countyscore

Armstrong County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#16 in Pennsylvania
57.4
County Score
Schools 76.8Safety 74.5Cost of Living 69.6

County Report Card

About Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Strong National Standing

Armstrong County achieves a composite score of 56.0, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing jurisdiction on the national stage.

Leading the Commonwealth

With a 56.0 score, Armstrong County comfortably exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. This makes it one of the more desirable counties for balanced living in the state.

Safe and Affordable Living

The county boasts a strong School Score of 76.8 and a Safety Score of 74.5. Affordability is a major draw, with a Cost Score of 63.6 and median gross rent at only $802.

Water Infrastructure Improvements

The Water Score of 10.3 represents the county's primary challenge, indicating a need for infrastructure investment. Moderate Risk and Tax scores also leave room for improvement.

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Families

This county is a top choice for families seeking safe neighborhoods and affordable housing. It offers a high quality of life for those who don't mind moderate income levels.

2040608010015.769.674.561.476.848.130.710.352.3Tax15.7Cost69.6Safety74.5Health61.4Schools76.8Income48.1Risk30.7Water10.3Weather52.357.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Armstrong County DNA

Foverall

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

Armstrong County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (76.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (10.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.7-36.3
Cost
69.6+21.599999999999994
Safety
74.5+19.5
Health
61.4+11.399999999999999
Schools
76.8+22.799999999999997
Income
48.1
Risk
30.7-16.3
Water
10.3-47.7
Weather
52.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Armstrong County?

Many homeowners in Armstrong 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

$157,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$785/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,008/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.3

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Armstrong County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Armstrong County

via TaxByCounty

Armstrong taxes exceed national average

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.

Income & Jobs in Armstrong County

via IncomeByCounty

Armstrong lags behind national income standards

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.

Safety in Armstrong County

via CrimeByCounty

Stellar safety ratings in Armstrong County

Armstrong County boasts a stellar safety score of 99.0, positioning it as one of the most secure counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 605.8 is roughly a quarter of the national average.

Armstrong outpaces Pennsylvania state safety norms

The county outpaces the Pennsylvania average safety score of 98.5, indicating high security for its residents. Its total crime rate is significantly lower than the statewide average of 932.4 per 100,000.

Consistent security across 16 local agencies

Armstrong County maintains a crime rate nearly identical to Adams County and remains much safer than neighboring metropolitan areas. This consistency suggests a stable and secure environment for all residents.

Violent crime stays below state averages

Property crime represents the majority of incidents at 483.7 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is limited to 122.1. These numbers remain comfortably below the Pennsylvania violent crime average of 142.2.

Preserving high safety scores with habits

High safety scores are best preserved through consistent home security habits. Investing in basic alarm systems or reinforced locks provides peace of mind and discourages opportunistic property crimes.

Weather & Climate in Armstrong County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic continental climate profile

Armstrong County’s annual average temperature of 50.0°F is roughly four degrees cooler than the national median. It experiences a moist climate with 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, very close to the state average. These conditions foster a landscape defined by lush forests and significant winter snow accumulation.

The definition of Pennsylvania average

Armstrong County is a near-perfect match for the state’s climate profile, with its 50.0°F average temperature almost identical to the state's 49.9°F. Its 44.9 inches of precipitation also mirrors the Pennsylvania average of 45.3 inches. Residents here experience the quintessential Pennsylvania weather cycle without the extremes of the mountains or the coast.

Cooler and wetter than Pittsburgh

Compared to neighboring Allegheny County, Armstrong is nearly two degrees cooler and notably snowier. It receives 38.4 inches of snow annually, which is over 6 inches more than its neighbors to the southwest. This makes the county a prime spot for winter activities but necessitates better cold-weather preparation.

Sharp winters and peak summer heat

Winters are cold with a January average of 26.7°F and a significant 38.4-inch snowfall total. Despite the cold winters, the county still sees 17 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the summer months. This wide variance results in a winter average of 29.3°F and a summer peak of 69.9°F.

Gear up for heavy winter snow

With nearly 40 inches of annual snow, high-quality snow blowers and winter tires are essential for local residents. The 17 days of 90°F heat mean that while winters are the main concern, cooling systems are still necessary for summer comfort. Homeowners should focus on heavy-duty insulation to handle the January lows of 26.7°F.

Soil Quality in Armstrong County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols and channery loams define Armstrong

The county is characterized by Entisols, specifically an extremely channery loam texture. With an average pH of 5.41, the soil is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but less so than the state average. These young soils often show limited horizon development but provide unique growing conditions.

A rocky, silty mineral mix

The mineral makeup includes 52.1% silt and 25.9% sand, with 16.8% clay. The presence of channery—or flat, stony fragments—improves internal drainage but can make digging difficult. This mix creates a soil that is well-aerated but may require frequent watering.

Rich organic matter supports plant health

Armstrong County boasts a high organic matter content of 9.73%, nearing the state average of 12.14% and dwarfing the national 2.0%. Available water capacity sits at 0.154 in/in, which is just above the Pennsylvania average. This combination creates a fertile environment for both forests and farms.

Excessive drainage through Hydrologic Group A

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A. This means water moves very quickly through the profile, reducing the risk of runoff but increasing the chance of drought stress. It is an ideal profile for building sites that require stable, dry conditions.

Growing strong in zone 6b

The hardiness zone 6b climate supports a robust selection of timber and hardy vegetables. Root crops like carrots and potatoes perform well in the loose, silty-loam textures found here. If you have a sunny spot, this is the perfect place to start a high-yield vegetable garden.

Lawn Care in Armstrong County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Potential in Armstrong

Armstrong County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 67.1, indicating that growing a lush yard is easier here than the 59.2 state average. This Zone 6b county provides a balanced environment that is well-suited for traditional Pennsylvania turf types.

Wet Climate with Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 44.9 inches is nearly ideal, keeping lawns hydrated throughout the 2856 growing degree days. Seventeen extreme heat days per year mean homeowners should monitor for wilting during the peak of July.

Well-Drained Loam Requires Careful Prep

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained with an extremely channery loam texture, which helps prevent root rot. However, the pH of 5.41 is below the ideal 6.0 threshold, so adding lime is a common and necessary task.

Weathering Occasional Abnormally Dry Conditions

The county experienced 7 weeks of drought over the past year, and 41.9% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Using mulch-mowing techniques can help retain moisture in the soil and protect your lawn during these dry periods.

Seeding for Success in May

Cool-season mixes containing Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this region's soil. Wait until after the last spring frost on May 4 to start your lawn projects for the most reliable results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Armstrong County's county score?
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Armstrong County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Armstrong County ranks #16 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 Armstrong County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Armstrong County is $2,161, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Armstrong County a tax score of 15.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Armstrong County?
The median household income in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania is $65,008 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Armstrong County earns an income score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Armstrong County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Armstrong County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Armstrong 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 Armstrong 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.