Bucks County scores 56.7 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, placing it 13 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This solid performance reflects a county that outperforms typical American communities on the metrics currently available, though full assessment awaits additional dimensions.
2 / 5
Below State Average in Pennsylvania
At 56.7, Bucks County falls 9.3 points below Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. Among the eight profiled PA counties, it trails six peers, suggesting moderate livability compared to the broader state landscape.
3 / 5
Solid Incomes and Reasonable Taxes
Bucks County residents enjoy a median household income of $111,951, well above the state benchmark, paired with a tax score of 63.4 and an effective tax rate of just 1.383%. This combination makes the county attractive for higher-earning households seeking stable fiscal environments.
4 / 5
Housing Costs Bite Hard Here
With a cost score of only 51.7, Bucks County's median home value of $421,700 and rent averaging $1,537 monthly significantly exceed affordability benchmarks. This creates a challenging calculus for middle-income families despite solid incomes in the region.
5 / 5
For Affluent Professionals Prioritizing Income
Bucks County suits established professionals and executives with six-figure incomes who prioritize earning potential and tax efficiency over housing affordability. It's less ideal for families seeking value-oriented living, though strong incomes help offset elevated housing costs.
Bucks County scores 56.7 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, placing it 13 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This solid performance reflects a county that outperforms typical American communities on the metrics currently available, though full assessment awaits additional dimensions.
Below State Average in Pennsylvania
At 56.7, Bucks County falls 9.3 points below Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. Among the eight profiled PA counties, it trails six peers, suggesting moderate livability compared to the broader state landscape.
Solid Incomes and Reasonable Taxes
Bucks County residents enjoy a median household income of $111,951, well above the state benchmark, paired with a tax score of 63.4 and an effective tax rate of just 1.383%. This combination makes the county attractive for higher-earning households seeking stable fiscal environments.
Housing Costs Bite Hard Here
With a cost score of only 51.7, Bucks County's median home value of $421,700 and rent averaging $1,537 monthly significantly exceed affordability benchmarks. This creates a challenging calculus for middle-income families despite solid incomes in the region.
For Affluent Professionals Prioritizing Income
Bucks County suits established professionals and executives with six-figure incomes who prioritize earning potential and tax efficiency over housing affordability. It's less ideal for families seeking value-oriented living, though strong incomes help offset elevated housing costs.
Score breakdown
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🏛63.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Renters in Bucks County spend 16.5% of their income on housing, matching the national average and showing solid affordability for a wealthy suburban county. With a median household income of $111,951—49% above the national average of $74,755—residents here have significantly more breathing room than typical Americans.
Right at Pennsylvania's middle
Bucks County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average, placing it squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's affordability spectrum. While the county's median rent of $1,537 runs 60% above the state average of $960, higher incomes offset this premium.
Pricier than Chester, cheaper than needed
Bucks rents sit $154 below neighboring Chester County's $1,691 median but run $373 higher than Butler County's $1,018. The trade-off: Bucks offers stronger job markets and amenities that justify its higher costs for many residents.
Where Bucks income goes
Renters pay $1,537 monthly while homeowners spend $1,872, consuming 16.5% and 20.2% of the $111,951 median household income respectively. Together, these figures show that most Bucks households comfortably cover housing while maintaining substantial discretionary income.
Consider Bucks if you value stability
Moving to Bucks makes sense if you're relocating for a solid income and want suburban living without the extreme affordability squeeze of Chester County or the trade-offs of rural Pennsylvania alternatives. Compare your expected salary against the $1,537 average rent and $421,700 median home value to ensure the fit.
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.
At 79.1 years, Bucks County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 15.9% report poor or fair health—well below the national rate—suggesting strong overall wellness in the county.
Top health outcomes in Pennsylvania
Bucks County's 79.1-year life expectancy ranks it in the top tier statewide, outpacing Pennsylvania's average of 76.4 years by 2.7 years. The county consistently outperforms most state peers on longevity and health perception.
Healthier than surrounding counties
Bucks residents enjoy a 4-year advantage over nearby Cambria County (74.6 years) and a 1.3-year edge over Chester County (81.0 years is actually higher—Chester leads the region). Compared to Clarion County at 74.9 years, Bucks extends life expectancy by over 4 years.
Strong provider access, low uninsured rates
Just 5.3% of Bucks residents lack health insurance—better than the state average of 7.0%. With 81 primary care doctors per 100,000 people and 323 mental health providers per 100,000, healthcare access is robust across the county.
Already insured? Stay covered.
Bucks County's 5.3% uninsured rate is among Pennsylvania's lowest, but even insured residents should review coverage options annually. Visit www.healthcare.gov or Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace to ensure your plan matches your family's needs.
With a composite risk score of 94.78, Bucks County ranks in the relatively high category—well above Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. This means residents here face meaningfully elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to typical U.S. counties.
Second-riskiest county in Pennsylvania
Bucks County's composite score ranks it second among all 67 Pennsylvania counties for natural disaster risk. Only one other Pennsylvania county faces comparable overall hazard exposure, making Bucks a significant outlier in the state.
Much riskier than surrounding counties
Chester County (91.86) is the only nearby county approaching Bucks's risk level, but even Chester lags by nearly 3 points. Counties to the north and west—Butler, Centre, and Carbon—all score substantially lower, from 59 to 79 points.
Flooding and earthquakes dominate here
Bucks County's flood risk score of 97.11 is exceptionally high and represents the county's most urgent hazard concern. Earthquake risk (93.92) and tornado risk (92.14) also rank well above state averages, creating a compounding exposure that demands preparation across multiple scenarios.
Flood insurance is essential in Bucks
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making separate flood insurance critical given your county's 97.11 flood risk score. Consider earthquake coverage as well, and review your tornado preparedness plan annually with your family.