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Clearfield County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#12 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
57.9
County Score
Safety 75.5Schools 70.3Cost of Living 64.2

County Report Card

About Clearfield County, Pennsylvania

Beating the National Median

Clearfield County earns a composite score of 57.9, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that ranks in the upper tier of American counties.

Outperforming the Pennsylvania Average

The county's 57.9 composite score exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It stands as a strong performer within the Commonwealth, offering a competitive lifestyle compared to its neighbors.

Safe Streets and Low Housing Costs

Public safety is a primary asset here, reflected in an impressive Safety Score of 75.5. Residents also benefit from extreme affordability, with a median home value of $125,000 and a Cost Score of 64.2.

Navigating Environmental Risks and Taxes

The county faces hurdles with a low Risk Score of 32.9 and a Tax Score of 26.0. An effective tax rate of 1.190% contributes to a financial burden that is higher than many other dimensions.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Families

Clearfield is ideal for families seeking safety and low-cost housing without sacrificing school quality. Its combination of $788 median rent and solid 70.3 school score makes it a practical choice.

Score breakdown

Tax26Cost64.2Safety75.5Health60.2Schools70.3Income39.6Risk32.9Water46.5Weather58.7
🏛26
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.7
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

Clearfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Clearfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Clearfield County far outpaces national safety averages

Clearfield County reports a total crime rate of 587.1 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a safety score of 99.1 out of 100. Local law enforcement maintains an environment much safer than the typical American community.

A top performer for safety in Pennsylvania

The county's safety score of 99.1 sits above the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Ten different reporting agencies contribute data to show a total crime rate of 587.1 per 100,000. These figures place Clearfield among the safer regions in the Commonwealth.

Setting the safety standard for the region

Clearfield County maintains a lower crime rate than neighboring Clinton County, which reports 633.9 incidents per 100,000 people. While the surrounding area is generally safe, Clearfield stands out with the lowest total crime rate in this cluster of counties. This local comparison highlights the county's effective public safety efforts.

Low violent crime defines the local landscape

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 95.3 per 100,000, which is less than a third of the national violent crime average. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 491.8 per 100,000 residents. Most residents will rarely encounter serious crime in their daily lives.

Maintaining peace of mind at home

Even with elite safety scores, property crime remains the primary concern for local homeowners. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting or smart doorbells can further reduce the risk of theft. Staying vigilant ensures that Clearfield County remains a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Clearfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Seven School Districts

Clearfield County manages 19 public schools across 7 districts, serving a total of 8,672 students. The infrastructure is built around 9 elementary, 3 middle, and 7 high schools that connect various local communities.

Strong Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county achieves a 90.5% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $9,856 is lower than the state average, the county maintains a solid school score of 60.0.

DuBois Area and Clearfield Area Lead the Way

DuBois Area SD is the largest district, educating 3,266 students across 6 schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, leaving education entirely in the hands of traditional public districts.

Small School Environments in Town and Rural Settings

Schools average 456 students, but the range is wide, from rural primary schools to the 1,062-student DuBois Area Middle School. The mix of 11 town and 8 rural locales creates a diverse geographic feel for students.

Finding a Home in High-Performing Districts

Families can find great value and strong graduation outcomes in districts like DuBois or Clearfield. When searching for homes, consider how proximity to these central school hubs can impact long-term community connection.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Clearfield County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler continental climate

Clearfield County averages 47.9°F annually, notably cooler than the national median of roughly 55°F. This humid continental region experiences distinct seasonal shifts typical of the American Northeast.

Below the Pennsylvania average

The county sits two degrees below the state annual average of 49.9°F. Its location in the Allegheny Mountains keeps temperatures consistently lower than the more temperate southeastern counties.

Consistent with mountain neighbors

While Clearfield matches Crawford’s 47.9°F average, it stays slightly warmer than Elk County to the north. It receives 44.3 inches of precipitation, which is in line with the state average of 45.3 inches.

Heavy snow and mild summers

Winters bring a substantial 63.0 inches of snow and January averages of 24.4°F. In contrast, summers are mild with only 4 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 69.8°F.

Prepare for the long winter

Residents prioritize high-efficiency heating systems and snow removal equipment to handle the five-foot annual snowfall. Air conditioning is less critical given that summer highs rarely exceed the upper 80s.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clearfield County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Forest Soils

Clearfield County's soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 4.91, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This measurement even falls below the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22, suggesting a landscape shaped by dense forest and mineral leaching.

A Silty and Sandy Mix

The soil composition is 30.6% silt, 22.5% sand, and 10.9% clay. This mix provides a light texture that is generally easy to work, though it lacks the high clay content needed for maximum nutrient retention.

Extreme Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts a staggering 26.24% organic matter, more than double the state average of 12.14%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.094 in/in, meaning plants may require frequent watering despite the rich soil.

Inland Drainage Patterns

While specific drainage class data for the county is currently unavailable, the high organic content suggests a sponge-like surface. Gardeners should monitor for surface runoff during heavy Pennsylvania rains.

Success in Zone 6a

Situated in hardiness zone 6a, this county is a prime spot for acid-loving crops like blueberries and rhododendrons. Start your garden by focusing on these specialized species that thrive in low-pH environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clearfield County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth in Clearfield

Clearfield County earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.7, making it easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and slightly above the state average. This Zone 6a region provides a steady environment for cool-season grasses to thrive with moderate effort.

Mild Summers Support Consistent Growth

The county receives 44.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably near the state average of 45.2 inches. With only 4 extreme heat days per year and 2,456 growing degree days, your grass avoids the heavy thermal stress common in southern counties.

Amending Acidic Mountain Soils

The local soil pH of 4.91 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. You will need regular lime applications to manage the 10.9% clay and 22.5% sand mix found throughout the county.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

Clearfield faced 15 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems that can survive these dry periods.

Planting for Success in Zone 6a

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform best in this climate. Plan your seeding projects between the last spring frost on May 4 and the first fall frost on October 13 for optimal establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clearfield County's county score?
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 57.9 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 Clearfield County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Clearfield County ranks #12 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 Clearfield County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Clearfield County is $1,488, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Clearfield County a tax score of 26/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clearfield County?
The median household income in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania is $60,181 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clearfield County earns an income score of 39.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clearfield County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Clearfield County scores 57.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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.