countyscore

Clinton County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#20 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.1
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.

Score breakdown

Tax28.4Cost50.8Safety73.4Health57Schools82Income34.8Risk48.2Water28.9Weather53.9
🏛28.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.3
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

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton renters strain above national average

At 16.6%, Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here allocate a bit more of their income to housing than Americans typically do. With median household income at $58,842—nearly $16,000 below the national average—residents face tighter affordability constraints despite modest rents of $815 per month.

Right at Pennsylvania's affordability midline

Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% matches the state average exactly, suggesting typical affordability pressures for Pennsylvania renters. The county's $815 median rent falls below the statewide median of $960, but lower incomes offset that advantage.

Middle of the pack regionally

Clinton's $815 rent runs higher than nearby Clearfield ($788) and Crawford ($800), but lower than Columbia ($904). The county's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio places it between Clearfield's 15.7% and Columbia's 17.5%, reflecting moderate affordability in Pennsylvania's rural northeast.

Mortgage costs outpace rent burden here

Renters allocate about 17% of the $58,842 median household income to the $815 monthly rent, while homeowners spend roughly 18% on mortgage payments of $881 per month on homes averaging $179,100. For homeowners especially, monthly costs creep toward affordability limits.

Evaluate Clinton alongside neighboring alternatives

Clinton offers moderate housing costs in a rural setting, but renters and owners alike should compare it to Elk County (lowest rents regionally) or Clearfield (slightly cheaper overall). If steady income and small-town life appeal to you, Clinton's affordability tracks reasonably with Pennsylvania's county average.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clinton County

via HealthByCounty

Clinton exceeds national life expectancy slightly

Clinton County residents average 76.6 years of life, slightly outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, 19.1% report poor or fair health, a rate that exceeds both state and national wellness trends and suggests underlying health disparities.

Middle-of-pack health outcomes in PA

At 76.6 years, Clinton's life expectancy sits marginally above Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. The county's 8.5% uninsured rate, however, ranks above the state average of 7.0%, indicating higher financial barriers to care.

Struggling against regional peers

Clinton County's 19.1% poor/fair health rate ties it with neighboring Clearfield as among the highest in the region. With only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Clinton faces steeper rural provider challenges than Columbia County (57 per 100K) and other nearby areas.

Serious primary care shortage signals alarm

Clinton's 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ranks among the lowest in the region, creating real barriers to routine checkups and preventive medicine. The 8.5% uninsured rate means approximately 2,200 Clinton residents navigate healthcare without coverage, compounding access challenges.

Bridge the coverage gap in Clinton

Nearly 1 in 12 Clinton County residents lack health insurance, exposing them to catastrophic medical costs and delaying necessary care. Explore coverage today at Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE—options exist for individuals, families, and seniors seeking affordable protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Clinton County

Four school districts manage 11 public schools for 4,011 total students in this largely rural county. The system includes 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 3 high schools, and one multi-level facility.

Exceeding Benchmarks for Graduation and Investment

Clinton County boasts an impressive 92.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national benchmark. Local districts invest $11,091 per pupil, which exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of $10,336.

Keystone Central Dominates the Local Landscape

Keystone Central SD is the major provider, serving 3,497 students across 9 different schools. The county also hosts the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School, which serves 473 students and represents about 9% of local schools.

A Blend of Large High Schools and Rural Schools

With an average school size of 401 students, the county offers a personalized feel in its 8 rural and 3 town locales. Central Mountain High School is the largest campus with 1,127 students, providing a contrast to smaller sites like Mill Hall Elementary.

Relocating Near Top-Tier Rural Schools

Families drawn to high graduation rates and rural settings will find Clinton County an excellent choice. Focus your home search near Lock Haven or Mill Hall to take advantage of the Keystone Central district's robust offerings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton ranks among safer U.S. counties

A composite risk score of 51.78 places Clinton in the lower half of national disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating. This means residents here face significantly less natural hazard exposure than the average American county, though some localized flood and hurricane threats persist.

Pennsylvania's safest county profile

Clinton's score of 51.78 ranks substantially below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, making it one of the state's least hazard-exposed counties. Only a handful of Pennsylvania counties maintain lower composite risk scores, positioning Clinton as a relative safe haven within the state.

Notably safer than surrounding areas

Clinton's 51.78 score significantly underperforms both Clearfield County (67.11) to the west and Columbia County (62.05) to the southeast, offering measurably lower risk across almost all hazard categories. The county's northeastern location insulates it from many of the flood and seismic vulnerabilities that affect central and eastern Pennsylvania.

Flood risk outpaces other hazards considerably

While Clinton faces lower overall risk than most Pennsylvania counties, flooding remains the dominant concern with a risk score of 71.34. Tornado and wildfire risks remain minimal at 27.26 and 15.20 respectively, giving residents a relatively simple hazard landscape to prepare for.

Flood insurance should be your priority

Despite Clinton's overall safety, the 71.34 flood risk score means standard homeowners insurance won't cover water damage—a flood policy is essential for property protection. Given the county's low wildfire and tornado exposure, you can focus your preparedness efforts and insurance dollars on flood-related risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 56.1 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 #20 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 $2,047, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 28.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Pennsylvania is $58,842 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 56.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 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.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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