CountyScore

Clearfield County

Pennsylvania · PA

#22 in Pennsylvania
67.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Clearfield County, Pennsylvania

Clearfield outpaces national average

Clearfield County scores 70.1 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, signaling above-average livability driven by affordability and reasonable tax rates.

Among Pennsylvania's top performers

With a score of 70.1, Clearfield ranks above the Pennsylvania state average of 66.0, positioning it as a stronger-than-typical county within its state. This advantage reflects the county's particular strength in housing affordability and tax burden.

Affordability and low taxes shine

Clearfield excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 82.9 and median home value of $125,000, plus an effective tax rate of just 1.19%. Median gross rent of $788 per month makes the county attractive for renters seeking budget-friendly options.

Income levels lag behind peers

The county's Income Score of 22.7 reflects a median household income of $60,181, notably lower than state and national averages for higher-income counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain limited, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Clearfield County suits families and individuals prioritizing low housing costs and manageable taxes over high incomes. It's a practical choice for retirees on fixed incomes, first-time homebuyers, and remote workers seeking rural affordability without urban sprawl.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax68.8Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth71SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.7Risk32.9WaterComing Soon
🏛68.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡32.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clearfield County with another county →

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Deep Dives

Clearfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clearfield County

via TaxByCounty

Clearfield taxes rank well nationally

At 1.190%, Clearfield's effective property tax rate sits below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% and well below the national median of 1.58%. The median property tax here is $1,488, less than 55% of what the typical American household pays nationally.

Among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties

Clearfield ranks in the lower half of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for tax burden, paying just $1,488 in median annual property taxes versus the state average of $2,657. This 44% savings reflects both lower home values and a competitive tax rate.

Clearfield beats comparable regional counties

Clearfield's $1,488 median tax is significantly lower than nearby Elk County ($1,686) and Clinton County ($2,047), though all three counties maintain rates below the state average. The region shows considerable variation, with Crawford County charging 1.464% despite similar home values.

Median homeowner pays $1,488 annually

On a median home value of $125,000, Clearfield homeowners pay approximately $1,488 in annual property taxes using the county's 1.190% effective rate. With a mortgage, estimated taxes climb to $1,691; without one, they drop to $1,352.

Your assessment might be too high

Studies show 20-30% of homeowners nationwide are overassessed on their property taxes. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, filing an appeal with Clearfield County's assessment office could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clearfield County

via CostByCounty

Clearfield's rent stays below national strain

At 15.7%, Clearfield County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $788 per month is significantly cheaper than the state average of $960, giving renters breathing room despite median household income running about $14,500 below the national figure of $74,755.

Among Pennsylvania's most affordable rentals

Clearfield ranks well within Pennsylvania's affordability spectrum, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% compared to the state average of 16.5%. This modest advantage reflects both lower rents and steady local incomes, positioning the county as a relatively accessible place to rent statewide.

Clearer skies than surrounding rural counties

Clearfield's $788 monthly rent undercuts Clinton County ($815) and Crawford County ($800) by a small margin, and significantly beats Columbia County at $904. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% trails only Elk County (13.5%) among its regional peers, making it one of the more affordable options in north-central Pennsylvania.

Housing eats modest slice of income

Renters in Clearfield spend roughly 16% of their $60,181 median household income on rent, while homeowners dedicate about 15% to mortgage payments averaging $748 monthly on homes valued at $125,000. Together, these figures show housing remains manageable for both renters and owners in this county.

Consider Clearfield for rural affordability

If you're seeking small-town living with lower housing costs, Clearfield delivers: rents below state average and homes under $130,000. Compare this advantage to nearby Elk County (even cheaper rent) or Crawford County (similar pricing) to find your best fit in Pennsylvania's north-central region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clearfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Clearfield lags behind U.S. income median

Clearfield County's median household income of $60,181 sits $14,574 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower third nationally. This 19.5% gap reflects regional economic patterns shaped by declining manufacturing and resource extraction industries. Most Pennsylvania counties share this challenge, with only a handful exceeding national income levels.

Middle-tier earnings within Pennsylvania

At $60,181, Clearfield ranks below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, earning it a position in the lower-middle tier among the state's 67 counties. The $9,433 shortfall underscores economic disparities across rural and urban Pennsylvania. Clearfield's per capita income of $32,502 also falls short of the state average of $37,407.

Among the lower earners in its region

Clearfield's $60,181 median household income trails most adjacent counties—Columbia County ($61,992) and Elk County ($64,103) both earn more, while Crawford County ($60,254) is nearly identical. Among these neighbors, only Clinton County ($58,842) earns less. This regional clustering suggests shared economic conditions across rural north-central Pennsylvania.

Rent remains very affordable here

Clearfield's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in this county set, meaning renters spend just $788 monthly on average—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $125,000 is also highly accessible relative to household incomes. This affordability advantage partially offsets the region's below-average wages.

Build savings despite modest income growth

Clearfield residents earning $60,181 can redirect rental savings into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and homeownership. Consider consulting a financial advisor about maximizing employer 401(k) matches and exploring local credit unions for favorable rates on personal loans and mortgages. Even modest wage growth compounds over time when paired with disciplined investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clearfield County

via HealthByCounty

Clearfield's life expectancy lags nationally

At 75.9 years, Clearfield County residents live nearly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents—19.9%—report poor or fair health, exceeding national benchmarks and signaling persistent wellness challenges across the county.

Below-average health in Pennsylvania

Clearfield's life expectancy of 75.9 years trails Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall life expectancy, though its 6.4% uninsured rate performs slightly better than the state average of 7.0%.

Rural Pennsylvania patterns emerge

Clearfield mirrors health challenges common to adjacent rural counties; nearby Clinton County reports similar poor/fair health at 19.1%, though Clearfield performs better on insurance coverage. The county has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below the regional average and reflecting rural provider shortages.

Limited primary care, moderate mental health access

With only 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Clearfield residents may face travel times for routine care. Mental health support is more accessible at 363 providers per 100,000, though the gap between physical and mental health resources creates an uneven care landscape.

Ensure your health care protection

Over 4,100 Clearfield County residents lack health insurance, missing preventive care opportunities that could extend lifespans and improve daily wellness. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to explore coverage options—especially Medicaid and marketplace plans available year-round for qualifying residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clearfield County

via RiskByCounty

Clearfield ranks slightly above average nationally

With a composite risk score of 67.11, Clearfield sits just below the national median, reflecting a relatively low overall hazard profile. The county faces moderate exposure to flooding and hurricanes, but significantly lower risks from wildfires and tornadoes than many U.S. counties.

Middle of the pack in Pennsylvania

Clearfield's risk score of 67.11 matches Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 almost exactly, placing it firmly in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. This means the county experiences typical Pennsylvania-level natural disaster risk, neither particularly vulnerable nor especially protected.

Lower risk than western peers

Clearfield faces substantially less overall risk than Crawford County (76.02), its neighbor to the northwest, though it shares similar flood vulnerabilities. Compared to Clinton County to the north (51.78), Clearfield carries notably higher composite risk, primarily due to stronger hurricane and flood exposure.

Flooding and hurricanes dominate the profile

Flood risk reaches 80.60 in Clearfield, making it the county's most significant natural hazard concern and matching patterns seen across much of central Pennsylvania. Hurricane risk scores 71.05, reflecting the county's vulnerability to tropical storm remnants and nor'easters that can bring heavy precipitation and wind damage.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage now

With flood risk at 80.60, standard homeowners insurance won't protect your property—consider a separate flood policy before the next heavy rain event. Wind and hurricane coverage becomes equally critical given the 71.05 hurricane risk score; review your current policy limits and deductibles to ensure adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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