countyscore

Cambria County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#17 in Pennsylvania
57.4
County Score
Cost of Living 75.3Safety 74.1Schools 68.2

County Report Card

About Cambria County, Pennsylvania

Strong Livability in the Alleghenies

Cambria County earns a composite score of 57.0, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that combines high affordability with dependable safety.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's 57.0 score places it well above the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It distinguishes itself by offering a quality of life that is often more accessible than the state's major metropolitan hubs.

Exceptional Value and Resident Safety

Affordability is a standout feature, with a Cost Score of 74.0 and a low median rent of $733. Public safety is equally strong, earning a 74.1 score that makes it one of the more secure regions in the state.

Economic Growth and Water Infrastructure

The county’s Income Score of 28.3 suggests limited high-wage opportunities compared to the rest of the state. Environmental metrics also show room for improvement, particularly with a Water Score of 20.8.

Perfect for Budget-Minded Seekers

Cambria County is a great fit for individuals or retirees looking for a very low cost of living without sacrificing personal safety. While high-paying jobs are less frequent, the incredibly affordable home values of $115,900 offer a high degree of financial flexibility.

204060801002275.374.161.268.22923.620.859.5Tax22Cost75.3Safety74.1Health61.2Schools68.2Income29Risk23.6Water20.8Weather59.557.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Cambria County DNA

Foverall

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

Cambria County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (75.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (20.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22-30
Cost
75.3+27.299999999999997
Safety
74.1+19.099999999999994
Health
61.2+11.200000000000003
Schools
68.2+14.200000000000003
Income
29-22
Risk
23.6-23.4
Water
20.8-37.2
Weather
59.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Cambria County?

Many homeowners in Cambria County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$121,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$739/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$121,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,418/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.7

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Cambria County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cambria County

via TaxByCounty

Low tax rate, low home values

Cambria County's effective tax rate of 1.283% sits slightly above the national median of 1.09%, but its median property tax of just $1,487 falls well below the national median of $2,690. This apparent paradox reflects Cambria's much lower median home value of $115,900 compared to the national average of $281,900.

Slightly above Pennsylvania's average rate

Cambria ranks near the middle of Pennsylvania counties by effective tax rate, slightly exceeding the state average of 1.317%. With a median tax of $1,487 versus the state median of $2,657, Cambria residents enjoy one of the state's lighter tax bills in absolute dollars.

Lower taxes than Indiana and Somerset

Cambria's 1.283% rate falls between Cameron County (1.667%) and Centre County (1.065%), though comparisons are complicated by the region's wide range of home values. As a lower-value county, Cambria's dollar burden remains modest despite a middle-range effective rate.

Median annual bill around $1,487

On Cambria's median home value of $115,900, the 1.283% rate translates to an estimated annual property tax of $1,487. This is among the lowest dollar amounts in the state, reflecting both the county's moderate rate and its lower-priced housing market.

Assessment appeals worth pursuing despite modest bills

Even in a lower-tax county like Cambria, overassessments are common and may result in unnecessary payments. Filing a free appeal with your assessor is still worthwhile to ensure your home is valued fairly relative to recent sales.

Income & Jobs in Cambria County

via IncomeByCounty

Cambria trails the nation significantly

Cambria County's median household income of $56,292 falls 25% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-income quartile nationally. This coal-belt county reflects the economic challenges facing post-industrial Appalachia, where decades of mining decline continues to shape household earnings.

Below-average in Pennsylvania

Cambria County ranks in the lower half of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with a median household income of $56,292—$13,322 below the state average of $69,614. The county's income gap widens when compared to prosperous suburban counties like Chester and Bucks.

Stronger than nearby Cameron

Cambria County's $56,292 median income exceeds nearby Cameron County ($47,681) by $8,611, though both face economic headwinds in Appalachian Pennsylvania. Cambria's slightly higher earnings reflect a somewhat larger and more diversified job base than its smaller, more rural neighbor.

Housing remains affordable but tight

Cambria County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio stays below the 30% affordability threshold, with a median home value of just $115,900. While housing is affordable, the lower median income of $56,292 limits household savings capacity and long-term wealth accumulation.

Strategic saving builds resilience

Cambria County's median income of $56,292 requires disciplined budgeting to build savings; aim to set aside 5-10% of income for emergencies and retirement accounts. Focus on low-cost index funds, maximize any available employer retirement benefits, and explore local financial counseling to optimize limited resources.

Safety in Cambria County

via CrimeByCounty

Cambria County Maintains Strong Safety Scores

Cambria County holds a 99.0 safety score, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 613.9 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Leading the State Average

The county's safety score of 99.0 beats the state average of 98.5. Cambria's crime rate of 613.9 also remains well below the Pennsylvania average of 932.4 per 100,000.

Comparing Cambria to Western Neighbors

Cambria County is safer than neighboring Clarion County, which has a higher crime rate of 792.2. However, it sees slightly more activity than Butler County's rate of 497.0.

Analyzing the Crime Mix

Violent crime in Cambria is 99.1 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 514.8. These numbers mean that while crime is low, property-related incidents are roughly five times more common than violent ones.

Prioritizing Local Property Safety

With 41 agencies reporting data, Cambria County residents should focus on securing their vehicles and homes against theft. Active neighborhood watch and modern alarm systems provide extra peace of mind in this safe county.

Weather & Climate in Cambria County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Cooler Regions

Cambria County averages 47.8°F, making it significantly cooler than the national median temperature. High elevations contribute to this crisp, humid continental climate.

Well Below the Pennsylvania Average

The county's 47.8°F average falls two degrees below the state average of 49.9°F. Cambria ranks as one of the colder counties in the Commonwealth's southern half.

Matching the Mountain Region Temps

Cambria County shares an identical 47.8°F average with neighboring Centre and Cameron counties. This consistency defines the weather patterns across the central Pennsylvania highlands.

Epic Snowfall and Rare Heat

Residents navigate 67.9 inches of snow annually, one of the highest totals in the state. Extreme heat is almost non-existent, with only three days a year reaching 90°F.

Invest in Heavy Duty Winter Gear

Snow blowers and winter tires are essential for the nearly 68 inches of annual snowfall. Central heating systems work hard here, as winter averages remain a low 27.6°F.

Soil Quality in Cambria County

via SoilByCounty

High acidity in the Alleghenies

Cambria County's soil records a pH of 5.07, making it more acidic than the Pennsylvania average of 5.22 and much lower than the 6.5 national median. This level of acidity is common in forested mountain regions. Taxonomic data is limited, but the chemical profile suggests a need for soil amendments in garden plots.

Low clay content defines the texture

The soil is composed of 25.8% sand, 39.6% silt, and 13.8% clay. This low clay percentage suggests the soil is less prone to becoming heavy or sticky when wet. However, it may struggle with structural stability and nutrient holding capacity compared to heavier soils.

Incredible organic matter levels

Cambria County boasts an impressive 21.76% organic matter, nearly double the state average and ten times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity is low at 0.111 inches per inch. This unique mix suggests soil that is rich in nutrients but may drain too quickly for some thirstier crops.

Observing local water movement

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data for Cambria County. The high organic matter typically improves soil structure, but the low water capacity suggests water moves through the profile rapidly. Site-specific testing is recommended before starting major building or drainage projects.

Cold-hardy crops for Zone 6a

In Hardiness Zone 6a, Cambria County gardeners should focus on plants that can withstand chilly springs. Potatoes, onions, and berries thrive in these high-organic, acidic mountain soils. Get your seeds ready for a season of mountain-grown produce.

Lawn Care in Cambria County

via LawnByCounty

Stable Conditions Support Cambria County Lawns

Cambria County’s difficulty score of 58.6 is nearly identical to the Pennsylvania state average of 59.2. Located in hardiness zone 6a, the area provides a standard environment for cool-season turf that is slightly easier than the national median. You can expect steady growth with moderate maintenance requirements.

Cool Summers Reduce Heat Stress

The county records only 3 extreme heat days per year, significantly lower than the state average of 11. This cooler climate, combined with 43.7 inches of annual rainfall, creates a stress-free environment for varieties like fescue. Mowing needs are moderate with 2410 growing degree days.

Acidity is the Primary Soil Barrier

The soil pH in Cambria averages 5.07, which is far below the 6.0 to 7.0 range preferred by most lawns. While the texture is balanced with 25.8% sand and 13.8% clay, the high acidity can lock out essential nutrients. Local gardeners should prioritize lime applications to unlock the full potential of their fertilizer.

Abnormally Dry Trends Require Monitoring

Cambria County faced 21 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is currently absent, the soil tends to dry out quickly without supplemental watering. Consider installing a rain barrel to manage water use during these recurring dry spells.

Plan for a Shorter Growing Season

With a first fall frost arriving by October 5th, your window for autumn lawn repair is narrower than in the east. Fine fescues are excellent for the cool, shaded slopes common in Cambria County. Ensure your spring seeding is complete by May 10th to give the grass a head start before summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cambria County's county score?
Cambria County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Cambria County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Cambria County ranks #17 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 Cambria County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Cambria County is $1,492, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Cambria County a tax score of 22/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cambria County?
The median household income in Cambria County, Pennsylvania is $58,418 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cambria County earns an income score of 29/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cambria County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Cambria County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Cambria 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 Cambria 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.