment go hand-in-hand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allegheny County

via RiskByCounty

Allegheny County Faces Significantly Above-Average Risk

Allegheny County's composite risk score of 98.09 ranks substantially above the national average, earning a relatively high risk rating. This urban and industrial county experiences more exposure to multiple disaster types than most American counties, driven largely by its dense population and geography.

Highest-Risk County in Pennsylvania

With a score of 98.09 compared to Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45, Allegheny County faces significantly more natural disaster risk than any other Pennsylvania county. Its hazard exposure exceeds the state average by roughly 45 percent, reflecting its status as the state's most vulnerable region.

Neighboring Counties Face Far Lower Risk

Allegheny County's neighbors—Beaver (75.32), Washington, and Butler counties—all experience substantially lower risk profiles. Armstrong County (69.34) and other surrounding rural counties face less than two-thirds of Allegheny's overall hazard exposure, highlighting the unique vulnerability of the Pittsburgh metro area.

Flooding and Tornadoes Drive Allegheny's Risk

Flood risk dominates Allegheny County at 99.20—nearly maximal exposure—reflecting the region's river systems and dense urban development. Tornado risk ranks dangerously high at 91.19, while earthquake (87.88) and hurricane (75.89) risks round out a multifaceted hazard profile.

Flood Insurance Is Non-Negotiable Here

Allegheny County residents must obtain flood insurance immediately; the county's 99.20 flood risk score indicates widespread vulnerability across neighborhoods. Additionally, ensure your homeowners policy covers tornado, wind, and hail damage, and consider a separate umbrella policy given the county's elevated earthquake risk (87.88).

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allegheny County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures in the Steel City

Allegheny County averages 51.9°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median temperature for the United States. The region experiences 40.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than many other coastal or lakeside regions. This climate provides a balanced mix of seasonal variety without the extremes found in the deep south or far north.

Warmer than the Pennsylvania average

At 51.9°F, Allegheny County is two degrees warmer than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. While it is warmer than the state norm, it remains drier, receiving roughly 4.4 inches less rain and snow than the state average of 45.3 inches. This positioning makes it one of the more temperate major population centers in the Commonwealth.

A urban heat island in Western PA

Allegheny is warmer than adjacent Armstrong and Beaver counties, likely due to the urban heat island effect from Pittsburgh. Its 51.9°F annual average contrasts with Armstrong’s cooler 50.0°F average. However, the county receives less snow than its northern neighbors, making winter travel slightly more predictable.

Steamy July days and snowy winters

July brings an average of 73.6°F with approximately 15 days exceeding 90°F each year. Winter holds its own with 32 inches of annual snowfall and a January average that dips to 29.0°F. The seasonal swing is significant, with nearly 45 degrees of difference between the coldest and warmest months.

Balance salt supplies with cooling needs

Residents should plan for 32 inches of snow by keeping salt and shovels ready for the winter months. Because summer extreme heat days are frequent, central air conditioning is a vital utility for the 15 days of 90°F weather. Proper insulation helps manage the wide 31.4°F to 71.7°F seasonal temperature range.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allegheny County

via SoilByCounty

Sharp acidity marks the Pittsburgh region

Allegheny County shows an average pH of 5.08, falling below the state average of 5.22 and well under the national median of 6.5. This high acidity often requires lime amendments for traditional garden vegetables to thrive. Taxonomic records are currently limited, but the chemical profile is typical of the Appalachian plateau.

Silty soils dominate the river valleys

The composition is 51.8% silt and 18.9% clay, providing a heavy texture that holds nutrients well. With only 19.8% sand, these soils can become compacted under heavy foot traffic or machinery. Gardeners should focus on adding organic material to improve the overall soil structure.

High water capacity despite low organic matter

Organic matter measures 3.97%, which is healthy by national standards but low compared to the state's 12.14% average. The available water capacity is strong at 0.166 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.151 in/in. This ensures that crops have access to deep moisture even when the surface feels dry.

Slow drainage in silt-rich areas

While official drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content often leads to slower percolation. This can be a challenge for building foundations and basement moisture management. Raised beds are a smart solution for backyard gardeners to prevent waterlogged roots.

Gardening in hardiness zone 6b

The county sits in hardiness zone 6b, allowing for a wide variety of perennials and hardy vegetables. Cool-season crops like kale and spinach thrive here, as do native berries that tolerate acidic conditions. Grab a trowel and start a patch of native perennials this weekend.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allegheny County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Maintenance in Allegheny County

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.4, Allegheny County offers a significantly more user-friendly growing environment than both the state and national averages. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region enjoy a climate that is notably easier to manage than many neighboring counties.

Consistent Precipitation Supports Steady Growth

The county sees 40.9 inches of annual precipitation, providing consistent moisture for thirsty lawns. With 15 extreme heat days and 3194 growing degree days, the climate favors cool-season grasses that can withstand moderate summer temperatures.

Addressing High Soil Acidity

The average soil pH of 5.08 is quite acidic, suggesting most lawns will need significant lime treatments to thrive. The mixture of 18.9% clay and 19.8% sand creates a heavy texture that may benefit from aeration to improve root oxygenation.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Spells

Allegheny County remained relatively resilient this year, recording only 9 weeks in drought and currently showing 0% severe drought area. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule during dry weeks helps preserve the vibrant green color characteristic of this region.

Optimal Planting for Zone 6b

Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the top performers for this climate. Aim to seed your lawn once the threat of frost passes around April 18 to take advantage of the warming spring soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allegheny County's county score?
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Allegheny County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Allegheny County ranks #61 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 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Allegheny County is $3,399, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Allegheny County a tax score of 10/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allegheny County?
The median household income in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is $76,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allegheny County earns an income score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allegheny County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Allegheny County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Allegheny 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 Allegheny County with other counties side by side.

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