61.1
County Score
Schools 89.1Disaster Risk 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Cameron County, Pennsylvania

Cameron County Claims an Elite Rank

With a composite score of 61.1, Cameron County is one of the highest-rated counties in the country compared to the 50.0 median. Its rural character hides a high degree of social and environmental stability.

A Leader in the Commonwealth

Cameron County’s 61.1 score far exceeds the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It serves as a model for rural livability, ranking high among its peers for both safety and education.

Top Schools and Environmental Resilience

The county excels with a School Score of 89.1 and an impressive Risk Score of 87.4, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters. It is also exceptionally affordable, featuring a Cost Score of 85.0 and median home values under $90,000.

Limited Income Potential and Taxes

Economic opportunities are sparse, reflected in a low Income Score of 10.5 and a median income of $47,681. Additionally, the Tax Score of 7.9 shows a relatively high property tax burden relative to the local home values.

A Sanctuary for Nature Lovers

Cameron County is the ultimate destination for remote workers or retirees seeking peace, safety, and pristine water quality. It offers a unique combination of top-tier schools and extreme affordability for those not reliant on a local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax7.9Cost85Safety70Health48.9Schools89.1Income10.5Risk87.4Water86Weather54.8
🏛7.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼10.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡70
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
48.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓89.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
87.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱69.5
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

Cameron County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cameron County

via TaxByCounty

Cameron carries Pennsylvania's steepest rate

Cameron County's effective tax rate of 1.667% is one of the highest in the nation, well above the national median of 1.09%. Though the median property tax of $1,470 seems modest, the effective rate reveals a truly aggressive tax burden relative to home values in this rural northwestern county.

Ranks among Pennsylvania's highest rates

Cameron County's 1.667% effective rate ranks in the upper tier statewide, significantly exceeding Pennsylvania's average of 1.317%. Despite lower home values, the county's steeper rate puts residents in a higher tax bracket relative to their property wealth.

Steeper than Elk, Potter, McKean

Cameron's 1.667% rate is notably higher than nearby Clarion County (0.971%) and Centre County (1.065%), making it one of the region's most aggressive taxers. Residents here face a tax burden nearly 1.7 times higher, percentage-wise, than those in neighboring counties.

Roughly $1,470 despite the steep rate

On Cameron's median home value of $88,200, the 1.667% effective rate yields an estimated annual property tax of $1,470. While the dollar amount is low, the rate itself represents a disproportionately heavy burden on the county's modest property values.

Assessment challenges essential in high-rate county

In Cameron County, where the effective rate is so steep, ensuring accurate property assessments is crucial to protecting your wallet. An appeal could be particularly valuable here, potentially saving hundreds on a modest home value.

Cost of Living in Cameron County

via CostByCounty

Cheapest rents, tightest budget margins

Cameron County residents spend 17.6% of income on housing—above the 16.5% national average—despite having Pennsylvania's lowest median rent of $699. The problem: the median income of $47,681 is 36% below the national average, leaving limited cushion despite low rents.

Most affordable rent, least affordable income

Cameron's $699 median rent ranks as Pennsylvania's lowest, but the 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 16.5%, reflecting strained local wages. This represents a true affordability paradox: cheap housing on inadequate incomes.

Cheapest in its tier by far

Cameron's $699 rent undercuts Cambria ($733), Clarion ($785), and Carbon ($975) substantially, offering Pennsylvania's deepest discount on housing. However, the $47,681 income is significantly below all comparable rural counties, eroding the rental savings advantage.

Cameron's precarious math

Monthly housing costs of $699 for rent and $595 for ownership consume 17.6% and 14.9% of the $47,681 median income respectively. After housing, Cameron residents have less disposable income than higher-earning counties despite the lowest absolute costs.

Cameron suits remote-first relocators only

Cameron County works only for those with guaranteed external income—remote jobs, pensions, or significant savings—who can leverage its $699 rent and $88,200 home prices to maximum advantage. Local job seekers face uphill battles given the sparse economic base and below-average wages.

Income & Jobs in Cameron County

via IncomeByCounty

Cameron struggles far below national average

Cameron County's median household income of $47,681 lags the national median of $74,755 by 36%, ranking among the lowest-income counties in the United States. This sparsely populated Appalachian county faces severe economic headwinds rooted in the collapse of timber and coal industries.

Poorest county in Pennsylvania

Cameron County ranks last among Pennsylvania's 67 counties with a median household income of $47,681—a stark $21,933 below the state average of $69,614. The county's tiny population of roughly 4,500 residents concentrates poverty and limits economic opportunity across the region.

Most challenged in its peer group

Cameron County's $47,681 median income trails Cambria County ($56,292) by $8,611 and falls far below Carbon County ($67,877), highlighting its acute economic disadvantage among neighboring rural counties. Even the most modest nearby counties significantly outearns Cameron households.

Housing affordable but income stretched

Cameron County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds most peers, indicating housing costs consume a larger share of already-tight budgets despite a median home value of $88,200. Low incomes coupled with elevated housing burdens constrain savings and financial resilience.

Seek support and build incrementally

With a median income of $47,681, Cameron County households must prioritize essential expenses and seek community financial assistance resources to build any emergency savings. Even small automated transfers to savings accounts, combined with free or low-cost financial counseling, create pathways to modest wealth accumulation over time.

Safety in Cameron County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in Rural Cameron County

Cameron County earns a 98.9 safety score, keeping it well within the safest tier of American counties. Its total crime rate of 705.4 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average.

Solid Standing in the Commonwealth

At 98.9, Cameron County's safety score remains higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. It also reports a lower total crime rate than the state average of 932.4.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Cameron County’s crime rate of 705.4 is higher than Centre County's 519.3 but remains lower than Clarion County's 792.2. The rural nature of the county keeps total incident numbers relatively low across its 8 reporting agencies.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 110.2 per 100,000, while property crime is 595.2. Most reported incidents involve theft or property damage rather than person-to-person violence.

Protecting Your Rural Property

Residents in smaller counties like Cameron benefit from tight-knit communities where neighbors look out for one another. Installing motion-sensor lighting is a simple, effective way to discourage property crime in less populated areas.

Health in Cameron County

via HealthByCounty

Cameron faces critical health disparities

Cameron County residents live only 74.6 years—2.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. An alarming 21.6% report poor or fair health, the highest rate among these eight counties, signaling a serious public health crisis.

Pennsylvania's lowest life expectancy county

Cameron County's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks among the state's absolute worst, trailing Pennsylvania's average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years. The 21.6% poor/fair health rate far exceeds typical state benchmarks, reflecting entrenched health challenges.

Worst health outcomes in region

Cameron County's 74.6-year life expectancy and 21.6% poor health rate are the worst in this county peer group. Its nearest rival is Carbon County (74.5 years, 17.8% poor health), yet both trail Chester and Centre counties by 6+ years.

Highest uninsured rate, fewest providers

Cameron County's 7.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.0%, but the real crisis is provider scarcity: only 45 primary care doctors and 46 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Residents often travel far for basic care, worsening health outcomes.

Urgent: Find coverage and care resources

With 7.2% uninsured and severe provider shortages, Cameron residents must prioritize enrollment at www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. Ask your insurer about telemedicine options and community health centers—they may bridge gaps when local providers are hard to reach.

Schools in Cameron County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in the Pennsylvania Wilds

Cameron County operates one of the smallest public school infrastructures in the state, consisting of a single school district. Just two schools—one elementary and one junior/senior high—serve the county's total enrollment of 433 students. This centralized system ensures that every student in the county passes through the same two buildings.

Exceptional Graduation and Focused Investment

Cameron County achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state and national averages. The county spends $10,775 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $10,336. This focused investment yields a school score of 64.3, significantly outperforming the state median.

One District for One Community

Cameron County School District is the sole provider of public education, managing all 433 students. Woodland Elementary School serves 263 students, while the Junior/Senior High School serves 170. There are no charter school options, fostering a unified educational experience for all local residents.

Intimate Learning in a Town Setting

Both schools in the county are classified in town locales, creating a walkable and community-centric feel for families. The average school size is just 217 students, allowing for highly personalized attention from educators. Students benefit from the continuity of attending school with the same peer group for their entire K-12 journey.

Quiet Living with Strong Academic Results

Homebuyers in Cameron County enjoy a tight-knit community where the local schools are a point of pride. With some of the highest graduation rates in the region, the area is ideal for those seeking a small-town atmosphere with proven results. Explore homes near Emporium to be close to the county's central educational hub.

Disaster Risk in Cameron County

via RiskByCounty

Cameron County has very low risk

Cameron County's composite risk score of 12.63 ranks it in the very low category—far below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. This rural county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to other regions in the state and nation.

Lowest-risk county in Pennsylvania

Cameron County ranks at or near the bottom of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall disaster risk. Its 12.63 score reflects genuinely low exposure across most hazard categories.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Cameron County's risk score of 12.63 is dramatically lower than Clarion County (30.03) to the west and Carbon County (59.41) to the south. This geographic pocket of low risk is a notable advantage for the county.

Hurricane exposure is the main concern

Cameron County's hurricane risk score of 55.07 stands well above its other hazard ratings; all other risks score below 41. While this reflects Pennsylvania's location east of major hurricane zones, coastal tropical systems remain the primary natural hazard threat.

Standard coverage generally sufficient here

Cameron County's very low overall risk means basic homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Still, evaluate your roof condition and have a family emergency plan in case of the rare severe weather event.

Weather & Climate in Cameron County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Mountain Air Defines the Region

Cameron County's annual average of 47.8°F is well below the national median. This temperature profile is typical for the rugged, forested terrain of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Colder Winters Than State Norms

The county's 47.8°F average is significantly cooler than the statewide 49.9°F benchmark. January is particularly harsh here, averaging a low 24.4°F.

Consistent With Central Pennsylvania Highlands

Cameron County matches the 47.8°F average found in Centre and Cambria counties. It receives 43.5 inches of precipitation, which is slightly less than the state average of 45.3 inches.

Deep Snow and Mild July Days

The area sees 41.1 inches of snow and only 8 days of extreme heat per year. This creates a long winter season followed by a very mild summer peak of 69.8°F.

Prepare for Cold Winter Isolation

Focus on home winterization to combat the 26.8°F winter average and 41 inches of snow. Outdoor planning should account for the brief, eight-day window of extreme heat.

Soil Quality in Cameron County

via SoilByCounty

A wilderness with mysterious soil

Cameron County lacks specific soil pH and taxonomic data in the current regional surveys. As a heavily forested and mountainous area, it likely mirrors the acidic, rocky trends found throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds. Local testing is essential for anyone looking to establish a new farm or garden.

Texture data remains unclassified

There are no specific percentages recorded for sand, silt, or clay in Cameron County. In the absence of data, growers often find loamy or stony soils typical of the Allegheny Plateau. Understanding your specific plot requires a hands-on jar test to determine the local mineral mix.

Fertility metrics require local testing

Data for organic matter and available water capacity are currently unavailable for this county. While the state average for organic matter is high at 12.14%, Cameron's wild landscapes may vary wildly between valley floors and ridge tops. Adding local compost is a safe bet to ensure growing success.

Navigate the landscape through observation

Drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not provided for this region. Given the county's steep terrain, water likely moves quickly off slopes but may pool in narrow valleys. Always check your site's drainage by digging a test hole before planting or building.

Resilient gardening in Zone 6a

Cameron County falls into Hardiness Zone 6a, which demands hardy plants that can handle late frosts. Native berries and cool-season vegetables are excellent choices for this rugged climate. Embrace the challenge of the Wilds and start your gardening journey today.

Lawn Care in Cameron County

via LawnByCounty

Cameron County Claims the State's Top Spot

Cameron County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 69.5, making it one of the easiest places in Pennsylvania to grow grass. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 59.2. The hardiness zone 6a climate provides a long, cool growing environment that turfgrass favors.

Mild Temperatures Limit Lawn Burn

With 43.5 inches of annual precipitation and only 8 extreme heat days, the climate keeps lawns green without constant irrigation. The 2461 growing degree days suggest steady growth throughout the season without the explosive surges seen in warmer regions. This balance reduces the overall frequency of mowing and watering.

Focus on General Soil Health

While specific local soil composition data is limited for Cameron County, the regional trend suggests naturally acidic conditions. You should perform a private soil test to determine if your yard needs lime to balance its pH. Adding organic compost can help improve soil structure where specific data is unavailable.

Steady Rainfall Buffers Against Drought

The county experienced 19 weeks in drought over the last year, though severe conditions are currently at 0.0%. While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, the overall climate remains more resilient than the state average. Practice 'grasscycling' by leaving clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients and moisture.

Leverage the Cool-Season Advantage

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the most reliable performers in Cameron's zone 6a environment. Your best results will come from seeding in late August or early September to avoid the spring frost on May 10th. This takes advantage of the county's naturally high growing score and mild late-season weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cameron County's county score?
Cameron County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 61.1 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 Cameron County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Cameron County ranks #1 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 Cameron County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Cameron County is $1,470, with an effective tax rate of 1.67%. This earns Cameron County a tax score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cameron County?
The median household income in Cameron County, Pennsylvania is $47,681 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cameron County earns an income score of 10.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cameron County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Cameron County scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Cameron 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 Cameron County with other counties side by side.