countyscore
50.1
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.

2040608010014.239.677.474.342.664.324.734.460Tax14.2Cost39.6Safety77.4Health74.3Schools42.6Income64.3Risk24.7Water34.4Weather6050.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Beaver County DNA

Foverall

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

Beaver County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (74.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.2-37.8
Cost
39.6-8.399999999999999
Safety
77.4+22.400000000000006
Health
74.3+24.299999999999997
Schools
42.6-11.399999999999999
Income
64.3+13.299999999999997
Risk
24.7-22.3
Water
34.4-23.6
Weather
60
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Think property taxes are too high in Beaver County?

Many homeowners in Beaver 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

$190,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$890/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$190,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,089/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Beaver County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beaver County's county score?
Beaver County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 50.1 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 $2,704, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Beaver County a tax score of 14.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Beaver County?
The median household income in Beaver County, Pennsylvania is $71,089 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Beaver County earns an income score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Beaver County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Beaver County scores 50.1/100 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.
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.