Armstrong County's composite score of 67.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects particular success in affordability and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Slightly Ahead of State Average
Armstrong County scores 67.3, just above Pennsylvania's state average of 66.0, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's counties. This narrow lead demonstrates solid but not exceptional performance within the state.
3 / 5
Exceptional Housing Affordability
Armstrong County's standout feature is its cost score of 82.9, the highest among these eight counties, with a median home value of just $146,300 and rent averaging $802 per month. These rates make it one of the most affordable places in the region, with a tax score of 60.5 adding further value.
4 / 5
Income Levels Significantly Trail Peers
The income score of 25.4—the lowest among these counties—reflects a median household income of $64,295, limiting household purchasing power beyond basic housing. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, creating gaps in the livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for Cost-Conscious Retirees
Armstrong County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and households prioritizing extremely low living costs over high local incomes. The combination of rock-bottom housing prices and reasonable taxes creates exceptional value for those not dependent on local job markets.
Armstrong County's composite score of 67.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects particular success in affordability and tax efficiency.
Slightly Ahead of State Average
Armstrong County scores 67.3, just above Pennsylvania's state average of 66.0, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's counties. This narrow lead demonstrates solid but not exceptional performance within the state.
Exceptional Housing Affordability
Armstrong County's standout feature is its cost score of 82.9, the highest among these eight counties, with a median home value of just $146,300 and rent averaging $802 per month. These rates make it one of the most affordable places in the region, with a tax score of 60.5 adding further value.
Income Levels Significantly Trail Peers
The income score of 25.4—the lowest among these counties—reflects a median household income of $64,295, limiting household purchasing power beyond basic housing. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, creating gaps in the livability picture.
Ideal for Cost-Conscious Retirees
Armstrong County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and households prioritizing extremely low living costs over high local incomes. The combination of rock-bottom housing prices and reasonable taxes creates exceptional value for those not dependent on local job markets.
Score breakdown
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🏛60.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Armstrong County's effective rate of 1.487% runs above the national median of 1.300%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,175 sits below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Armstrong's lower median home value of $146,300—significantly below the national average.
Above Pennsylvania's average tax rate
Armstrong County's 1.487% effective rate exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%. Median annual taxes of $2,175 fall below the state median of $2,657, thanks to lower home values in the county.
Mid-range taxes in Western Pennsylvania
Armstrong's 1.487% rate sits between Beaver County (1.440%) and Allegheny County (1.569%), positioning it as a moderate-tax option in the region. Among rural and semi-rural Western Pennsylvania counties, Armstrong's burden is fairly typical.
What the median homeowner pays yearly
A homeowner with a median-valued property ($146,300) in Armstrong County pays approximately $2,175 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,483; without, it drops to $1,897.
Lower tax doesn't mean no appeal opportunity
Even in counties with moderate tax rates, reassessment errors occur and properties can be overvalued relative to market conditions. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and can further reduce your annual tax burden.
Armstrong County delivers Pennsylvania's strongest housing affordability, with renters spending just 15.0% of income on housing—below both the national and state averages. At $802 monthly, median rent represents the lowest in this region, making Armstrong stand out for budget-conscious relocators.
Top tier for Pennsylvania affordability
Armstrong ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% compared to the state average of 16.5%. The county's $802 median rent significantly undercuts the state average of $960, offering real savings.
Armstrong leads the affordability pack
Armstrong's $802 rent is $65 below state average and roughly $300 cheaper than nearby Allegheny, making it the budget option for the region. Home values at $146,300 are also the lowest among surrounding counties, ideal for first-time buyers.
Armstrong's lean housing costs
Renters spend just $802 monthly (15.0% of median income), while homeowners pay $730 (13.5%)—remarkably low ownership costs. This leaves Armstrong households with more discretionary income than nearly any other county in the state.
Armstrong for maximum savings
If affordability is your priority, Armstrong County offers unbeatable rents and home values—perfect for stretching a modest budget or building equity fast. The trade-off: smaller town life and fewer urban amenities compared to nearby Allegheny.
Armstrong County's median household income of $64,295 falls 14% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in the region's post-industrial transition.
Below-average earnings across Pennsylvania
Armstrong's $64,295 median household income trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by about 7.7%. Per capita income of $35,313 also falls below the state average of $37,407, indicating limited wage growth relative to state peers.
Among lower-earning rural counties in region
Armstrong households earn $64,295, below neighboring Beaver County ($70,156) and notably less than Allegheny County ($76,393). The county faces income challenges shared with other rural, deindustrialized areas in western Pennsylvania.
Lower incomes stretch housing affordability
Armstrong's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable, though limited incomes constrain homeownership for many households. The median home value of $146,300 is modest, reflecting property values aligned with lower regional wages.
Prioritize savings despite income constraints
Armstrong County residents earning $64,295 should focus on disciplined saving and low-cost investment strategies, even modest amounts compound over time. Consider employer-sponsored retirement plans and community financial counseling to maximize limited income growth potential.
At 75.3 years, Armstrong County's life expectancy falls 1.1 years below the U.S. average and below Pennsylvania's state median. The 19.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, signaling residents experience more chronic disease and health challenges than the national norm.
Struggling compared to Pennsylvania
Armstrong County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks among Pennsylvania's lowest, trailing the state average of 76.4 years by 1.1 years. Its 19.6% poor/fair health rate is the highest in this county group, reflecting concentrated health vulnerabilities in northwest Pennsylvania.
Worst outcomes in western PA cluster
Armstrong County's 75.3-year life expectancy and 19.6% poor/fair health rate both represent the poorest metrics in this western Pennsylvania group, trailing even Blair County (74.7 years). This suggests concentrated industrial decline and aging population affecting northwest counties' health profiles.
Limited primary care, moderate coverage
Armstrong County has only 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly half the state's typical capacity—limiting preventive care access. The 5.6% uninsured rate is better than state average, but sparse provider networks mean even insured residents may travel far for specialists.
Coverage is first step in Armstrong
With limited providers and lower life expectancy, ensuring you have insurance removes one barrier to the care you need. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Armstrong County Health Department to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans today.
Armstrong County Carries Moderate, Manageable Risk
Armstrong County's composite risk score of 69.34 sits slightly above the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. While the county does face natural disaster exposure, it ranks among safer regions nationwide and benefits from comparatively low wildfire and tornado threats.
Below-Average Risk Within Pennsylvania
Armstrong County's score of 69.34 exceeds Pennsylvania's 67.45 statewide average by less than 3 points, placing it firmly in the lower-risk half of the state's counties. The county ranks well below more hazardous regions like Allegheny (98.09) or Berks (92.72).
Similar Risk Profile to Central PA Peers
Armstrong County compares closely to neighboring Indiana County and other central Pennsylvania rural communities, all facing relatively low composite risks. Adjacent Butler County experiences slightly higher exposure, while Armstrong residents enjoy lower risks than western urban areas.
Flooding and Hurricanes Drive Exposure
Flood risk ranks highest in Armstrong County at 85.05, reflecting vulnerability to runoff and stream systems across the region. Hurricane risk (52.23) presents a secondary concern, though wildfire (21.98) and tornado (34.16) risks remain manageable compared to state averages.
Prioritize Flood Coverage in Lower-Risk County
Armstrong County residents should secure flood insurance given the 85.05 flood risk, particularly in low-lying and river-adjacent properties. A standard homeowners policy provides adequate tornado and wind protection for most residents, making Armstrong an insurable county without extraordinary premiums.