53.1
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.

Score breakdown

Tax17.8Cost4.8Safety73.8Health85.3Schools88.8Income97.8Risk5.2Water58.7Weather57
🏛17.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠4.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼97.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡73.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
85.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓88.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
5.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧58.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤57
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨31.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱48.2
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

Bucks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Bucks County

via CostByCounty

Bucks ranks near national affordability

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.

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.

Health in Bucks County

via HealthByCounty

Bucks outlives the nation

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.

Schools in Bucks County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Suburban Education Infrastructure

Bucks County manages a massive education network consisting of 122 public schools across 19 distinct districts. The infrastructure supports 83,549 students with a primary focus on early education, featuring 74 elementary and 27 middle schools. High school students are served by 20 campuses across the county.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Funding

The county boasts a 94.3% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 90.3%. Local districts invest $12,003 per pupil, which sits above the state average of $10,336 but remains below the national average. These investments contribute to a strong school score of 66.6, well above the state median.

Massive Districts Drive Local Education

Central Bucks School District leads the region with 23 schools serving 17,482 students. Other major players include Council Rock and Pennsbury, which together serve over 20,000 students. Charter schools maintain a small footprint here, representing only 2.5% of the total public school options.

Suburban Campus Life with Large Enrollments

Education here is overwhelmingly suburban, with 102 schools located in suburban locales and 20 in rural areas. Large-scale campuses are the norm, as evidenced by Neshaminy High School's enrollment of 2,933 students. The average school size across the county is 685 students.

Finding Your Home in Bucks County

Families seeking high-performing schools find diverse options across the county's 19 districts. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in this established suburban market. Explore neighborhoods near top-rated campuses to find the right fit for your family's future.

Disaster Risk in Bucks County

via RiskByCounty

Bucks faces above-average disaster risk

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.

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 53.1 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 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 $5,833, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Bucks County a tax score of 17.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bucks County?
The median household income in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is $111,951 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 53.1/100 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.