CountyScore

Bradford County

Pennsylvania · PA

#26 in Pennsylvania
66.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Bradford County, Pennsylvania

Bradford County Beats National Benchmark

Bradford County's composite score of 69.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 39%, placing it in the top quarter of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects balanced strength in tax burden and housing costs.

Ranks in State's Upper Tier

Bradford County scores 69.3, 3.3 points above Pennsylvania's state average of 66.0, ranking it in the state's top tier alongside Blair County. This positioning reflects competitive livability fundamentals compared to the broader state.

Low Taxes and Affordable Housing

Bradford County achieves a tax score of 69.7 with an effective tax rate of 1.157% and a cost score of 80.2, boasting median home values of $182,300 and rent at $868 per month. These rates place it among the most efficient counties for household budgets in this region.

Income Levels Among the Lowest

The income score of 24.2 and median household income of $62,482 represent one of the lowest earning bases in this cohort, limiting wealth-building potential. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable for comprehensive livability assessment.

Ideal for Value-First Households

Bradford County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families maximizing financial efficiency through low taxes and minimal housing costs. The trade-off of lower local incomes makes it less suitable for those relying on area employment, but excellent for those with external income sources.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.7Cost80.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.2Risk26.9WaterComing Soon
🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡26.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bradford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McIntosh County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $50,348
Washington County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $44,009
Montgomery County
Iowa
66.7
Median income: $63,190
Haskell County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $69,138
Miami County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $88,000

Deep Dives

Bradford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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