countyscore

Clinton County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#19 in Pennsylvania
56.5
County Score
Schools 82Safety 73.4Lawn Care 59.3

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Pennsylvania

Above the National Baseline

Clinton County posts a composite score of 56.1, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This suggests a higher-than-average standard of living across its core metrics.

Leading the State Average

With a score of 56.1, the county sits more than four points above the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It serves as a reliable anchor for quality of life in Central Pennsylvania.

Top-Tier Schools and Safety

Education is the county's crown jewel, evidenced by a high School Score of 82.0. A Safety Score of 73.4 further enhances its appeal for those prioritizing a secure community environment.

Improving Infrastructure and Income

The county struggles with a Water Score of 28.9 and an Income Score of 34.8. These numbers highlight a need for infrastructure investment and growth in local household earnings.

The Perfect Fit for Young Families

Clinton County is best suited for families who prioritize exceptional public schools and safety. With a median home value of $179,100, it offers a high-value entry point into a stable community.

2040608010025.254.873.4578236.248.228.953.9Tax25.2Cost54.8Safety73.4Health57Schools82Income36.2Risk48.2Water28.9Weather53.956.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Clinton County DNA

Foverall

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

Clinton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (82/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (28.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.2-26.8
Cost
54.8
Safety
73.4+18.400000000000006
Health
57
Schools
82+28
Income
36.2-14.799999999999997
Risk
48.2
Water
28.9-29.1
Weather
53.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Clinton County?

Many homeowners in Clinton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$175,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$820/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$175,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,816/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton's rate undercuts national average

Clinton County's 1.143% effective tax rate ranks below both the state average of 1.317% and the national median of 1.58%, placing it in the lower-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,047 represents just 76% of the national median of $2,690.

Clinton ranks in Pennsylvania's bottom third

At $2,047 in median annual property taxes, Clinton County ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in Pennsylvania, paying significantly less than the state average of $2,657. The county's 1.143% rate is one of the lowest across all 67 Pennsylvania counties.

Clinton offers relief compared to nearby counties

Clinton County's $2,047 median tax beats both Clearfield County ($1,488) and Columbia County ($2,266) depending on home values, though all three maintain favorable rates versus the state. The tri-county region shows property taxes ranging from 1.138% to 1.190%, making it consistently affordable.

Median homeowner pays $2,047 annually

On a median home value of $179,100, Clinton County homeowners pay approximately $2,047 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.143% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay an estimated $2,186, while those without mortgages pay $1,831.

Appeal overassessments to reclaim taxes

Even in lower-tax counties, many homeowners face inflated assessments that cost hundreds annually. Clinton County residents who believe their property is overvalued can file an appeal to challenge the assessment and potentially reduce their tax liability.

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton's income trails national average

Clinton County's median household income of $58,842 falls $15,913 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 21.3% gap. This places Clinton among the lowest-earning counties nationally, reflecting regional dependence on declining sectors. The national comparison underscores why many residents seek employment in higher-wage urban centers.

Lowest incomes in Pennsylvania's set

Clinton County ranks at the bottom of this eight-county sample with a median household income of $58,842, trailing Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $10,772. Per capita income of $31,762 also ranks lowest in this peer group. This persistent gap suggests structural economic challenges requiring workforce development investment.

Below all adjacent county earners

Clinton's $58,842 median household income places it squarely at the bottom of neighboring counties—Clearfield ($60,181), Columbia ($61,992), and Crawford ($60,254) all earn measurably more. The consistent gap across the region signals that Clinton faces particular economic headwinds. A deeper look at industry composition might reveal opportunities for targeted economic diversification.

Housing affordability provides crucial buffer

Clinton's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio—just above the national 30% affordability threshold—means renters spend roughly $810 monthly on average. The median home value of $179,100 is reasonable relative to household income, providing first-time homebuyers with achievable entry points. This affordability keeps basic housing costs manageable despite wage challenges.

Leverage low housing costs for financial gains

Clinton residents can exploit lower housing costs to build wealth faster than higher-income peers in expensive counties. Prioritize setting aside 10–15% of gross income for savings and retirement accounts, even if amounts start small. Use tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and Roth conversions to stretch modest incomes into meaningful long-term wealth.

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety scores remain high in Clinton County

Clinton County earns a safety score of 99.0, reflecting a total crime rate of 633.9 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Eleven reporting agencies work together to keep local crime figures exceptionally low.

Exceeding the Pennsylvania safety average

With a safety score of 99.0, Clinton County outperforms the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 633.9 per 100,000 is much lower than the state's average of 932.4. Residents enjoy a level of security that ranks high within the state.

Clinton County vs. Central Pennsylvania neighbors

Clinton County is slightly safer than Columbia County, which sees 666.9 crimes per 100,000 people. However, it tracks just behind Clearfield County's exceptionally low rate of 587.1. These small differences show a region that is collectively committed to public safety.

Property crime leads the local statistics

Violent crime in Clinton County is very low at 89.8 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 544.1 per 100,000 residents. These numbers suggest that while physical safety is high, theft remains the most common risk.

Securing your property in a safe county

High safety scores are best maintained through community awareness and home security. Property crimes happen even in low-risk areas, so locking doors and using alarm systems provides essential protection. Small investments in security help preserve Clinton County's quiet character.

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures for the region

Clinton County's average annual temperature of 49.6°F aligns closely with the temperate humid continental profile. This is slightly cooler than the national median but representative of central Pennsylvania's variable weather.

In line with state norms

The county’s 49.6°F average nearly mirrors the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It functions as a climatic middle ground between the colder northern tier and the warmer southern valleys.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Clinton is significantly warmer than Elk County, which averages just 46.4°F. It is also drier than most surrounding areas, receiving only 41.5 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state average of 45.3 inches.

Hotter summers and moderate snow

Summer heat is more intense here than in neighboring Clearfield, with 13 days a year hitting 90°F. The county sees 31.2 inches of snow annually, which is about half the total found in the higher elevations to the west.

Balanced utility planning

Homeowners should plan for both heating and cooling costs as July averages reach 71.7°F. While snow is moderate, the 26.3°F January average still requires robust insulation and winter gear.

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Alfisols of Central PA

Clinton County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.16, which is nearly identical to the state average of 5.22. These soils are more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for optimal crop production.

Classic Silt Loam Texture

A silt loam texture dominates the landscape, featuring 42.7% silt, 27.6% sand, and 15.2% clay. This balanced composition offers excellent workability and enough structure to support heavy-feeding crops.

Steady Moisture and Nutrient Stores

The soil contains 9.89% organic matter, falling just below the state average but remaining well above the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.130 in/in provides a reliable moisture reservoir for local agriculture.

Well-Drained Agricultural Land

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils manage rainfall efficiently. This makes the county ideal for diverse farming as the land naturally resists waterlogging.

Cool Weather Favorites in 6b

Hardiness zone 6b allows for a productive season of apples, peaches, and cool-weather vegetables. With such well-drained silt loam, your backyard garden has a professional-grade foundation.

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the State Standard

Clinton County's lawn difficulty score of 59.3 aligns almost perfectly with the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region enjoy conditions that are significantly more manageable than the national median.

Warmer Days Drive Higher Mowing Needs

With 2,751 growing degree days and 13 extreme heat days, Clinton County is slightly warmer than the state average of 11 heat days. Annual precipitation of 41.5 inches provides a solid foundation, though it is lower than the 45.2-inch state benchmark.

Managing Well-Drained Silt Loams

The soil features a silt loam texture and is classified as well-drained, which helps prevent root rot. However, the pH level of 5.16 is quite acidic, requiring soil amendments to reach the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for turf health.

Resisting Extended Dry Conditions

The county endured 24 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Maintain a mowing height of 3 inches or more to shade the soil and retain moisture during these stretches.

Seeding for Clinton’s Climate

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues are excellent choices for these well-drained soils. Aim to finish your primary lawn work between the spring frost on April 30 and the onset of winter dormancy around October 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 56.5 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Clinton County ranks #19 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 Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $2,046, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 25.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Pennsylvania is $60,816 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 36.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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