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Cambria County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#15 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
57
County Score
Safety 74.1Cost of Living 74Schools 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.

Score breakdown

Tax21.6Cost74Safety74.1Health61.2Schools68.2Income28.3Risk23.6Water20.8Weather59.5
🏛21.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.6
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

Cambria County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cambria County

via CostByCounty

Cambria offers exceptional affordability

At 15.6% of income spent on rent, Cambria County residents enjoy affordability slightly better than the national average of 16.5%, though incomes here lag the national median by 25%. The county's $733 median rent represents one of Pennsylvania's true bargains for cost-conscious renters.

Among Pennsylvania's most affordable

Cambria ranks favorably on Pennsylvania's affordability scale with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $733—24% below the state average of $960. This exceptional value makes Cambria attractive to budget-first relocators despite lower wages statewide.

Rural advantage over broader region

Cambria's $733 rent rivals Clarion County ($785) and beats all suburban counties significantly—Butler at $1,018, Carbon at $975, Centre at $1,181. The tradeoff: limited job growth and lower median income ($56,292) compared to these regional peers.

Housing eats modest Cambria income

Renters spend $733 monthly (15.6%) and homeowners $699 (14.9%) on housing costs against the $56,292 median income. While percentages look reasonable, the absolute income level leaves less discretionary funding than wealthier Pennsylvania counties.

Cambria rewards remote workers and retirees

Move to Cambria if you can earn income outside the local job market—remote work, retirement, or relocation assistance makes the $733 rent and $115,900 home prices extraordinarily attractive. Budget carefully if you depend on local employment, where wages remain below county and state medians.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cambria County

via HealthByCounty

Cambria's health significantly lags nationally

At 74.6 years, Cambria County's life expectancy falls 1.8 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.3%) report poor or fair health—well above the national norm—indicating serious wellness challenges.

Struggling against Pennsylvania averages

Cambria County's 74.6-year life expectancy lags the state average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years, ranking it among Pennsylvania's lower-performing counties. The 19.3% poor/fair health rate signals persistent health burdens in the community.

Struggles match regional challenges

Cambria County ties Carbon County (74.5 years) and Clarion County (74.9 years) in the region's lowest life expectancy tier, all falling 5+ years short of Chester and Centre counties. These adjacent counties face similar economic and healthcare access pressures.

Adequate coverage, modest provider gaps

Cambria's 5.1% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 7.0%, suggesting reasonable insurance access. However, 70 primary care providers per 100,000 people trails higher-performing counties, and 242 mental health providers per 100,000 reflect limited mental health capacity.

Enroll now and get connected to care

If uninsured or underinsured, Cambria residents should act quickly—5.1% remain uncovered, and mental health resources are tight. Apply for coverage at www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596; then work with your provider to find mental health support in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cambria County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Local Districts

Cambria County features a fragmented but localized school system with 15 school districts managing just 37 schools. This network serves 16,240 students across 16 elementary, five middle, and 15 high schools. The high number of districts relative to schools ensures that many communities maintain their own local educational identities.

Steady Performance Amid Efficient Spending

The county maintains a 90.5% graduation rate, which aligns with the state average and beats the national benchmark of 87%. Investment remains lean at $9,349 per pupil, roughly $1,000 less than the state average. The resulting school score of 58.9 reflects a competitive academic environment despite lower funding levels.

Johnstown Districts Anchor the Region

Greater Johnstown School District is the largest in the county, educating 2,941 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Central Cambria and Penn Cambria, which serve 1,596 and 1,522 students respectively. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of public students attend traditional district schools.

Small Schools in Traditional Settings

With an average school size of 439 students, Cambria County offers a more personal educational experience than neighboring suburban hubs. The largest facility is Greater Johnstown Elementary School, which enrolls 1,269 students. The locale mix is diverse, spanning 14 rural, 12 town, eight suburban, and three city-based schools.

Community-Focused Living Near Schools

Prospective homeowners in Cambria County often find that school districts serve as the heart of local towns. The area's high graduation rates and small average school sizes are attractive to families seeking a close-knit environment. Use district performance data to narrow your search for the perfect Pennsylvania home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cambria County

via RiskByCounty

Cambria faces moderate natural disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 76.43, Cambria County rates as relatively low—just above Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. This positions the county in a moderate risk band where preparedness is important but not dire.

Mid-range risk among Pennsylvania counties

Cambria County ranks in the middle group of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall disaster risk. It sits between higher-risk counties to the east and lower-risk counties to the north and west.

Similar risk to nearby counties

Cambria's 76.43 score is comparable to Butler County (79.26) and Centre County (67.97), indicating this region shares consistent moderate-risk exposure. Carbon County (59.41) to the northeast shows notably lower risk.

Flooding and hurricanes matter most

Cambria County's flood risk of 85.72 and hurricane risk of 76.22 are its two dominant hazard threats. While tornado risk (63.87) and earthquake risk (60.62) remain elevated, water-related disasters pose the most practical concern for residents.

Flood and wind insurance are crucial

Cambria's flood risk score of 85.72 makes standalone flood insurance a must, and its hurricane risk of 76.22 means ensuring strong wind coverage in your homeowners policy. Review roof condition and storm sheltering options before severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cambria County's county score?
Cambria County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 57 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 #15 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 $1,487, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Cambria County a tax score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cambria County?
The median household income in Cambria County, Pennsylvania is $56,292 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cambria County earns an income score of 28.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cambria County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Cambria County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 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.

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