countyscore
60.8
County Score
Cost of Living 80.3Schools 74Health 71.7

County Report Card

About Elk County, Pennsylvania

A National Leader in Livability

Elk County earns a stellar composite score of 60.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county among the most well-balanced locales in the United States.

Top-Tier State Performance

With a 60.8 score, Elk County significantly outperforms the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It is one of the highest-rated counties in the Commonwealth for overall quality of life.

Unbeatable Affordability and Quality

Housing value is exceptional here, reflected in a Cost Score of 80.3 and a median rent of just $720. Solid scores in health (71.7) and schools (74.0) create a very high baseline for residents.

Taxes and Infrastructure Gaps

The county's Tax Score of 20.5 and Water Score of 29.8 are its primary weak points. Despite cheap housing, residents face a 1.311% effective tax rate that is higher than some neighboring regions.

The Best Value for Families

Elk County is a hidden gem for families and retirees looking to maximize their dollar without compromising on schools or safety. It offers an incredible balance of low costs and high-quality community services.

Score breakdown

Tax20.5Cost80.3Safety62.1Health71.7Schools74Income51Risk54.8Water29.8Weather57.8
🏛20.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67
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

Elk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Elk County

via TaxByCounty

Elk's rate slightly exceeds national average

Elk County's 1.311% effective tax rate sits below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% but slightly above the national median of 1.58%, placing it in the middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,686 is 63% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values.

Elk ranks near Pennsylvania's average

At 1.311%, Elk County's effective tax rate nearly mirrors Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, resulting in a median property tax of $1,686 considerably below the state average of $2,657. The county sits squarely in Pennsylvania's middle tier for tax burden.

Elk competes favorably with region

Elk County's 1.311% rate exceeds nearby Clearfield (1.190%), Clinton (1.143%), and Columbia (1.138%), but remains well below Crawford (1.464%) and regional higher-tax counties. At $1,686 in median taxes, Elk offers competitive pricing on smaller home values typical of the region.

Median homeowner pays $1,686 annually

On a median home value of $128,600, Elk County homeowners pay approximately $1,686 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.311% effective rate. With a mortgage, taxes rise slightly to $1,744; without one, they drop to $1,651.

Challenge overassessments for quick savings

Elk County homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales, as overassessments could cost $200-400 annually. Filing an appeal with the county assessment office is straightforward and could quickly reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elk County

via CostByCounty

Elk County offers best affordability nationwide

At 13.5%, Elk County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the nation, well below both the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With median rent of just $720 per month and household income at $64,103, renters here enjoy exceptional breathing room in their budgets.

Pennsylvania's most affordable rental market

Elk County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% stands markedly below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, making it the most affordable county in the state for renters. The $720 median rent is Pennsylvania's lowest among the counties analyzed, providing substantial savings for renters across income levels.

Unbeaten affordability in the region

Elk's $720 rent undercuts all regional peers by $50–184 monthly: Clearfield ($788), Crawford ($800), Clinton ($815), and Columbia ($904). The county's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio stands alone—second-best in the entire dataset after comparing eight counties—reflecting Elk's exceptional position as the region's affordability leader.

Housing remains minimal budget burden

Renters allocate merely 13.5% of the $64,103 median household income to $720 monthly rent, while homeowners spend about 12% on mortgages averaging $643 on homes valued at $128,600. Both groups enjoy Pennsylvania's lightest housing-cost burden by a substantial margin.

Elk County: Pennsylvania's affordability champion

If budget is your priority, Elk County delivers unmatched Pennsylvania affordability: rents at $720 and homes near $128,600 cost 20–40% less than comparable rural alternatives. Weigh this exceptional value against job market opportunities and amenities in competing regions before choosing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elk County

via IncomeByCounty

Elk trails national income but shows strength

Elk County's median household income of $64,103 falls $10,652 short of the national median of $74,755, a 14.3% gap. While below the U.S. average, Elk outperforms most peers in this rural county sample. The regional economy shows relative resilience compared to surrounding areas.

Middle-tier earner in Pennsylvania

Elk County's $64,103 median household income trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $5,511, but ranks above half the counties in this eight-county sample. Per capita income of $35,683 similarly performs above several peers. Elk's position suggests a relatively diversified rural economy with modest economic health.

Strongest performer among western peers

Elk's $64,103 ranks third in this eight-county comparison, behind only Delaware ($88,576) and Cumberland ($85,634), and ahead of Dauphin ($74,159). Elk notably outpaces western neighbors Clearfield ($60,181), Clinton ($58,842), and Crawford ($60,254) by meaningful margins. This leadership position reflects either better economic diversification or higher workforce participation.

Most affordable housing in the sample

Elk County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this entire eight-county sample, meaning renters spend just $720 monthly on average. The median home value of $128,600 is highly accessible relative to household income, providing exceptional affordability. This cost advantage creates significant opportunities for wealth building through homeownership.

Buy now and build generational wealth

Elk residents should capitalize on America's lowest rent burden in this sample by purchasing homes and building substantial equity. With modest incomes but exceptional affordability, strategic real estate investment can generate decades of appreciating value. Pair homeownership with consistent retirement contributions to create meaningful, generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Elk County

via CrimeByCounty

Elk County offers impressive national safety

Elk County's total crime rate of 874.2 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a very high safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Residents benefit from the surveillance of eight local reporting agencies.

Exceeding the Pennsylvania safety benchmark

Elk County's safety score of 98.6 is slightly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 874.2 per 100,000 is also better than the state average of 932.4. These metrics define Elk County as a secure and peaceful place to live.

Elk County vs. regional neighbors

Elk County's crime rate of 874.2 is almost identical to Crawford County's rate of 871.6. It is slightly higher than the exceptionally safe Clearfield County, which reports a rate of 587.1. This whole region is characterized by very low crime compared to the rest of the nation.

Low violent crime in the northern tier

Violent crime in Elk County is low at 113.3 per 100,000, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for 760.9 incidents per 100,000, which is still well below the national average of 2,015.7. The risk of serious crime remains minimal for most residents.

Protecting your home in Elk County

Most crime in the area is property-related, making home security a smart local investment. Using basic deterrents like deadbolts and exterior lighting can help prevent opportunistic theft. Small steps ensure that Elk County continues to be one of the safest spots in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Elk County

via HealthByCounty

Elk's life expectancy matches national norms

At 76.6 years, Elk County's life expectancy essentially matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, while its 17.2% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below the national benchmark. The county's moderate outcomes reflect typical rural Pennsylvania health patterns with reasonable coverage rates.

Solid middle-tier health standing in PA

Elk's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average by a slim margin, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Its 6.0% uninsured rate meaningfully beats the state average of 7.0%, signaling above-average coverage equity for a rural county.

Better health outcomes than fellow rural counties

Elk's 17.2% poor/fair health rate outperforms nearby Clearfield (19.9%) and Clinton (19.1%), approaching Columbia's 17.9% and suggesting stronger preventive care reach. With 36 primary care providers per 100,000, Elk matches Clinton's sparse coverage but lags Columbia (57) and more urban peers.

Rural access constraints with modest mental health resources

Elk's 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—typical for rural Pennsylvania—may require residents to travel for routine care. Mental health access is limited at 109 providers per 100,000, creating potential gaps for residents with behavioral health needs.

Protect your care access in Elk

With 6.0% of residents uninsured—approximately 1,400 people—Elk County still has coverage gaps that leave families vulnerable to medical costs. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your county health office to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and subsidies that lower premiums for eligible Elk residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Elk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School System

Elk County operates 10 public schools across just 3 districts, serving 3,181 students. The system is concise, with 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools serving the entire region.

High Graduation Success in Rural Pennsylvania

Elk County achieves a 91.3% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. The county invests $10,108 per pupil, achieving a school score of 60.9 that perfectly matches the Pennsylvania state average.

Saint Marys Area Leads Local Education

Saint Marys Area SD is the largest district, educating 1,863 students in 5 schools. Ridgway Area and Johnsonburg Area districts manage the rest of the student population, and there are no charter schools in the county.

Close-Knit Schools in a Quiet Rural Setting

With an average school size of just 318 students, Elk County offers one of the most personalized learning environments in the state. Most schools are rural, with the largest campus, St Marys Area Senior High, hosting only 609 students.

Peaceful Living Near High-Performing Schools

If you are looking for a quiet lifestyle where your children can succeed in small classes, Elk County is a hidden gem. Look for properties near Saint Marys to stay close to the county's primary educational and community hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elk County

via RiskByCounty

Elk ranks among safest U.S. counties

With a composite risk score of 45.20, Elk places in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, earning a Relatively Low rating. The county benefits from exceptionally minimal wildfire (5.85), tornado (18.10), and earthquake (27.61) risks, though some flood exposure persists.

Pennsylvania's safest county by far

Elk's 45.20 score ranks substantially below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, establishing it as the state's least hazard-exposed county by a significant margin. This exceptional safety profile results from the county's remote northwestern location, which shields it from seismic, tornado, and wildfire vulnerabilities affecting other regions.

Dramatically safer than all regional peers

Elk (45.20) faces far lower composite risk than nearby Crawford County (76.02) and Clearfield County (67.11), making it a clear outlier in its region. The county's isolation and elevation provide natural protection from most hazard categories, creating Pennsylvania's most favorable disaster-risk environment.

Flooding is the sole meaningful concern

Flood risk of 67.97 represents Elk's only significant natural hazard exposure; wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks all rank among Pennsylvania's lowest. This narrow hazard profile means residents can focus preparedness efforts almost exclusively on water-related disasters.

Flood insurance completes your protection

With flood risk at 67.97 and all other hazards minimized, a National Flood Insurance Program policy or private flood insurance represents your primary disaster protection need. Once flood coverage is secured, Elk residents enjoy some of Pennsylvania's most favorable odds against natural disasters, requiring minimal additional hazard-specific preparations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Elk County

via WeatherByCounty

A cold mountain climate

Elk County averages 46.4°F annually, making it one of the coldest spots in the northeastern United States. The region experiences long, snowy winters and very short, cool summers.

One of the coldest in PA

The county average of 46.4°F is 3.5 degrees colder than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It frequently records the lowest daily temperatures in the state during the winter months.

Coldest in the immediate region

Elk is colder than all its immediate neighbors, including Clearfield (47.9°F) and Clinton (49.6°F). Its 59.4 inches of snow is roughly double the amount seen in Clinton County.

Frigid winters and rare heat

Winters are harsh with a 25.7°F average, while summers are remarkably cool. Only 2 days per year reach 90°F, and the July average stays a refreshing 67.8°F.

Prepare for deep freezes

Residents must invest heavily in home insulation and high-output heating systems to survive the cold 23.4°F Januarys. Air conditioning is a luxury rather than a necessity, as extreme heat is nearly non-existent.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elk County

via SoilByCounty

The Wild Soil Frontier

Elk County's specific soil taxonomic and pH data are currently unmapped in this dataset. Generally, this region's soils are shaped by steep topography and the deep organic litter of its expansive forests.

Undiscovered Mineral Mixes

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this county. Local gardeners often find a mix of rocky mountain soils and rich forest humus that varies significantly by elevation.

Natural Forest Fertility

While numerical fertility data is limited, the county's lush wilderness suggests high natural organic matter. Home soil tests are the best way to determine your specific patch's nutrient and water capacity.

Mapping Your Water Flow

Drainage classifications for the county are currently unavailable. Observe how your land handles spring snowmelt and heavy rains to understand how your specific location manages water.

Hardy Crops for 5b

Situated in the cooler hardiness zone 5b, Elk County is ideal for cold-season favorites like kale and garlic. Don't let a lack of data stop you—start a garden today and discover what your local soil can do.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elk County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawn in the Group

Elk County earns a stellar lawn difficulty score of 67.0, the highest in this group. This Zone 5b region offers a cool, consistent environment where grass flourishes with much less effort than the national or state averages.

A Paradise for Cool-Season Grass

With only 2 extreme heat days and 46.0 inches of annual rain, your lawn stays naturally hydrated and stress-free. The lower 2,186 growing degree days mean your mowing schedule is more relaxed compared to the warmer southern counties.

Personalizing Your Soil Approach

While specific soil data is currently unavailable for Elk County, local gardeners should perform a home test to determine their pH levels. Given the high lawn score, the soil likely supports growth well, but a professional analysis will confirm your specific nutrient needs.

Steady Moisture Despite Dry Spells

Elk County is currently 100.0% abnormally dry, though it only faced 19 weeks of drought over the past year. Use the region's high annual precipitation to your advantage by practicing water-wise lawn care during the shorter summer stretches.

Capitalizing on the Cool Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are perfect for Elk’s cool Zone 5b climate. Because of the shorter season, concentrate your seeding and feeding between the last frost on May 14 and the first frost on October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elk County's county score?
Elk County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Elk County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Elk County ranks #2 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 Elk County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Elk County is $1,686, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Elk County a tax score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elk County?
The median household income in Elk County, Pennsylvania is $64,103 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elk County earns an income score of 51/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elk County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Elk County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Elk 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 Elk County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.