Armstrong County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#21 in Pennsylvania
56
County Score
Schools 76.8Safety 74.5Lawn Care 67.1

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.

Score breakdown

Tax13.3Cost63.6Safety74.5Health61.4Schools76.8Income51.4Risk30.7Water10.3Weather52.3
🏛13.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠63.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼51.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡74.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
61.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓76.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
30.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧10.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨52.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱67.1
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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Deep Dives

Armstrong County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Armstrong County

via CostByCounty

Armstrong's genuine affordability edge

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.

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.

Health in Armstrong County

via HealthByCounty

Armstrong County faces health headwinds

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.

Schools in Armstrong County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Rural Schooling System

Armstrong County manages 17 public schools across five districts, serving 7,213 students in a largely rural environment. The system includes 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 5 high schools, providing a streamlined educational path. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing resources on traditional public districts.

High-Value Results and Healthy Spending

The county achieves an impressive 64.1 school score, which is well above the state average of 60.9. Investment is strong at $11,556 per pupil, exceeding state spending by over $1,200 and nearing the national average. These resources support a graduation rate of 91.3%, surpassing both state and national benchmarks.

Armstrong School District Leads the Way

Armstrong School District dominates the local landscape, educating 4,502 students across eight schools. Other key districts include Karns City Area and Apollo-Ridge, which together serve over 2,000 additional students. The county also features specialized technical education via Lenape Tech, which hosts 581 students.

Small-Scale Rural Learning Environments

With 14 of its 17 schools classified as rural, the county offers a peaceful, community-focused educational setting. Schools maintain an average size of 424 students, though the consolidated Armstrong Junior-Senior High is the exception with 1,478 students. This rural character provides students with familiar faces and a slower pace than neighboring urban counties.

Invest in a Community with Great Schools

For families seeking high academic scores and a rural lifestyle, Armstrong County is an ideal choice for a new home. The county’s strong per-pupil investment suggests a deep commitment to the next generation. Look for properties near Kittanning or Ford City to stay close to the county's largest and most diverse school campuses.

Disaster Risk in Armstrong County

via RiskByCounty

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.

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 56 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 #21 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 $2,175, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Armstrong County a tax score of 13.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Armstrong County?
The median household income in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania is $64,295 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Armstrong County earns an income score of 51.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Armstrong County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Armstrong County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 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.