countyscore

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
43.7
County Score
Health 79.8Income & Jobs 79.5Schools 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.

2040608010010.420.440.179.869.679.51.96258.8Tax10.4Cost20.4Safety40.1Health79.8Schools69.6Income79.5Risk1.9Water62Weather58.843.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Allegheny County DNA

Foverall

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

Allegheny County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (79.8/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (1.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.4-41.6
Cost
20.4-27.6
Safety
40.1-14.899999999999999
Health
79.8+29.799999999999997
Schools
69.6+15.599999999999994
Income
79.5+28.5
Risk
1.9-45.1
Water
62
Weather
58.8
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Many homeowners in Allegheny County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$227,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,153/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$227,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,548/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Westmoreland County
Pennsylvania
56.8
Washington County
Pennsylvania
55
Beaver County
Pennsylvania
50.1
Hancock County
West Virginia
66.5
Butler County
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Fayette County
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Deep Dives

Allegheny County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 43.7 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 $3,451, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Allegheny County a tax score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allegheny County?
The median household income in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is $78,548 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allegheny County earns an income score of 79.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allegheny County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Allegheny County scores 43.7/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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