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Bradford County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#28 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
53.8
County Score
Lawn Care 78.6Schools 74.8Health 66.4

County Report Card

About Bradford County, Pennsylvania

Beating the National Median

Bradford County's composite score of 53.8 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher level of livability than many jurisdictions across the country.

Exceeding the State Average

The county outperforms the Pennsylvania average score of 51.8 with its own 53.8. It holds a competitive position within the state's diverse geography.

Strong Schools and Healthcare

Bradford excels in education with a School Score of 74.8 and health with 66.4. Housing is moderately affordable, reflected in a Cost Score of 49.1 and median rent of $868.

Moderate Risk and Income

The Income Score of 46.4 suggests lower earning potential compared to state leaders. Additionally, a Risk Score of 26.9 highlights areas for improvement in disaster or hazard preparedness.

Ideal for Rural Quality

Bradford County suits those looking for a rural atmosphere with surprisingly strong public schools. It is an excellent choice for families who value healthcare access in a smaller community.

Score breakdown

Tax27.6Cost49.1Safety62.8Health66.4Schools74.8Income46.4Risk26.9Water33.8Weather55.9
🏛27.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.6
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

Bradford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bradford County

via TaxByCounty

Bradford's tax rate falls below national median

Bradford County's effective rate of 1.157% sits below the national median of 1.300%, placing it in the bottom 45% of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax of $2,110 is 22% lower than the national median of $2,690, delivering meaningful tax savings to homeowners.

Below-average taxes within Pennsylvania

Bradford County's 1.157% effective rate falls below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%. At $2,110 in median annual taxes, Bradford residents pay about 21% less than the state median of $2,657.

Among the more tax-friendly counties compared

Bradford's 1.157% rate ranks third-lowest among the eight counties, behind only Bedford (0.811%) and Blair (1.092%). The county offers substantial tax relief compared to higher-burden areas like Berks and Allegheny.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($182,300) in Bradford County pays approximately $2,110 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,335; without, it drops to $1,866.

Verify your home's assessed value today

Bradford County's reasonable tax rate is one advantage, but some homeowners still carry inflated assessments from prior years. A simple appeal can confirm whether your property's valuation matches current market conditions and potentially lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bradford County

via CostByCounty

Bradford slightly above national average

Bradford County renters spend 16.7% of income on housing, slightly above the national average and above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. The median household income of $62,482 trails national levels, making the housing cost burden feel relatively heavier.

Bradford near Pennsylvania's median

Bradford's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits just above the state average of 16.5%, placing it in Pennsylvania's middle tier for affordability. Monthly rent of $868 runs $92 below the state average of $960, providing modest savings.

Bradford in the affordable middle

Bradford's $868 rent positions it between affordable rural counties (Armstrong at $802, Bedford at $771) and costlier suburbs (Berks at $1,143). Home values near $182,300 similarly place Bradford as a middle-market option for the region.

Bradford's balanced ownership costs

Renters spend $868 monthly (16.7% of income), while homeowners pay $829 (15.3%)—one of the few counties where ownership costs less than rent. This makes Bradford attractive for buyers able to secure mortgages on modest incomes.

Bradford for first-time homebuyers

Bradford County offers relatively affordable homeownership with ownership costs lower than rents—ideal for first-time buyers on moderate incomes. Compare to nearby Armstrong and Beaver to find Pennsylvania's best fit for your housing needs and budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bradford County

via IncomeByCounty

Bradford underperforms national income standards

Bradford County's median household income of $62,482 falls 16.4% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects persistent rural economic challenges in northern Pennsylvania.

Below-average earnings across Pennsylvania

Bradford's $62,482 median household income trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by about 10.3%. Per capita income of $35,298 also falls short of the state average of $37,407, indicating limited wage-earning opportunities.

Part of struggling rural income belt

Bradford households earn $62,482, close to neighboring Blair County ($60,594) and Bedford County ($60,302) but below Beaver County ($70,156). The county shares rural economic struggles with surrounding sparsely populated counties.

Affordable housing reflects lower regional wages

Bradford's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable, though limited household income constrains financial planning flexibility. Median home value of $182,300 is moderately priced but represents substantial leverage for modest earnings.

Build wealth through disciplined long-term investing

Bradford County residents earning $62,482 should embrace consistent savings habits and explore low-cost investment vehicles, even small contributions accelerate wealth over time. Focus on debt reduction, emergency funds, and compound-growth strategies suited to modest-income households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bradford County

via CrimeByCounty

A secure environment in Bradford County

Bradford County holds a safety score of 98.6, reflecting a secure environment compared to national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 859.4 is less than 40% of the national average.

Performing better than state averages

The county’s safety score of 98.6 is slightly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 859.4 is lower than the statewide average of 932.4 per 100,000.

Monitoring safety through 14 local agencies

Reporting through 14 agencies, Bradford County remains very safe overall despite moderate property crime. Its violent crime rate of 119.7 is lower than the Pennsylvania average of 142.2.

Most local incidents involve property crime

Property crimes make up 739.7 of the county's total 859.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This means most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and burglary rather than violent encounters.

Strengthening home security is a smart move

Strengthening home security is a smart way to address the local property crime rate of 739.7. Consider installing perimeter lighting and smart locks to keep your family secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bradford County

via HealthByCounty

Bradford County moderately above average

At 77.2 years, Bradford County residents live 0.8 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a modest health advantage. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above national norms, suggesting decent lifespans despite moderate chronic-disease prevalence.

Above Pennsylvania's health baseline

Bradford County's 77.2-year life expectancy exceeds Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average by 0.8 years, placing it in the upper tier of county performance. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate matches the statewide pattern, indicating health outcomes aligned with Pennsylvania's overall profile.

Solid rural performer in north PA

Bradford County's 77.2-year life expectancy places it second-best in this group after Adams County (78.8 years) and well ahead of Armstrong County (75.3 years). Its 17.6% poor/fair health rate is competitive, reflecting a rural county that has maintained population health despite geographic isolation.

High primary care, low mental health

Bradford County has 102 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—excellent for a rural county—but only 102 mental health providers, the lowest ratio in this group. The 7.6% uninsured rate is the highest here, meaning roughly 1 in 13 residents lack coverage despite strong primary-care infrastructure.

Fill Bradford's coverage gaps

With 7.6% of residents uninsured, Bradford County's strong primary-care access can't fully compensate for those without coverage, especially for mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Bradford County assistance office to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bradford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling in the Northern Tier

Bradford County maintains 19 public schools across eight districts, educating a total of 8,651 students. The county features 10 elementary schools and 9 secondary facilities, providing a very high ratio of high schools to student population. No charter schools currently operate in the county, emphasizing the role of the local public districts.

Strong Scores and Efficient Graduation

With a school score of 61.7, Bradford County outperforms the Pennsylvania state average of 60.9. The graduation rate is a solid 91.2%, exceeding both state and national benchmarks despite per-pupil spending of $10,497, which is nearly $3,000 below the national average. These results indicate a high return on investment for the county's taxpayers.

Athens and Towanda Lead the Region

Athens Area School District is the largest in the county, with four schools serving 2,069 students. Towanda Area and Troy Area also play major roles, each serving roughly 1,500 students. These districts provide stable, locally-managed education for the county's families across a large geographic area.

Quiet Towns and Rural Classrooms

The county's schools are divided strictly between rural (11) and town (8) locales, with no urban schools present. Average school size is 455 students, with Towanda Area Junior-Senior High being the largest at 720 students. This creates a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere where students are well-known by their peers and teachers.

Settle Into a Community-Focused District

For those looking for a home in a safe, rural area with schools that exceed state averages, Bradford County is a top contender. The lack of large urban centers and the prevalence of small-town districts make this an attractive spot for families seeking stability. Look for listings near Athens or Towanda to join these high-performing, northern Pennsylvania communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bradford County

via RiskByCounty

Bradford County Sits Slightly Above National Baseline

Bradford County's composite risk score of 73.12 sits modestly above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure, with particular vulnerability to flooding and hurricanes despite its northeastern Pennsylvania location.

Marginally Above Pennsylvania's Average Risk

Bradford County's score of 73.12 exceeds Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45 by less than 9 points, placing it in the middle tier of state risk. The county ranks significantly safer than western hazard zones like Allegheny and Berks counties.

Similar Risk to Surrounding Rural Counties

Bradford County residents face comparable hazard exposure to neighboring Tioga, Sullivan, and Potter counties, all northeastern Pennsylvania rural communities. The county benefits from lower population density and industrial development compared to more urban regions.

Flooding and Hurricanes Are Primary Concerns

Flood risk dominates Bradford County's hazard profile at 86.13, reflecting vulnerability to the Susquehanna River and regional waterways. Hurricane risk ranks as a secondary threat at 69.42, while tornado (31.55) and wildfire (21.69) risks remain notably low.

Prioritize Flood Insurance; Wind Coverage Adequate

Bradford County homeowners should obtain flood insurance given the county's 86.13 flood risk, especially if near river systems or flood-prone areas. Standard homeowners policies provide adequate tornado and wind protection for most residents, making Bradford a relatively manageable county to insure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bradford County

via WeatherByCounty

A cold, northern tier climate

Bradford County is significantly cooler than the national median, with an annual average temperature of only 48.0°F. It is also drier than many other regions, averaging 39.1 inches of annual precipitation. Its location on the New York border gives it a climate more akin to New England than the Mid-Atlantic.

One of Pennsylvania's coldest counties

At 48.0°F, Bradford County is nearly two degrees colder than the state average of 49.9°F. It is also one of the driest counties in the state, receiving 6 inches less precipitation than the state average. This makes it a leader in the state for cold, crisp weather and significant winter accumulation.

Colder and snowier than the rest

Bradford County is much colder than southern counties like Adams or Berks, with an average temperature nearly 5 degrees lower. It averages a heavy 40 inches of snow, far surpassing the state average and its southern counterparts. This makes it a prime location for winter sports but a challenge for year-round commuters.

Intense winters and mild summers

Winter is the dominant season here, with a January average of 25.0°F and 40 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are very mild, with a July average of 70.2°F and only 8 days of extreme heat above 90°F. The winter season average is a chilly 27.4°F, making for long, frozen periods.

Prepare for a long winter season

Residents must prioritize high-efficiency heating and heavy-duty winter gear to handle the 40 inches of snow and 25°F January lows. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended for navigating the northern tier’s snowy terrain. Because summer heat is rare, home cooling is a secondary concern compared to winter weatherproofing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bradford County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the soils of the northern tier

Specific soil pH and taxonomic data are not currently available for Bradford County in this dataset. However, regional trends across northern Pennsylvania suggest acidic conditions typical of glaciated landscapes. Local soil tests are highly recommended to establish a baseline for your specific property.

A mystery of minerals and texture

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not specified, northern tier soils often contain significant rock fragments. These glacial deposits can range from dense clay loams to very stony silt loams. Observing how water moves through your yard can give you the best clue to its composition.

Building fertility in a cool climate

Organic matter and available water capacity data are currently limited for this area. Generally, the cooler northern climate allows organic matter to accumulate slowly over time. Adding local compost is a reliable way to ensure your soil has the nutrients required for a productive season.

Local observation is key for drainage

With no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group on record, gardeners should look for indicator plants like sedges to find wet spots. The rugged terrain of the Endless Mountains means drainage can vary wildly from one hill to the next. Always plan your garden based on the specific slope and elevation of your land.

Resilient gardening in zone 6a

As one of the cooler regions in Pennsylvania, zone 6a is perfect for hardy perennials and short-season vegetables. Focus on cold-tolerant varieties like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and garlic. Dig in today and enjoy the unique satisfaction of gardening in the northern highlands.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bradford County

via LawnByCounty

Bradford's Top-Tier Lawn Potential

Bradford County is an ideal spot for lawn care, boasting a difficulty score of 78.6. As a Zone 6a region, it is one of the easiest places in Pennsylvania to maintain a vibrant and healthy yard.

Cooler Summers Benefit Turf Health

The county experiences only 8 extreme heat days per year, which is perfect for preventing cool-season grass dormancy. While precipitation is slightly lower at 39.1 inches, it remains within the ideal range for most Pennsylvania grass types.

Focusing on Local Soil Testing

Specific soil data for this area is limited, so performing a local soil test is your first step toward success. In this region, most homeowners find that monitoring pH and adding organic compost creates a winning foundation.

Resilient Performance Against Drought

With only 9 weeks in drought over the past year, Bradford County has remained relatively lush. Even though 99% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, standard watering practices should be enough to keep lawns thriving.

Wait for the Late Spring Warmth

Hardy grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are perfect for Zone 6a. Because the last spring frost typically occurs later, around May 16, wait until late May to begin your seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bradford County's county score?
Bradford County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Bradford County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Bradford County ranks #28 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 Bradford County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Bradford County is $2,110, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Bradford County a tax score of 27.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bradford County?
The median household income in Bradford County, Pennsylvania is $62,482 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bradford County earns an income score of 46.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bradford County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Bradford County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Bradford 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 Bradford 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.