countyscore

Clarion County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#11 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
58.4
County Score
Schools 71.6Disaster Risk 70Safety 66.3

County Report Card

About Clarion County, Pennsylvania

Clarion County Exceeds National Expectations

With a composite score of 58.4, Clarion County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0. Its blend of affordability and safety makes it a hidden gem in the national landscape.

A Strong Statewide Competitor

The county’s 58.4 score is nearly seven points higher than the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It offers a level of stability and value that is hard to find in more urbanized counties.

Low Taxes and Natural Resilience

Clarion County features a low effective tax rate of 0.971%, earning it a Tax Score of 40.4. It also benefits from high resilience to natural disasters, reflected in a Risk Score of 70.0.

Water Quality and Income Growth

The county struggles with environmental infrastructure, evidenced by a Water Score of 22.2. Additionally, the Income Score of 41.2 indicates that wages are somewhat lower than the state's major metros.

Ideal for Value-Seeking Families

Clarion County is a top choice for families and retirees looking to maximize their purchasing power while living in a safe, low-risk area. With median rents of $785, it offers an incredibly affordable lifestyle with solid local schools.

Score breakdown

Tax40.4Cost65.5Safety66.3Health53.8Schools71.6Income41.2Risk70Water22.2Weather55.7
🏛40.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.5
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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Nearby counties

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54.7
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Armstrong County
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Deep Dives

Clarion County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clarion County

via TaxByCounty

Clarion offers some of nation's lightest rates

Clarion County's effective tax rate of 0.971% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.09%, landing in roughly the 35th percentile. The median property tax of $1,477 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both Clarion's low rate and its modest median home value of $152,100.

Pennsylvania's most tax-friendly county

Clarion County ranks in the lowest tier of Pennsylvania counties by effective tax rate, meaningfully below the state average of 1.317%. Its median tax of $1,477 is among the state's lowest, offering residents genuine relief from Pennsylvania's typically high property tax burden.

Clearly lighter than Butler and Cameron

Clarion's 0.971% rate beats all nearby counties, including Butler (1.070%), Cameron (1.667%), and Centre (1.065%). For northwestern Pennsylvania residents, Clarion stands out as one of the state's most affordable tax environments.

Minimal burden: roughly $1,477 yearly

On Clarion's median home value of $152,100, the 0.971% effective rate yields an estimated annual property tax of $1,477. This is among the lowest dollar amounts in Pennsylvania, making Clarion genuinely affordable for property owners.

Even small savings matter in rural counties

Though Clarion's tax burden is already light, homeowners should still verify their assessments for accuracy. On lower-value properties, even modest overvaluations can represent meaningful percentages of annual tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clarion County

via CostByCounty

Clarion offers solid rental affordability

Clarion County renters spend just 15.5% of income on housing—better than the 16.5% national average—despite a median income of $60,668 that trails the national figure by 19%. The $785 median rent reflects rural Pennsylvania's genuine cost advantage for budget-conscious residents.

Above-average affordability in Pennsylvania

Clarion's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Pennsylvania's 16.5% state average, though the county's $785 median rent runs 18% below the state mean of $960. Clarion ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties for renters despite below-average wages.

Cheaper than most, but limited options

Clarion's $785 rent rivals Cambria ($733) and beats Cameron ($699) narrowly—all three represent Pennsylvania's most affordable rental markets. However, Clarion's job market remains limited compared to larger counties, making affordability less valuable without reliable income.

Clarion's efficient housing ratio

Renters spend $785 monthly (15.5%) and homeowners $737 (14.6%) against the $60,668 median household income, both well below stress thresholds. This leaves Clarion households with reasonable discretionary income despite limited absolute earnings.

Clarion fits self-sufficient relocators

Choose Clarion if you can secure employment outside the local market or bring pension/retirement income—the $785 rent and $152,100 median home price become exceptional values. Local job seekers should research opportunities carefully; the rural economy offers limited positions despite affordable living costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarion County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarion trails below national average

Clarion County's median household income of $60,668 falls 19% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-middle income tier nationally. This rural Northwestern Pennsylvania county reflects economic challenges common to post-industrial regions dependent on forestry and small manufacturing.

Below state average in Pennsylvania

Clarion County ranks in the lower half of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with a median household income of $60,668—$8,946 below the state average of $69,614. The county's rural character and limited employment diversity constrain household earnings compared to more urbanized regions.

Modest but stronger than Cameron

Clarion County's $60,668 median income exceeds struggling Cameron County ($47,681) by $12,987 but trails Butler County ($86,775) and most other nearby areas. The county sits in the lower-middle range of Pennsylvania's income distribution, reflecting limited job growth and outmigration of younger workers.

Housing costs manageable but income tight

Clarion County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio stays comfortably below the 30% affordability ceiling, with a median home value of $152,100. Though housing is affordable, the modest median income of $60,668 limits room for aggressive saving and wealth accumulation.

Build savings through discipline and planning

Clarion County's median household income of $60,668 requires careful budgeting to save; target 5-8% of income for emergency reserves and retirement accounts. Explore employer-sponsored retirement plans, seek free financial counseling through nonprofit organizations, and automate savings transfers to build wealth despite modest income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clarion County

via CrimeByCounty

Clarion County Outperforms National Safety Rates

Clarion County maintains a solid 98.7 safety score, keeping it well above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 792.2 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national figure of 2,385.5.

Remaining Above the State Average

Despite having more reported incidents than some neighbors, Clarion’s safety score of 98.7 still exceeds the state average of 98.5. Its crime rate of 792.2 is also lower than the statewide average of 932.4.

Regional Safety Context

Clarion County has a higher crime rate at 792.2 than nearby Butler (497.0) and Cambria (613.9). These figures suggest more localized activity compared to other counties in the western part of the state.

Breaking Down Clarion's Crime Numbers

The violent crime rate is 80.0 per 100,000, while the property crime rate is 712.2. Residents should note that property-related crimes are nearly nine times more common than violent offenses here.

Vigilance and Home Protection

With 12 agencies reporting, Clarion County law enforcement encourages residents to stay aware of their surroundings. Basic security measures like deadbolts and well-lit driveways are highly effective against the county’s primary crime concern: property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clarion County

via HealthByCounty

Clarion struggles below national average

Clarion County residents live 74.9 years—1.5 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 18.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces notable wellness challenges tied to chronic disease and access barriers.

Ranks low among Pennsylvania counties

Clarion County's 74.9-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's average of 76.4 years by 1.5 years, placing it in the state's bottom tier. The 18.3% poor/fair health rate reflects community-wide health pressures and limited preventive care.

Part of struggling county cluster

Clarion County's 74.9 years joins Cambria (74.6) and Carbon (74.5) in a cluster of low-performing counties—all trailing Chester and Centre counties by 6+ years. These three counties share similar economic and healthcare access challenges.

Highest uninsured rate, limited providers

Clarion County's 8.1% uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties, exceeding the state average of 7.0%. With only 46 primary care doctors and 192 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, provider capacity is stretched thin.

Act now: Close the coverage gap

Clarion County's 8.1% uninsured rate demands urgent action—one in twelve residents lacks health insurance. Visit www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll; then connect with community health centers and telemedicine to bridge provider shortages.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clarion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts Serving a Rural Population

Clarion County features a highly localized system of eight school districts managing a total of 16 public schools. The enrollment is evenly distributed between eight elementary and eight high schools, serving 5,085 students in total. This structure allows each of the eight districts to maintain a direct primary-to-secondary pipeline for its residents.

Competitive Graduation with State-Level Scores

The county achieves a graduation rate of 90.5%, slightly exceeding the state average of 90.3% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $10,252, putting the county nearly on par with the state average investment level. The resulting school score of 60.8 matches the Pennsylvania state average of 60.9.

Local Control in Traditional Districts

Redbank Valley School District is the county's largest, though it remains small with 971 students across three schools. Clarion Area and Keystone districts also serve significant portions of the local population. Notably, the county has no charter schools, with all 5,085 students attending traditional district-run campuses.

Rural Life with Small Class Sizes

Educational life in Clarion is distinctly rural, with 14 of the 16 schools located in rural settings and two in towns. The average school size is just 318 students, one of the lowest in the region, which facilitates smaller class sizes. Redbank Valley High School is the largest campus in the county, yet it enrolls only 552 students.

Find a Home with a Personal Touch

Clarion County offers an attractive alternative for families who prefer smaller school environments over large suburban districts. With graduation rates beating national benchmarks and a 1:1 ratio of elementary to high schools, the system is stable and predictable. Look for properties within the Clarion Area or Redbank Valley districts for a community-centered lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarion County

via RiskByCounty

Clarion County has very low disaster risk

Clarion County's composite risk score of 30.03 ranks it in the very low category—37 points below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. This rural northwestern county enjoys one of the lowest natural disaster exposure profiles in the state.

Among Pennsylvania's safest counties

Clarion County ranks near the bottom of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall disaster risk. Only Cameron County scores lower, making Clarion one of the genuinely low-risk areas in the commonwealth.

Much safer than surrounding areas

Clarion County's 30.03 score is far below Butler County (79.26) to the southeast and well below Centre and Cambria counties to the east. This geographic pocket of low risk is a distinctive advantage.

Flooding poses the main hazard

Clarion County's flood risk of 52.19 stands as its only moderate hazard score; all other risks fall well below 35. While flooding warrants attention, the county faces genuinely limited natural disaster exposure overall.

Basic insurance coverage typically adequate

Clarion County's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides sufficient protection for most residents. Evaluate flood risk on your specific property and maintain basic emergency supplies and a family communication plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clarion County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Than the National Median

Clarion County averages 46.9°F, making it one of the cooler spots in the continental United States. The region is defined by its brisk humid continental climate.

Among Pennsylvania's Coldest Regions

The county's 46.9°F average is three degrees below the state average of 49.9°F. It experiences much harsher winter conditions than the southern parts of Pennsylvania.

Cooler Than Neighboring Butler County

Clarion County averages 46.9°F, which is noticeably cooler than Butler County's 48.3°F. It also receives 46.8 inches of annual precipitation, slightly above the state norm.

Cold Winters and Brief Summers

While specific snowfall data is limited, the 23.3°F January average ensures a frozen winter season. Summers are mild, with a July peak of 68.7°F and only 6 days of extreme heat.

Prioritize Heating and Winter Prep

Focus on high-efficiency heating systems to combat the 25.9°F winter average. With only 6 extreme heat days, residents can often rely on natural ventilation instead of air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clarion County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Pennsylvania acidity in Clarion

Clarion County has a soil pH of 5.20, which sits right at the state average of 5.22. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is typical for the region and generally requires management for optimal vegetable production.

High silt content for easy tilling

The soil composition is 25.7% sand, 44.9% silt, and 13.4% clay. This high silt percentage makes the soil easy to work and provides a soft medium for root crops. The low clay content helps prevent the soil from becoming overly hard and cracked during dry spells.

Very high organic matter content

Organic matter in Clarion County is a high 19.59%, well above both state and national averages. However, the available water capacity is 0.126 inches per inch, which is lower than the state average of 0.151. This suggests the soil is nutrient-rich but may require frequent watering during the peak of summer.

Managing water on the plateau

Data for the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not currently available for Clarion County. The combination of high organic matter and lower water capacity suggests that water may move through the soil profile quickly. Local gardeners should monitor soil moisture levels closely during dry weeks.

Cool-season favorites for Zone 6a

Clarion County is located in Hardiness Zone 6a, which is perfect for cool-weather crops like broccoli, peas, and leafy greens. The high organic matter provides an excellent nutrient base for a thriving vegetable patch. Start your seeds now to enjoy a productive Pennsylvania growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clarion County

via LawnByCounty

Clarion County Lawns Face Standard Challenges

Clarion County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.5, which is slightly below the Pennsylvania average but above the national median. As part of hardiness zone 6a, the area favors cool-season grasses that can handle cold winters. You will find that keeping a healthy lawn here is a middle-of-the-road endeavor.

Cooler Temperatures Reduce Summer Burn

Lawns benefit from 46.8 inches of annual precipitation and only 6 extreme heat days per year. The lower growing degree days of 2289 result in a shorter growing season, which means less time spent on the mower. These moderate climate factors are generally very favorable for maintaining consistent green turf.

Acidity and Sand Levels Impact Turf Health

The local soil pH is 5.20, requiring lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 target for healthy grass. The soil contains 25.7% sand and 13.4% clay, providing a texture that generally resists heavy compaction. Regular soil testing is recommended to manage the acidity and ensure your fertilizer is working effectively.

Recurring Dry Periods Test Lawn Resilience

With 26 weeks of drought over the past year, Clarion County lawns are susceptible to seasonal stress. While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought (D2+) is a positive sign for recovery. To keep your lawn resilient, avoid mowing when the grass is visibly wilting during dry afternoons.

Success Begins with a May Planting

Your best results in zone 6a come from seeding after the last frost on May 13th or in the early fall. Cool-season blends of fescue and perennial ryegrass perform exceptionally well given Clarion's moderate heat. Be sure to establish your new lawn before the first frost arrives on October 11th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarion County's county score?
Clarion County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Clarion County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Clarion County ranks #11 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 Clarion County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Clarion County is $1,477, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Clarion County a tax score of 40.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarion County?
The median household income in Clarion County, Pennsylvania is $60,668 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarion County earns an income score of 41.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarion County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Clarion County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Clarion 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 Clarion 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.