countyscore
53.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.8Schools 88.8Health 85.3

County Report Card

About Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Bucks County Outpaces the National Median

Bucks County earns a composite score of 53.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living supported by robust economic and educational metrics.

Leading the Pack in Pennsylvania

The county's overall score of 53.1 outperforms the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It stands as a premier location in the Commonwealth for those seeking high-performing social infrastructure.

Wealth and Education Drive Success

Bucks County excels in household earnings with an elite Income Score of 97.8, reflecting a median income of $111,951. Residents also benefit from exceptional public services, highlighted by a School Score of 88.8 and a Health Score of 85.3.

Affordability and Environmental Risks

Housing costs present a significant barrier, as evidenced by a low Cost Score of 4.8 and a median home value of $421,700. Additionally, the county faces environmental vulnerabilities with a Risk Score of only 5.2.

A Haven for High-Earning Families

Bucks County is best suited for established professionals and families who prioritize top-tier schools and health services over low living costs. Its profile suggests a trade-off where high taxes and home prices buy entry into one of the state's most prosperous communities.

2040608010018.85.273.885.388.897.85.258.757Tax18.8Cost5.2Safety73.8Health85.3Schools88.8Income97.8Risk5.2Water58.7Weather5753.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Bucks County DNA

Foverall

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

Bucks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (97.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.8-33.2
Cost
5.2-42.8
Safety
73.8+18.799999999999997
Health
85.3+35.3
Schools
88.8+34.8
Income
97.8+46.8
Risk
5.2-41.8
Water
58.7
Weather
57
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Compare mortgage rates in Bucks County

Whether buying or refinancing in Bucks County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$445,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,605/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$445,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$64,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $114,764/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

33.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Bucks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bucks County

via TaxByCounty

Bucks taxes run high by national standards

At 1.383%, Bucks County's effective tax rate sits well above the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 72nd percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $5,833—more than double the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher property values and a steeper tax burden on homeowners.

Above average within Pennsylvania

Bucks ranks in the upper third of Pennsylvania counties by effective tax rate, exceeding the state average of 1.317% by a small margin. Its median tax bill of $5,833 is more than twice the statewide median of $2,657, driven by the county's higher-value housing stock.

Pricier than Chester, Chester steeper than Bucks

Bucks County's 1.383% rate falls between neighboring Chester County (1.341%, $6,191 median tax) and suburban Butler County (1.070%, $2,950 median tax). While Chester homeowners pay more in raw dollars, Bucks residents face a slightly higher percentage burden on their property values.

Expect roughly $5,833 annually

On the county median home value of $421,700, the effective rate of 1.383% translates to an estimated annual property tax of $5,833. For homeowners with mortgages, add a modest amount for escrow adjustments and tax insurance.

Reassessments could lower your bill

Many Bucks County homeowners are unaware their properties may be overassessed relative to market value. Filing an appeal with your local assessor's office is often free and can result in significant tax savings—worthwhile given the county's above-average rates.

Income & Jobs in Bucks County

via IncomeByCounty

Bucks earns 50% above the nation

Bucks County's median household income of $111,951 towers 50% above the national median of $74,755. This affluent suburban county ranks in the top 10% of U.S. counties by household income, reflecting a prosperous workforce anchored in the Philadelphia region.

Pennsylvania's second-richest county

Among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, Bucks ranks second by median household income at $111,951—$42,337 above the state average of $69,614. Only Chester County edges out Bucks in median household earnings across the commonwealth.

Suburbs apart: Bucks vs. Butler

Bucks County households earn $25,176 more annually than neighboring Butler County ($86,775), a significant wage gap between two suburban Philadelphia neighbors. Both counties exceed the state average, but Bucks's concentration of white-collar jobs and professional services creates a distinctly higher income profile.

Housing costs stay manageable here

At a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio, Bucks County keeps housing costs well under the 30% affordability threshold, despite a median home value of $421,700. High incomes and reasonable housing burden ratios mean residents retain significant purchasing power for savings and investment.

Invest your affluence wisely

Bucks County's median household income of $111,951 positions residents to save aggressively and build long-term wealth through diversified investments, retirement accounts, and real estate. Start by reviewing your savings rate and consulting a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged accounts and grow wealth beyond your home equity.

Safety in Bucks County

via CrimeByCounty

Bucks County Ranks Among Safest in Nation

Bucks County earns an impressive 99.0 safety score, placing it far above the average American community. Its total crime rate of 624.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Pennsylvania Average

With a safety score of 99.0, Bucks County exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 624.6 sits significantly below the state average of 932.4 per 100,000 people.

Bucks vs. Nearby Suburban Counties

Bucks County maintains a competitive safety profile compared to neighbor Chester County, which reports a lower crime rate of 552.3. However, Bucks remains significantly safer than many urban centers across the Commonwealth.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Violent crime is rare in Bucks County, occurring at a rate of 48.2 per 100,000 compared to the national 369.8. Property crime accounts for 576.4 incidents per 100,000, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Securing Your Bucks County Home

Even in high-safety areas, 51 reporting agencies across the county recommend staying vigilant about home security. Most local incidents involve property, so basic measures like motion lights and locked entries remain effective deterrents.

Weather & Climate in Bucks County

via WeatherByCounty

Bucks County Matches National Climate Trends

Bucks County averages 52.3°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median temperature. The humid continental climate brings a predictable mix of all four seasons to the region.

Warmer Than the Pennsylvania Average

The county's 52.3°F annual average exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This makes Bucks one of the milder regions in the Commonwealth compared to the colder northern tier.

Cooler and Wetter Than Southern Neighbors

Bucks County stays slightly cooler than neighboring Chester County, which averages 52.9°F. However, Bucks receives a heavy 50.3 inches of annual precipitation, well above the state average of 45.3 inches.

High Heat and Moderate Snowfall

Summers are intense with 20 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are temperate for the state, seeing only 20.8 inches of snow and a January average of 29.7°F.

Prepare for Humid Summers and Heavy Rain

Homeowners should service air conditioning units early to handle the 20 days of extreme summer heat. Ensure gutters and drainage systems can manage the high 50.3-inch annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Bucks County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define the Bucks County landscape

Bucks County soil carries a pH of 5.24, matching the state average but falling significantly below the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile typically requires lime applications for most traditional vegetable gardening. While specific taxonomic orders aren't classified here, the acidic nature remains a dominant trait for local growers.

A balanced mix of silt and sand

The soil contains 28.9% sand, 45.3% silt, and 14.2% clay. This high silt content offers a smooth texture that facilitates easy root penetration and decent workability. However, the relatively low clay percentage means the soil might struggle to hold onto nutrients over long periods.

Moderate organic matter keeps fertility stable

Organic matter sits at 2.44%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the high state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity of 0.143 inches per inch is slightly lower than the state's 0.151 benchmark. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to boost water retention and soil life.

Managing water without specific drainage data

Formal drainage class and hydrologic group data are currently unavailable for Bucks County. Gardeners and builders must rely on site-specific observations to monitor how quickly water moves through the landscape after heavy storms. Local topography plays a major role in how these silty soils handle runoff.

Thrive in the warmth of Zone 7a

Bucks County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season than much of Pennsylvania. This climate is perfect for heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Start your garden today to take full advantage of the mild winters and generous summer sun.

Lawn Care in Bucks County

via LawnByCounty

Bucks County's Low Score Suggests Growing Challenges

Bucks County earns a lawn difficulty score of 48.2, making maintenance harder than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2 and the national median of 50.0. While the hardiness zone 7a allows for a variety of grass species, local conditions require more effort to achieve a lush result.

High Heat and Ample Rainfall Drive Growth

Lawns here receive a generous 50.3 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal range of 30-50 inches. However, 20 extreme heat days each year—nearly double the state average of 11—stress cool-season grasses during mid-summer. With 3232 growing degree days, you can expect a long and active mowing season.

Acidic Soil Requires Regular pH Balancing

The local soil pH of 5.24 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. To fix this, most homeowners must apply lime to neutralize acidity and improve nutrient uptake. The soil is relatively light with 28.9% sand and 14.2% clay, which helps prevent heavy compaction.

Summer Dry Spells Strain Local Lawns

The county spent 38 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, with 2.8% of the area currently facing severe drought. Even with 100% of the county designated as abnormally dry, you should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning. This practice encourages deep root growth and protects your lawn when heat spikes occur.

Time Your Seeding for Late Summer Success

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the top choices for zone 7a landscapes in Bucks County. Aim to seed after the summer heat breaks but well before the first fall frost on October 25th. This timing allows roots to establish in warm soil before the winter dormancy begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bucks County's county score?
Bucks County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 53.3 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 Bucks County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Bucks County ranks #31 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 Bucks County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Bucks County is $5,826, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Bucks County a tax score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bucks County?
The median household income in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is $114,764 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bucks County earns an income score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bucks County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Bucks County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Bucks 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 Bucks 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.