countyscore
50.3
County Score
Safety 77.4Lawn Care 75.9Health 74.3

County Report Card

About Beaver County, Pennsylvania

Meeting the National Median

Beaver County earns a composite score of 50.3, aligning it almost perfectly with the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard of living that mirrors the typical American experience.

Just Behind State Averages

The county's 50.3 score sits slightly below the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. While it remains competitive, it trails some higher-performing neighbors in the region.

Prioritizing Safety and Health

Beaver County excels in Safety with a score of 77.4 and Health at 74.3. Residents enjoy a median household income of $70,156 and relatively stable communities.

Educational and Risk Factors

A School Score of 42.6 and a Risk Score of 24.7 suggest areas for significant focus. The effective tax rate of 1.440% also weighs on the overall tax score of 15.5.

Balanced Choice for Retirees

High health and safety scores make this an attractive option for retirees or empty nesters. It suits those who prioritize personal security over school system performance.

Score breakdown

Tax15.5Cost39.1Safety77.4Health74.3Schools42.6Income66.7Risk24.7Water34.4Weather60
🏛15.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.9
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

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67
Lawrence County
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52.2
Columbiana County
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Allegheny County
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Deep Dives

Beaver County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Beaver County

via TaxByCounty

Beaver's tax rate slightly above national median

Beaver County's effective rate of 1.440% exceeds the national median of 1.300%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $2,672 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite a home value of $185,500 that falls well below the national average of $281,900.

Above-average taxes for Pennsylvania

Beaver County's 1.440% effective rate tops Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%. At $2,672 in median annual taxes, Beaver residents pay about 1% above the state median of $2,657.

Lower taxes than Allegheny, higher than Armstrong

Beaver County's 1.440% rate sits between Armstrong County (1.487%) and Allegheny County (1.569%), making it a moderate-tax option in Western Pennsylvania. The county offers a middle ground for homeowners weighing tax burden against regional living costs.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($185,500) in Beaver County pays approximately $2,672 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,819; without, it falls to $2,453.

Check if your home is fairly assessed

Many Beaver County residents may have properties valued higher than current market conditions warrant, especially if homes haven't been professionally reassessed recently. An assessment appeal is a straightforward way to verify your valuation and potentially lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Beaver County

via CostByCounty

Beaver undercuts national averages

Beaver County renters spend 14.8% of income on housing—below both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. The county achieves this affordability despite a median household income of $70,156, offering strong value in the Pittsburgh region.

Beaver ranks among PA's best

Beaver County sits in Pennsylvania's top tier for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% well below the state average of 16.5%. Monthly rent of $867 runs $93 below the state average, delivering measurable savings.

Beaver balances cost and convenience

Beaver's $867 rent splits the difference between affordable Armstrong ($802) and pricey Allegheny ($1,111), offering both savings and urban access. Home values near $185,500 similarly position Beaver as a middle-ground between rural and metro markets.

Beaver's balanced housing burden

Renters spend $867 monthly (14.8% of income), while homeowners pay $1,001 (17.1%), leaving households with manageable housing costs. The county's lower overall cost structure means residents keep more than 82% of income for other needs.

Beaver for suburban balance

Beaver County delivers real affordability while remaining close to Pittsburgh's job market—ideal if you want savings without sacrificing convenience. Compare to Armstrong for maximum affordability or Allegheny for more urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Beaver County

via IncomeByCounty

Beaver slightly below national median income

Beaver County's median household income of $70,156 falls 6.1% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it modestly below national norms. The county remains competitive regionally despite underperforming the national average.

Middle-ground earnings for Pennsylvania

Beaver's $70,156 median household income edges just 0.8% above Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, positioning it as fairly typical for the state. Per capita income of $39,805 slightly exceeds the state average of $37,407, suggesting stable earning patterns.

Outearns struggling rural neighbors

Beaver households earn $70,156, ahead of Armstrong County ($64,295) and Bedford County ($60,302), but behind prosperous Adams County ($81,071). Beaver occupies a middle position within western and central Pennsylvania's income hierarchy.

Housing costs remain manageable

Beaver's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% ranks among the region's most affordable, keeping housing costs well below the 30% affordability standard. Median home values of $185,500 align well with the county's household earning capacity.

Balanced income supports modest growth plans

Beaver County residents with median earnings of $70,156 have stable foundation for savings and retirement planning. Focus on maximizing employer benefits, automating monthly savings, and exploring modest investment opportunities suited to moderate-income households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Beaver County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the safest counties in America

Beaver County excels with a safety score of 99.1, marking it as an exceptionally safe place to live. Its total crime rate of 538.7 is incredibly low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A standout performer in the Commonwealth

Beaver County's safety score exceeds the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. The county's total crime rate of 538.7 is nearly half of the statewide average of 932.4 per 100,000 people.

Safer than neighboring metropolitan Allegheny

Beaver County is notably safer than neighboring Allegheny County, reporting less than half the total crime per 100,000 residents. This security is managed effectively across 38 different local reporting agencies.

Very low rates of violent crime

Violent crime is rare here, with just 82.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, far lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the rest of the profile at 456.4 per 100,000.

Vigilance maintains a 99.1 safety score

A 99.1 safety score is a point of pride that residents can help maintain through vigilance. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and locked garages help keep property crime rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Beaver County

via HealthByCounty

Beaver County trails national health

At 75.6 years, Beaver County residents live 0.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a visible gap suggesting population-wide health challenges. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate is near-average nationally, but the low life expectancy indicates serious underlying health burdens.

Below Pennsylvania's health baseline

Beaver County's 75.6-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average, placing it in the lower tier of county performance. This shortfall reflects ongoing challenges in a county shaped by industrial decline and aging.

Struggling alongside Allegheny rivals

Beaver County's 75.6-year life expectancy is 1.3 years lower than neighboring Allegheny County (76.9 years), despite proximity to Pittsburgh's major medical institutions. Its 16.1% poor/fair health rate matches Allegheny exactly, suggesting shared industrial-era health patterns across western PA.

Provider shortage limits care options

With only 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Beaver County faces one of the lowest provider densities in the state, constraining preventive care access. The 4.9% uninsured rate is reasonable, but sparse providers mean even covered residents struggle to find appointments.

Get insured, then find care

Nearly 1 in 20 Beaver County residents lack insurance, adding complexity to healthcare access in an already tight provider market. Enrollment opens annually—visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to secure coverage and connect with available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Beaver County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Suburban Educational Network

Beaver County features 51 public schools serving 31,046 students across 19 different districts. The infrastructure is diverse, consisting of 23 elementary, 11 middle, and 16 high schools, alongside four charter options. This decentralized system allows for many smaller, neighborhood-centric districts to thrive.

Challenges in Graduation and Performance

The county's school score sits at 49.2, slightly below the state average, while the graduation rate of 71.4% trails the national average of 87%. Beaver County spends $9,547 per pupil, which is lower than both the state and national investment averages. These numbers highlight a period of transition as districts work to boost student outcomes.

The Home of Major Cyber Education

Beaver County is home to the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, which enrolls a staggering 9,838 students from across the state. In terms of local brick-and-mortar districts, Ambridge Area and Central Valley are the largest, serving over 2,200 students each. Families here benefit from a wide range of choice between traditional districts and established charter schools.

Suburban Settings with Large Hubs

The majority of Beaver's schools are located in suburban settings, though 17 rural campuses remain. Average school size is 609 students, but this is heavily skewed by the massive enrollment of the local cyber charter. Traditional high schools like Blackhawk and Ambridge Area are sized comfortably for modern academic and athletic programs.

Find Your Fit in Suburban Beaver County

Beaver County offers a high density of school districts, providing plenty of variety for families looking to buy a home. Proximity to districts like Blackhawk or Hopewell Area often factors into local real estate decisions and property value stability. Start your search here to find a home that balances suburban convenience with diverse schooling options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Beaver County

via RiskByCounty

Beaver County's Risk Slightly Above National Norms

Beaver County's composite risk score of 75.32 sits modestly above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating overall. The county experiences more exposure to natural hazards than average American communities, particularly for flooding and tornadoes.

Below-Average Risk in Pennsylvania

Beaver County's score of 75.32 sits notably above Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45, yet remains in the lower-risk half of the state's counties. The county fares significantly better than neighboring Allegheny (98.09) and well below state hotspots like Berks.

Less Vulnerable Than Industrial Neighbors

Beaver County residents face less risk than neighboring Allegheny County (98.09) and Washington County, benefiting from less dense industrial development. Comparable to Armstrong County (69.34) and Butler County, Beaver sits in a safer tier than the Pittsburgh metro area.

Flooding and Tornadoes Dominate Hazard Profile

Flood risk peaks at 87.02 in Beaver County, reflecting vulnerability to the Ohio River and tributary systems. Tornado risk ranks as the second significant threat at 56.55, while wildfire (34.89) and earthquake (55.03) risks remain moderate.

Flood Insurance Essential; Standard Coverage Adequate

Beaver County homeowners should obtain flood insurance given the county's 87.02 flood risk, especially near river systems and low-lying areas. Standard homeowners policies cover tornado and wind damage adequately for most residents, making Beaver relatively straightforward to insure compared to higher-risk neighbors.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Beaver County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather on the western border

Beaver County averages 50.5°F annually, sitting about three degrees below the national median. Its 40.5 inches of precipitation is relatively moderate compared to the more humid eastern parts of the state. This creates a climate that is representative of the Upper Ohio Valley, with distinct but not overly extreme seasons.

A drier corner of the Commonwealth

Beaver County is slightly warmer than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F, but it is much drier. It receives nearly 5 inches less annual precipitation than the state average of 45.3 inches. This relative lack of moisture makes it one of the less humid counties in the Western Pennsylvania region.

Lower extreme heat than its neighbors

Beaver County experiences only 9 days of extreme heat above 90°F, which is significantly fewer than the 15-17 days seen in neighboring Allegheny and Armstrong counties. While its average temperature is 50.5°F, it avoids the urban heat intensities found closer to Pittsburgh. Precipitation remains consistent with other counties along the Ohio River corridor.

Cool summers and frozen winters

The county enjoys a July average of 71.9°F, keeping summer peaks more manageable than in the southern part of the state. Winters average 30.0°F from December through February, with January being the coldest month at 27.8°F. Snowfall data is currently unavailable, but the winter temps suggest consistent frost throughout the season.

Focus on winter heating efficiency

Residents can enjoy summers with fewer extreme heat days, but reliable heating is vital for the 27.8°F January lows. Since the area is drier than the state average, drought-resistant landscaping can help manage the 40.5 inches of annual rain. Prepare for frozen ground in winter despite the lack of specific snowfall records.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Beaver County

via SoilByCounty

Mildly acidic soils in Beaver County

The county's soil features an average pH of 5.59, which is higher than the state average of 5.22. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it is one of the more balanced profiles in the region. There is currently no dominant taxonomic order data available for this area.

High silt content for smooth texture

The soil is composed of 54.9% silt and 18.2% clay, which gives it a silty, almost velvety feel. Sand accounts for 25.0% of the mix, providing enough grit to prevent the clay from becoming too sticky. This composition is excellent for nutrient retention but requires management to prevent surface compaction.

Exceptional water storage for thirsty plants

Available water capacity is notably high at 0.182 in/in, significantly beating the state average of 0.151 in/in. Organic matter sits at 4.46%, which is double the national average though lower than the state's typical levels. Your plants will likely stay hydrated longer during dry summer stretches.

Monitoring drainage in silty basins

Data regarding specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable. Given the high silt levels, the soil may hold onto moisture longer than sandy neighbors, potentially leading to muddy spots. Proper grading and mulch can help manage surface water effectively in your yard.

Abundant gardening in zone 6b

The zone 6b climate is ideal for a wide range of fruit bushes and perennial flowers. The high water capacity makes this county a great spot for moisture-loving plants like hydrangeas or elderberries. Consider starting a small berry patch to take advantage of this fertile ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Beaver County

via LawnByCounty

Beaver County Leads with Ease

Beaver County is one of the easiest places in the state to grow a lawn, with an impressive difficulty score of 75.9. Homeowners in this Zone 6b area find it much simpler to maintain green space compared to the national median of 50.0.

Mild Summers and Sufficient Rain

With only 9 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces less thermal stress than the Pennsylvania average of 11 days. The 40.5 inches of annual rainfall provides a steady water supply for the 2912 growing degree days available each season.

Fine-Tuning Your Soil's Nutrient Balance

The soil pH sits at 5.59, requiring a light application of lime to reach the optimal 6.0 to 7.0 range. A soil composition of 18.2% clay and 25.0% sand suggests a balanced texture that supports healthy drainage and root penetration.

Stable Moisture Levels for Homeowners

Beaver County has seen only 9 weeks in drought over the last year, with no severe drought currently reported. To maintain this advantage, focus on deep root development by avoiding frequent, shallow watering.

Spring Readiness for Beaver Lawns

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this mild, Zone 6b climate. You can safely begin your spring seeding or sodding efforts after the final frost date of April 28.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beaver County's county score?
Beaver County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Beaver County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Beaver County ranks #46 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 Beaver County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Beaver County is $2,672, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Beaver County a tax score of 15.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Beaver County?
The median household income in Beaver County, Pennsylvania is $70,156 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Beaver County earns an income score of 66.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Beaver County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Beaver County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Beaver 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 Beaver 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.