countyscore
57.8
County Score
Schools 91.8Health 82Safety 78.1

County Report Card

About Centre County, Pennsylvania

Centre County Boasts Superior Scores

With a composite score of 57.8, Centre County ranks significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the stabilizing presence of major institutions and a high quality of life.

One of Pennsylvania's Best

Centre County’s score of 57.8 easily beats the state average of 51.8. Its performance is buoyed by exceptional social services and a healthy local economy.

Top-Tier Education and Safety

The county is an educational powerhouse with a School Score of 91.8, the highest among its regional neighbors. It also provides a very safe environment, earning a Safety Score of 78.1 and a Health Score of 82.0.

Housing Supply and Cost Pressure

Affordability is the main hurdle, reflected in a Cost Score of 15.8 and median rents reaching $1,181. Housing demand often outpaces supply, pushing the median home value to $308,100.

Ideal for Academic Professionals

Centre County is a perfect fit for those who value education, health, and a low tax rate above all else. While housing costs are higher than the state average, the community benefits from elite public infrastructure and safety.

2040608010032.217.478.18291.871.83243.356.1Tax32.2Cost17.4Safety78.1Health82Schools91.8Income71.8Risk32Water43.3Weather56.157.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Centre County DNA

Foverall

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

Centre County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (91.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (17.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.2-19.799999999999997
Cost
17.4-30.6
Safety
78.1+23.099999999999994
Health
82+32
Schools
91.8+37.8
Income
71.8+20.799999999999997
Risk
32-15
Water
43.3-14.700000000000003
Weather
56.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Centre County

Whether buying or refinancing in Centre County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$323,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,207/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$323,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,291/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.4

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Park County
Colorado
Median income: $103,670
57.8
Calhoun County
Georgia
Median income: $46,940
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Echols County
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Pickens County
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Median income: $78,930
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Carroll County
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Gentry County
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Median income: $55,848
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Liberty County
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Median income: $57,857
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Sheridan County
Nebraska
Median income: $60,121
57.8

Nearby counties

Clinton County
Pennsylvania
56.5
Clearfield County
Pennsylvania
58.9
Mifflin County
Pennsylvania
46.6
Huntingdon County
Pennsylvania
58.4
Blair County
Pennsylvania
52
Cameron County
Pennsylvania
61.9
Juniata County
Pennsylvania
57.7
Union County
Pennsylvania
55.5

Deep Dives

Centre County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Centre County

via TaxByCounty

Centre County taxes close to the national norm

Centre County's effective tax rate of 1.065% sits just slightly below the national median of 1.09%, landing in roughly the 48th percentile. The median property tax of $3,282 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though Centre homes are also worth more than average—$308,100 versus $281,900 nationally.

Well below Pennsylvania's average rate

Centre County ranks in the lower quarter of Pennsylvania counties by effective tax rate, meaningfully below the state average of 1.317%. Its median tax of $3,282 exceeds the state median of $2,657, but the county's moderate rate makes it relatively tax-friendly for a prosperous region.

Centre lighter than Cambria and Carbon

Centre's 1.065% rate is among the lowest in central Pennsylvania, beating Cambria (1.283%), Carbon (1.504%), and Cameron (1.667%). For a college-town county with higher property values, Centre offers competitive tax relief compared to nearby regions.

Median bill approximately $3,282 yearly

On Centre County's median home value of $308,100, the 1.065% effective rate yields an estimated annual property tax of $3,282. This represents a reasonable burden for a county with above-average property values and a thriving State College economy.

Even modest assessment errors cost money

Though Centre County offers a favorable tax rate, overassessments still occur and can cost hundreds annually on higher-value properties. A free appeal is worth filing if you suspect your assessment doesn't match recent market comparables.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Centre County

via IncomeByCounty

Centre slightly above national middle

Centre County's median household income of $72,748 falls nearly even with the national median of $74,755, placing the county right at middle-income status nationwide. Home to Penn State University, the county's diverse economy supports the national-average income despite pockets of student-based housing poverty.

Close to Pennsylvania's average

Centre County ranks near the midpoint of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with a median household income of $72,748—a marginal $3,134 above the state average of $69,614. The presence of Penn State and a robust college-town services sector sustain slightly above-average household earnings.

University drives income above peers

Centre County's $72,748 median income edges above Carbon County ($67,877) and significantly outpaces Cambria ($56,292), reflecting Penn State's outsized economic influence on regional wages. The university effect lifts professional and administrative employment above what rural Appalachian peers experience.

High housing burden despite moderate income

Centre County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, signaling housing cost pressure despite a median home value of $308,100. The university town's popularity has driven home values and rents upward faster than median household incomes, squeezing housing affordability.

Navigate student debt and build savings

Centre County's $72,748 median income supports modest wealth-building, though elevated housing costs (19.5% burden) limit savings capacity compared to other counties. Prioritize eliminating high-interest debt, explore employer retirement benefits, and establish automated savings transfers to overcome the housing affordability challenge.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Centre County

via CrimeByCounty

Centre County Ranks as Safety Leader

Centre County boasts a high safety score of 99.2, making it one of the most secure regions in the country. The total crime rate of 519.3 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in Pennsylvania

Centre County significantly outperforms the state safety average score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 519.3 is nearly half the statewide average of 932.4 per 100,000 residents.

Outpacing Its Regional Neighbors

Centre County is safer than neighboring Cameron and Clarion counties, which report rates of 705.4 and 792.2 respectively. It maintains a profile similar to the highly safe Butler County.

Low Risk of Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate is just 75.0 per 100,000, while property crime is 444.3. These rates are well below national levels, indicating a very low risk for residents in both categories.

Smart Security for Centre County

Local police across 12 agencies emphasize that even in safe areas, basic precautions matter. Residents are encouraged to lock their doors and report suspicious activity to maintain this high level of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Centre County

via WeatherByCounty

Crisp Temperatures in Central Pennsylvania

Centre County averages 47.8°F annually, placing it well below the national median. Its position in the Ridge-and-Valley province dictates its cool climate.

Trailing the Statewide Temperature Average

The county's 47.8°F average is over two degrees cooler than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This results in longer winters and shorter growing seasons.

Drier Than Many State Neighbors

While it shares a 47.8°F average with Cambria, Centre County is drier with 42.6 inches of precipitation. This is nearly three inches below the state average of 45.3 inches.

Abundant Snow and Rare Heat

Winter brings 44.8 inches of snowfall and a 24.5°F January average. Summer remains mild, as residents only face 7 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Winterize for Significant Snow Totals

Reliable heating and snow removal are vital for the 44.8 inches of annual snow. The mild July average of 69.8°F means homes stay comfortable without excessive cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Centre County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Pennsylvania acidity in the center

Centre County soil has a pH of 5.13, which is very close to the state average of 5.22. This is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait in the state's ridge and valley region. While taxonomic orders aren't specified, the chemistry suggests a typical Appalachian soil profile.

A balanced silty composition

The mineral makeup includes 29.7% sand, 39.5% silt, and 15.2% clay. This balanced distribution provides good structure and moderate nutrient retention. The silt and clay levels are high enough to maintain moisture without the extreme heaviness found in high-clay regions.

Strong organic matter for healthy crops

Organic matter stands at 12.96%, which is above the state average of 12.14% and much higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is 0.134 inches per inch, indicating the soil holds slightly less water than the state average of 0.151. This makes the soil naturally fertile but potentially prone to drying in late summer.

Observe your local water flow

There is no current data for the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in Centre County. Given the limestone valleys and sandstone ridges, drainage can vary wildly within a few miles. Homeowners should check for limestone sinkholes or clay lenses that might affect how water leaves their property.

A versatile climate in Zone 6b

Centre County's location in Hardiness Zone 6b supports a wide range of vegetables and ornamentals. The high organic matter provides a great head start for heavy feeders like corn and squash. Get outside and start planting in the heart of the Commonwealth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Centre County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Pennsylvania Conditions in Centre County

Centre County's lawn difficulty score of 58.0 sits right in line with the state average of 59.2. Located in hardiness zone 6b, the area provides a standard but manageable challenge for local homeowners. It is slightly easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average American county.

Standard Rainfall for Steady Growth

With 42.6 inches of annual precipitation, lawns receive the right amount of water for the 2444 growing degree days recorded locally. The area only sees 7 extreme heat days annually, which prevents the severe wilting common in southern PA. This balance supports a consistent mowing schedule from May through September.

Nutrient Lockout Possible Due to Low pH

A soil pH of 5.13 indicates that Centre County yards are more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil composition is relatively balanced with 29.7% sand and 15.2% clay, but the acidity must be addressed to ensure fertilizers work effectively. Applying pelletized lime each spring can help bring these numbers into the healthy zone.

Abnormally Dry Conditions are the New Norm

The county spent 23 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought hasn't taken hold yet, the lack of current moisture can stall growth. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets at least one inch of water per week from rain or sprinklers.

Watch the Frost for Spring Planting

The last spring frost on May 13th is relatively late, so wait for the ground to warm before heavy seeding. Kentucky bluegrass and fescue blends are the most reliable choices for the 6b climate here. Planting in the fall by early September often yields the best results before the October 6th frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Centre County's county score?
Centre County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 57.8 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 Centre County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Centre County ranks #13 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 Centre County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Centre County is $3,386, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Centre County a tax score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Centre County?
The median household income in Centre County, Pennsylvania is $74,291 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Centre County earns an income score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Centre County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Centre County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Centre 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 Centre County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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