countyscore

Clearfield County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#8 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
58.9
County Score
Safety 75.5Schools 70.3Cost of Living 66.7

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.

2040608010029.266.775.560.270.34032.946.558.7Tax29.2Cost66.7Safety75.5Health60.2Schools70.3Income40Risk32.9Water46.5Weather58.758.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Clearfield County DNA

Foverall

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

Clearfield County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (75.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (29.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29.2-22.8
Cost
66.7+18.700000000000003
Safety
75.5+20.5
Health
60.2+10.200000000000003
Schools
70.3+16.299999999999997
Income
40-11
Risk
32.9-14.100000000000001
Water
46.5-11.5
Weather
58.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$137,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$791/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,152/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Clearfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 58.9 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 #8 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 $1,500, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Clearfield County a tax score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clearfield County?
The median household income in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania is $62,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clearfield County earns an income score of 40/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clearfield County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Clearfield County scores 58.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 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.
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.