countyscore

Columbia County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#24 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.4
County Score
Safety 72.1Schools 70Health 69.1

County Report Card

About Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Strong National Standing

Columbia County earns a composite score of 55.4, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded profile that exceeds national benchmarks for livability.

A Consistent State Performer

The county's 55.4 score beats the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It maintains a steady and competitive position compared to other counties across the Commonwealth.

A Focus on Safety and Health

The county excels in wellness and security, boasting a Safety Score of 72.1 and a Health Score of 69.1. A solid School Score of 70.0 rounds out its reputation for strong community services.

Balancing Environmental Risk and Tax Burdens

A lower Risk Score of 38.0 and a Tax Score of 28.8 represent the county's primary challenges. Residents navigate an effective tax rate of 1.138% while managing moderate environmental factors.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Professionals

This county is a great match for those who value health services and public safety in a balanced environment. It offers a stable, middle-market lifestyle with reliable public institutions.

Score breakdown

Tax28.8Cost44.2Safety72.1Health69.1Schools70Income45.2Risk38Water48.1Weather58.3
🏛28.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.6
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

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Columbia County

via TaxByCounty

Columbia stays competitive nationally

Columbia County's 1.138% effective tax rate ranks below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% and the national median of 1.58%, placing it among the more affordable counties nationally. The median property tax of $2,266 is 84% of the national median, reflecting lower home values.

Columbia ranks among lowest-tax counties

At $2,266 in median annual property taxes, Columbia County sits in Pennsylvania's lower tier, paying 15% less than the state average of $2,657. With a 1.138% effective rate, Columbia offers relief to homeowners across the state.

Columbia competes favorably with neighbors

Columbia County's $2,266 median tax closely aligns with nearby Clearfield ($1,488) and Clinton ($2,047), all maintaining rates below 1.2%. This tri-county corridor offers some of Pennsylvania's most affordable property taxation in the state's central region.

Median homeowner pays $2,266 annually

On a median home value of $199,200, Columbia County homeowners pay approximately $2,266 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.138% effective rate. With a mortgage, estimates reach $2,326; without one, taxes drop to $2,201.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Property assessments in Columbia County may overestimate your home's true value, potentially costing you hundreds in unnecessary annual taxes. Homeowners can file an appeal with the county assessment office to verify their valuation and seek a reduction if warranted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Columbia County

via CostByCounty

Columbia rents squeeze harder than U.S. norm

Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% exceeds both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, signaling tighter housing affordability for renters. At $904 per month, median rent is nearly $130 above the state average, while household income at $61,992 remains below the national figure of $74,755.

Among Pennsylvania's pricier rental markets

Columbia County ranks among the less affordable counties statewide, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% that noticeably exceeds the state average of 16.5%. This gap reflects both above-average rents and below-average incomes, compressing household budgets more than most Pennsylvania counties.

Highest rents in the north-central region

At $904 monthly, Columbia's rent significantly outpaces all nearby counties: Clearfield ($788), Clinton ($815), Crawford ($800), and especially Elk ($720). This premium reflects Columbia's positioning as a more developed corridor, but renters here should budget accordingly versus rural alternatives.

Rent demands growing share of income

Renters dedicate nearly 18% of the $61,992 median household income to the $904 monthly rent, while homeowners spend about 16% on mortgages averaging $852 on homes valued at $199,200. For renters especially, housing consumes a noticeably larger portion of the budget.

Compare Columbia to nearby rural alternatives

Columbia offers more developed infrastructure than surrounding counties but charges a rental premium for it; renters here spend roughly $100–180 more monthly than in Clearfield, Clinton, or Crawford. Weigh that cost against amenities and job opportunities before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbia County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbia income moderately below U.S. average

Columbia County's median household income of $61,992 sits $12,763 below the national median of $74,755, a 17.1% shortfall. While below the U.S. average, Columbia performs better than its most rural peers in this county set. The gap highlights the persistent income challenge across Pennsylvania's non-metro regions.

Below state average but competitive locally

Columbia County's $61,992 median household income trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $7,622, but ranks in the middle tier of this eight-county comparison. Per capita income of $32,432 is similarly middle-ranked. Columbia's position reflects a regional economy stronger than the most rural counties but weaker than the state's wealthier areas.

Mid-range earner among regional peers

Columbia's $61,992 median household income ranks third among the eight-county sample, ahead of Clearfield, Clinton, and Crawford. Elk County ($64,103) and Crawford County ($60,254) bracket Columbia closely, suggesting relatively uniform economic conditions across north-central Pennsylvania. This clustering reflects shared reliance on manufacturing and agriculture.

Housing costs are rising faster than income

Columbia's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is slightly elevated for this county set, meaning renters spend roughly $905 monthly on average. The median home value of $199,200 is higher relative to household income than in western PA counties, signaling tighter affordability. Future wage growth will be essential to maintain housing accessibility as property values continue climbing.

Act now before housing costs squeeze savings

Columbia residents should prioritize wealth-building while housing remains somewhat affordable, before prices accelerate further. Lock in favorable mortgage rates if buying soon, and maximize tax-deferred retirement contributions to reduce taxable income. Even $200–300 monthly to a diversified investment portfolio compounds significantly over 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Columbia County

via CrimeByCounty

Columbia County offers strong national safety

Columbia County maintains a safety score of 98.9, driven by a total crime rate of 666.9 per 100,000 residents. This sits far below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5. Twenty different agencies collaborate to provide comprehensive safety coverage across the county.

Stronger safety rankings than the state average

The county's total crime rate of 666.9 per 100,000 is notably lower than the Pennsylvania average of 932.4. Its safety score of 98.9 edges out the statewide average of 98.5. These statistics confirm that Columbia County is one of the more secure regions in Pennsylvania.

Comparing Columbia to its regional peers

Columbia County reports a slightly higher crime rate than nearby Clinton County, which sits at 633.9 per 100,000. Despite this small gap, both counties remain significantly safer than the national average. Residents in this corridor benefit from consistently low crime figures.

Analyzing the local crime composition

Violent crime is rare here, with just 89.3 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for 577.6 incidents per 100,000, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity. The data shows a community where serious physical threats are uncommon.

Smart steps for home protection

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, homeowners should focus on deterring opportunistic theft. Using smart locks and keeping valuables out of sight can significantly reduce your risk. Maintaining these habits helps keep Columbia County safe for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Columbia County

via HealthByCounty

Columbia performs well on national measures

At 76.5 years, Columbia County slightly outpaces the U.S. average of 76.4 years and boasts a relatively low poor/fair health rate of 17.9%. The county's above-average outcomes reflect stronger primary care access and lower insurance gaps compared to national norms.

Columbia stands among Pennsylvania's healthier counties

Columbia County's life expectancy of 76.5 years matches Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years, while its 6.0% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.0% by a full percentage point. The county ranks in the upper half of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall health outcomes.

Clear advantage over nearby rural counties

Columbia's 17.9% poor/fair health rate outperforms neighboring Clearfield (19.9%) and Clinton (19.1%), reflecting better preventive care reach. With 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Columbia significantly exceeds Clinton's 35 per 100K, though trails more urban counties.

Strong primary care, modest mental health resources

Columbia delivers 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid rural coverage—making routine care relatively accessible to most residents. Mental health services lag at 84 providers per 100,000, creating potential delays for residents seeking behavioral health support.

Protect your health care future

While Columbia has above-average coverage, approximately 1,500 residents still lack insurance, missing opportunities for preventive screenings and early treatment. Visit Healthcare.gov or your county health office to confirm you're enrolled in a plan that meets your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Columbia County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Makeup of Columbia County

Six school districts oversee 19 public schools serving 7,715 students across the county. The network is evenly distributed to support local communities through 8 elementary, 4 middle, and 7 high schools.

Steady Performance and Rural Efficiency

The county maintains a 90.1% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average of 90.3%. Local districts spend $9,986 per pupil, achieving a school score of 60.0 despite spending less than the national average.

Focus on Central Columbia and Bloomsburg

Central Columbia SD is the largest district with 1,908 students, followed by Bloomsburg Area SD with 1,533. No charter schools operate in the county, ensuring a focus on traditional public district programs.

Diverse Locales from City to Countryside

Students attend a mix of 10 rural, 5 city, and 4 suburban schools with an average enrollment of 406. Berwick Area High School is the largest individual school, hosting 782 students in a traditional secondary setting.

Make a Home Near Reliable Local Schools

Columbia County offers a stable educational environment for families who value consistency and community-centric schools. Researching properties within the Central Columbia district is a smart move for those prioritizing school size and performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbia County

via RiskByCounty

Columbia ranks below national average risk

With a composite risk score of 62.05, Columbia sits comfortably below the national median, carrying a Relatively Low risk rating. The county faces moderate flooding and earthquake concerns, but wildfire and tornado threats remain substantially lower than in most U.S. counties.

Better protected than typical Pennsylvania

Columbia's score of 62.05 sits about 5 points below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it in the lower-risk third of the state's counties. This positioning reflects the county's northeastern location, which shields it from some of the seismic and tornado vulnerabilities affecting central and southern Pennsylvania.

Safer than Clearfield, riskier than Clinton

Columbia (62.05) falls between its neighbors Clinton to the north (51.78) and Clearfield to the west (67.11), offering moderate risk mitigation benefits. The county shares flood vulnerability patterns with Clearfield but benefits from reduced earthquake and wildfire exposure compared to other regional peers.

Flooding and earthquakes warrant attention

Flood risk dominates at 78.63, making water damage the county's primary natural hazard concern alongside moderate earthquake risk of 51.62. These two hazards account for the majority of Columbia's composite risk, while tornado and wildfire threats remain relatively benign.

Prepare for water and ground movement

Flood insurance becomes essential at the 78.63 flood risk level; don't assume standard homeowners coverage will protect you when heavy rains arrive. Given the 51.62 earthquake risk, also review your home's structural integrity and consider earthquake insurance if you own an older building in a flood-prone zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Columbia County

via WeatherByCounty

A cool, damp climate

Columbia County maintains an average annual temperature of 47.6°F, well below the national median. It is a wet region, with 48.4 inches of precipitation annually exceeding the typical U.S. average.

Cooler than the state average

The county is roughly 2.3 degrees cooler than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It ranks among the state's cooler counties, particularly due to its chilly 26.9°F winter average.

Wetter than surrounding counties

With 48.4 inches of precipitation, Columbia is wetter than neighboring Clinton and Clearfield. It experiences similar temperature patterns to Clearfield but receives much more annual rainfall.

Snowy winters and gentle summers

The county receives 46.0 inches of snow per year and averages just 4 days of extreme heat over 90°F. July stays comfortable with an average of 69.4°F, making it a refuge from coastal heatwaves.

Invest in moisture control

High annual precipitation makes basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance a priority for local residents. Heating remains the primary utility concern given the cold January lows of 24.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Columbia County

via SoilByCounty

Weathered Ultisols of the Ridge

Columbia County is defined by Ultisols with a pH of 5.26, which aligns perfectly with the Pennsylvania average. These soils are notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, reflecting a history of long-term weathering.

Gravelly Loam Foundations

The dominant texture is gravelly loam, consisting of 44.7% silt, 29.7% sand, and 14.9% clay. This mix ensures the soil stays aerated and loose, preventing the compaction often found in heavier clay soils.

High Water Holding Potential

The available water capacity is 0.163 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.151 in/in. Combined with 10.70% organic matter, this soil provides a resilient environment that keeps plants hydrated through dry spells.

Naturally Efficient Drainage

These soils are well-drained and fall into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate rate of water infiltration. This classification is excellent for gardening as it protects sensitive root systems from rot.

Bountiful Harvests in 6b

In hardiness zone 6b, the high water capacity of Columbia County's soil supports lush vegetable patches and fruit trees. Dig in today and take advantage of these nutrient-rich gravelly loams.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Columbia County

via LawnByCounty

Heightened Challenges in Columbia

Columbia County presents a tougher environment with a lawn difficulty score of 48.6, falling below both the state and national averages. Maintaining a lush lawn here requires more vigilance compared to your neighbors.

High Precipitation and Cool Summers

The county receives a robust 48.4 inches of rain annually, exceeding the state average of 45.2 inches. While 2,377 growing degree days keep growth moderate, the extra moisture can increase the risk of fungal diseases if drainage is poor.

Working with Gravelly Loam

The well-drained gravelly loam texture is ideal for root aeration, but the 5.26 pH level remains too acidic for standard turf. You must monitor your soil closely and add lime to correct this balance for optimal nutrient absorption.

Coping with Persistent Drought

Columbia County spent a significant 33 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Despite high annual rainfall, these seasonal gaps mean you must prioritize efficient irrigation during dry cycles.

Growing Resilience in Zone 6b

Select drought-tolerant cool-season blends to survive the county's frequent dry spells. Your primary growing window opens after May 4 and closes with the first frost on October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Columbia County's county score?
Columbia County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Columbia County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Columbia County ranks #24 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 Columbia County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Columbia County is $2,266, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Columbia County a tax score of 28.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Columbia County?
The median household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is $61,992 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Columbia County earns an income score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Columbia County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Columbia County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Columbia 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 Columbia 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.