countyscore
52.1
County Score
Safety 68.4Lawn Care 67.8Schools 61.8

County Report Card

About Blair County, Pennsylvania

Slightly Above National Median

Blair County earns a composite score of 52.1, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is slightly better than the average American county.

Matching the State Average

The county's score of 52.1 closely aligns with the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It serves as a representative example of a stable Pennsylvania community.

Safety and School Stability

Blair County performs well in Safety with a score of 68.4 and Schools at 61.8. Housing remains accessible with a Cost Score of 48.8 and a median home value of $156,700.

Environmental Risk and Income

Environmental Risk is a concern with a score of 22.3. The Income Score of 40.9 reflects a modest median household income of $60,594 per year.

A Solid Middle-Class Choice

This county is a great fit for middle-class families seeking safety and affordable homeownership. It offers a balanced lifestyle without the extreme costs found in larger metros.

Score breakdown

Tax31.7Cost48.8Safety68.4Health56Schools61.8Income40.9Risk22.3Water48.8Weather61
🏛31.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.8
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

Cambria County
Pennsylvania
57
Huntingdon County
Pennsylvania
59.2
Bedford County
Pennsylvania
58.4
Clearfield County
Pennsylvania
57.9
Mifflin County
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Centre County
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Indiana County
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Fulton County
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Deep Dives

Blair County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Blair County

via TaxByCounty

Blair County taxes run well below national average

Blair County's effective rate of 1.092% falls below the national median of 1.300%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median annual property tax of $1,711 is roughly 36% lower than the national median of $2,690, offering substantial savings compared to typical American counties.

Below Pennsylvania's average tax rate

Blair County's 1.092% effective rate falls below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%. Median annual taxes of $1,711 run 36% below the state median of $2,657, making Blair one of the state's most tax-friendly counties.

Second-lowest taxes in the region

Blair County's 1.092% rate ranks second only to Bedford County (0.811%) among the eight counties, offering significant tax advantages. The county provides a middle ground between Bedford's exceptional rate and the higher-tax counties of Eastern Pennsylvania.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($156,700) in Blair County pays approximately $1,711 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,803; without, it falls to $1,601.

Low taxes don't guarantee accurate assessments

Even in tax-friendly counties like Blair, properties can be overvalued on the assessment rolls. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and can verify that your home is valued fairly relative to comparable properties in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blair County

via CostByCounty

Blair slightly above national benchmark

Blair County renters spend 16.9% of income on housing, above the national average but in line with Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. The median household income of $60,594 trails national levels, meaning the housing cost burden feels proportionally heavier.

Blair near state affordability average

Blair County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits just above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, placing it squarely in the middle tier. Monthly rent of $854 runs $106 below the state average of $960, offering some offset to the higher ratio.

Blair bridges rural and suburban costs

Blair's $854 rent falls between affordable rural counties (Armstrong at $802, Bedford at $771) and pricier suburbs (Berks at $1,143). Home values near $156,700 similarly position Blair as a middle-ground market for the region.

Blair's moderate housing burden

Renters spend $854 monthly (16.9% of income), while homeowners pay $851 (17.1%)—notably balanced between rental and ownership. The county's modest incomes mean these percentages reflect a tighter squeeze than higher-income areas.

Blair for modest-income living

Blair County offers reasonable housing costs for those with lower to moderate incomes, though job opportunities may be more limited than larger metros. Compare to nearby Armstrong and Bedford for even greater savings, or Berks for more employment options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blair County

via IncomeByCounty

Blair falls substantially below national median

Blair County's median household income of $60,594 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly 18.9%, indicating significant income disadvantage. This gap reflects Blair's struggles with manufacturing decline and limited job growth in central Pennsylvania.

Among Pennsylvania's lowest-income counties

Blair's $60,594 median household income falls 13% below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, ranking it among the state's economically challenged counties. Per capita income of $34,593 trails the state average of $37,407 by nearly 8%.

Similar struggles as neighboring rural counties

Blair households earn $60,594, nearly identical to neighboring Bedford County ($60,302) and Bradford County ($62,482). Both struggle with rural economic headwinds across central Pennsylvania.

Housing affordability stretched at median income

Blair's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio signals manageable rental costs, though limited median income constrains broader financial flexibility. Median home value of $156,700 represents meaningful commitment for households earning just $60,594.

Focus on stable employment and education

Blair County residents earning $60,594 should prioritize career advancement, training programs, and credential-building to increase earning potential. Even modest increases in household income compound significantly over decades of compound savings and investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blair County

via CrimeByCounty

Blair County is safer than average

Blair County earns a safety score of 98.8, indicating it is much safer than the average American county. Its total crime rate of 741.2 is significantly lower than the national average.

Blair outperforms state safety benchmarks

Blair County outperforms the state average safety score of 98.5 and reports fewer crimes than the average. Its total crime rate of 741.2 is well below the statewide figure of 932.4.

Low violent crime compared to peers

With 21 reporting agencies, Blair County maintains a lower violent crime rate than many regional peers. At 70.9 violent crimes per 100,000, Blair is twice as safe as the average Pennsylvania county in this category.

Property reports dominate local data

Property crimes account for the vast majority of local reports at 670.3 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is remarkably low, sitting at roughly one-fifth of the national violent crime rate.

Securing property to maintain high safety

Maintaining a high 98.8 safety score involves consistent attention to residential security. Simple habits like locking doors and installing porch cameras are effective ways to minimize property crime risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Blair County

via HealthByCounty

Blair County faces the steepest decline

At 74.7 years, Blair County residents live 1.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—the worst gap in this county group. The 20.0% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the group, indicating concentrated chronic disease, preventable mortality, and significant health disparities.

Pennsylvania's health trouble zone

Blair County's 74.7-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 1.7 years—the largest gap in this group—placing it among the state's most challenged counties. The 20.0% poor/fair health rate is the worst in Pennsylvania's set, signaling urgent health intervention needs.

Worst outcomes in central PA

Blair County's 74.7-year life expectancy and 20.0% poor/fair health rate are the poorest metrics across all eight counties, with no neighboring county approaching this health burden. This suggests concentrated demographic aging, industrial decline, and health inequities concentrated in central Pennsylvania's hardest-hit regions.

Strong provider access amid health crisis

Blair County has 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and notably 304 mental health providers per 100,000—excellent capacity suggesting recognition of behavioral-health needs. Despite this, the 6.3% uninsured rate and low life expectancy suggest barriers beyond provider availability, pointing toward social and economic drivers of poor health.

Coverage is only step one in Blair

Blair County's crisis-level health outcomes demand immediate action; ensure you have coverage as a foundation, then connect with the robust mental-health and primary-care resources available. Visit healthcare.gov or call Blair County's Department of Human Services to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans designed for Pennsylvanians in hardship.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Blair County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of City and Town Schools

Blair County supports 33 public schools across nine districts, with a total enrollment of 16,328 students. The system is well-distributed with 17 elementary schools and 15 secondary schools, plus one alternative education facility. This infrastructure provides a stable foundation for families living in the county's varied locales.

High Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

Blair County achieves a 89.7% graduation rate, beating the national average of 87% despite lean funding. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,754, which is significantly below both state ($10,336) and national ($13,000) spending levels. The county's school score of 57.2 reflects a solid performance for a system operating with such high fiscal efficiency.

Altoona and Hollidaysburg Drive Growth

Altoona Area School District is the county's largest by far, serving 7,226 students across 11 schools. Hollidaysburg Area follows with 3,117 students, while Spring Cove manages another 1,646. A single charter school exists, representing just 3% of the total school count, as the area remains focused on traditional districts.

A Versatile Mix of School Settings

Schools in Blair County are split between suburban, city, and town locales, offering families a range of environments. The average school size is 495 students, but Altoona Area High School serves as a massive hub with over 2,200 students. This variety allows for both small-town primary education and large, resource-rich secondary experiences.

Find Your Home in a Reliable School System

Blair County offers excellent value for home buyers who want reliable graduation rates without the high costs of more urbanized counties. Whether you prefer the walkable neighborhoods near Altoona's schools or the suburban feel of Hollidaysburg, there is a district for you. Start your home search by looking for properties near these central educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blair County

via RiskByCounty

Blair County Moderately Above National Average Risk

Blair County's composite risk score of 77.67 sits noticeably above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating overall. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure driven primarily by flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Above-Average Risk for Pennsylvania

Blair County's score of 77.67 exceeds Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45 by roughly 15 percent, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county ranks significantly safer than Allegheny (98.09) and Berks (92.72), but riskier than many rural peers.

Riskier Than Neighboring Bedford County

Blair County residents face more hazard exposure than adjacent Bedford County (68.23), though both share similar geographic characteristics. The county compares closely to Huntingdon County and other south-central Pennsylvania communities.

Flooding, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes Top Threats

Flood risk ranks highest at 87.47 in Blair County, reflecting vulnerability to the Juniata River and regional water systems. Hurricane (78.81) and tornado (58.87) risks follow, while wildfire (32.00) presents only modest exposure.

Flood Insurance Priority; Standard Coverage Sufficient

Blair County homeowners should obtain flood insurance given the county's 87.47 flood risk, particularly near river corridors and low-lying areas. Standard homeowners policies adequately cover tornado and wind damage for most residents, making Blair relatively straightforward to insure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blair County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler mountain air in Central PA

Blair County has an annual average temperature of 50.4°F, which is about 3 degrees cooler than the national median. It receives 41.4 inches of precipitation, making it slightly drier than many parts of the eastern United States. The local climate is defined by the ridge-and-valley geography of the central part of the state.

Right in line with state norms

Blair County’s 50.4°F average temperature sits just above the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. However, it is drier than most of the state, receiving 4 inches less precipitation than the state average of 45.3 inches. This makes for a climate that is typical of the state but with slightly less rainfall and snow than the wettest counties.

More snow than its southern neighbors

Blair County receives 34.1 inches of snow annually, which is more than neighboring Bedford County’s 31.9 inches. It is also cooler during the summer, with only 8 days of extreme heat compared to Bedford's 14. This makes Blair a slightly more temperate option for those who prefer cooler summer months.

Temperate summers and snowy winters

Summer in Blair is mild, with a July average of 72.1°F and very few days exceeding 90°F. Winter is more rigorous, featuring a January average of 27.6°F and over 34 inches of snow. The average winter temperature sits at 29.9°F, keeping the landscape snowy for much of the season.

Focus on snow removal and insulation

With 34.1 inches of snow, residents should ensure they have reliable snow removal equipment and winter tires. The 27.6°F January average requires well-maintained heating systems to handle the consistent sub-freezing nights. Since extreme heat is rare, residents might find that high-quality fans can supplement cooling on all but the hottest days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blair County

via SoilByCounty

Typical central Pennsylvania acidity

Blair County has an average soil pH of 5.34, which is close to the state average of 5.22. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, favoring acid-loving forest species and crops. Specific taxonomic orders are not currently recorded for the county.

A silty profile with moderate sand

The soil contains 43.5% silt and 30.1% sand, making it relatively balanced for a variety of uses. Clay makes up 17.4% of the profile, providing enough body to hold nutrients without sealing off air. This combination supports the diverse valleys and ridges found throughout the county.

Strong organic matter levels

Organic matter is impressive at 7.72%, which is nearly four times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.139 in/in is below the state average of 0.151 in/in. Plants may need extra attention during dry periods because the soil doesn't hold moisture as well as its neighbors.

Evaluating drainage for mountain gardening

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is provided for this county. The high sand and silt content often implies that drainage is adequate for most residential landscaping. If you are in a valley, check for seasonal high water tables that might affect root growth.

Hardy gardening in zone 6b

The zone 6b climate is perfect for perennial herbs, hardy roses, and spring bulbs. Given the high organic matter, your soil is already well-primed for a successful garden project. Try planting some native mountain laurels to celebrate the local environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blair County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing Conditions in Blair

Blair County earns a respectable lawn difficulty score of 67.8, making it a relatively easy place for Zone 6b gardening. This score is significantly higher than the national median, offering residents a great head start on a healthy lawn.

Mild Heat and Reliable Rainfall

With only 8 days of extreme heat annually, Blair County lawns avoid much of the summer scorched-earth stress seen elsewhere. The 41.4 inches of precipitation supports the 2896 growing degree days available for turf development.

Foundational Soil Adjustments Needed

The soil pH of 5.34 requires correction with lime to ensure your grass can actually absorb the nutrients you provide. A mix of 17.4% clay and 30.1% sand provides a texture that generally offers good drainage for cool-season roots.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

Blair County experienced 19 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry. Implementing a smart irrigation system or using rain barrels can help bridge these dry periods efficiently.

Planting Your Blair County Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in these temperate conditions. Target your seeding or sodding efforts for late April, following the typical last spring frost on April 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blair County's county score?
Blair County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Blair County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Blair County ranks #39 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 Blair County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Blair County is $1,711, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Blair County a tax score of 31.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blair County?
The median household income in Blair County, Pennsylvania is $60,594 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blair County earns an income score of 40.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blair County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Blair County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Blair 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 Blair County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.