countyscore
39
County Score
Lawn Care 67.5Health 63.7Weather & Climate 62.1

County Report Card

About Erie County, Pennsylvania

Erie Trails the National Median

Erie scores 39.0 on the composite index, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county faces more livability challenges than the average American county.

Trailing the Pennsylvania State Average

With a score of 39.0, Erie sits well behind the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It ranks in the lower tier of counties across the Commonwealth for overall quality of life.

High Marks for Health and Education

The county offers solid health resources with a score of 63.7 and reliable schools at 55.1. Residents benefit from a median rent of $876, which remains affordable compared to larger metro areas.

Addressing High Taxes and Environmental Risk

The tax score of 9.0 is a major hurdle, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.625%. Safety and environmental risk also present concerns, with scores of 26.7 and 15.9 respectively.

A Fit for Health-Conscious Renters

Erie is best for individuals who prioritize healthcare and education while being comfortable with a higher tax burden. It offers an accessible entry point for those seeking urban amenities at a lower price.

Score breakdown

Tax9Cost42.4Safety26.7Health63.7Schools55.1Income43.6Risk15.9Water43.7Weather62.1
🏛9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.5
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

Erie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Erie County

via TaxByCounty

Erie taxes run above the national norm

At 1.625%, Erie's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.317% by about 23%, placing it in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. The county's median property tax of $2,754 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, even though Erie homes are worth considerably less ($169,500 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Erie ranks mid-pack among Pennsylvania counties

Erie's 1.625% effective rate runs above Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, and its $2,754 median tax bill is about $97 higher than the state median. Among all 67 Pennsylvania counties, Erie falls in the upper-middle tier for tax burden.

Erie pays more than most regional peers

Compared to nearby counties, Erie's tax rate is notably higher than Forest County (1.038%) and Huntingdon County (0.914%), but lower than Indiana County (1.562%). Erie homeowners pay roughly $600–$700 more annually than those in the lowest-taxing neighboring counties.

Median Erie home costs about $2,754 yearly

A typical Erie home worth $169,500 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,754. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,868; without one, it drops to $2,607.

Many Erie homeowners may be overassessed

Property assessment errors are common across Pennsylvania. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, filing an appeal with your local assessor or the county board of assessment can lower your tax burden—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Erie County

via CostByCounty

Erie's Rent Burden Tops National Average

Erie County renters spend 17.1% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average of 15.8%, reflecting moderate affordability pressure. The median household income of $61,476 falls well below the national median of $74,755, making every housing dollar count more here.

Middle of the Pack Statewide

Erie's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits slightly above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's 67 counties. With median rent at $876 per month versus the state median of $960, Erie offers modest cost relief for renters.

Erie Balances Regional Housing Costs

Erie's $876 monthly rent falls between Fayette County's $771 and Franklin County's $1,071, reflecting Erie's middle position in the region. The median home value of $169,500 is notably lower than Franklin's $236,300 but higher than Fayette's $126,900, offering a moderate entry point for buyers.

Housing Takes 34% of Renters' Budgets

With monthly rent at $876 and median household income of $61,476 (roughly $5,123 monthly), renters dedicate 17.1% to rent alone, while homeowners pay $914 monthly toward ownership. Together, housing costs consume significant portions of household budgets, leaving limited flexibility for other essentials.

Consider Erie for Balanced Living Costs

If you're relocating to Pennsylvania, Erie offers below-state-average rents while maintaining reasonable home values—a strong match for middle-income families. Compare Erie's $876 rent against higher-cost neighbors like Franklin County before deciding where affordability meets your lifestyle needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Erie County

via IncomeByCounty

Erie trails the nation on income

Erie County's median household income of $61,476 falls $13,279 short of the national median of $74,755. While this represents a meaningful gap, Erie households earn more than many rural Pennsylvania counties, positioning the region in the middle of the national income spectrum.

Below average for Pennsylvania

Erie's median household income ranks below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The $8,138 gap suggests Erie faces steeper affordability challenges than much of the state.

Erie earns more than western peers

Erie's $61,476 income outpaces nearby Forest County ($50,061) and Indiana County ($58,739), but falls short of Franklin County's $74,946. Among this cluster of northwestern and western counties, Erie occupies the middle ground.

Rent remains affordable here

At 17.1% of income, Erie's rent-to-income ratio sits at the national comfort threshold, meaning most households can afford local housing without financial strain. With a median home value of $169,500, homeownership remains achievable for middle-income families.

Build savings despite income gaps

Erie households earning $61,476 should prioritize automated savings and low-cost index funds to bridge the national income gap over time. Even modest monthly investments can compound significantly; consulting a financial advisor about homeownership timelines and retirement planning strengthens long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Erie County

via CrimeByCounty

Erie County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Erie County maintains a strong safety score of 97.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1783.3 per 100K sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Erie to the Pennsylvania Average

While Erie is safer than the national average, its crime rate of 1783.3 per 100K is higher than the state average of 932.4. The county's safety score of 97.2 trails slightly behind the state average of 98.5.

Safety Trends in the Northwestern Region

Erie's crime rate of 1783.3 per 100K is higher than Fayette County's rate of 1436.7. Despite the local volume, Erie remains a significant hub for reporting with 24 active agencies.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

The county reports 303.1 violent crimes and 1480.2 property crimes per 100K residents. This means property-related incidents are nearly five times more common than violent offenses in the community.

Proactive Steps for Your Home Security

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, security systems are a vital deterrent. Residents should focus on securing points of entry to maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Erie County

via HealthByCounty

Erie's life expectancy matches national trends

At 76.0 years, Erie County residents live about as long as the U.S. average of 76.1 years, suggesting broadly similar health outcomes. However, 19.0% of adults report poor or fair health—slightly above the national average of 17.9%—indicating room for improvement in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Erie ranks slightly below state average

Erie's life expectancy of 76.0 years trails Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by less than half a year, placing it near the middle of the state's health rankings. The county's 19.0% poor/fair health rate is better than several struggling rural counties but reflects ongoing health challenges compared to state leaders.

Erie outpaces some western peers

Erie County's 76.0-year life expectancy edges out Forest County (70.9 years) and Fayette County (72.5 years), though it lags Franklin County (77.2 years) by 1.2 years. The county offers stronger primary care access at 81 providers per 100K than most neighbors, but mental health provider density of 282 per 100K is typical for the region.

Low uninsured rate, strong provider access

Just 6.1% of Erie residents lack health insurance—below Pennsylvania's 7.0% average—giving most residents a pathway to regular care. With 81 primary care providers per 100K, Erie offers more accessible primary care than the state median, though mental health services at 282 per 100K suggest longer wait times for behavioral health.

Make sure your coverage is current

While Erie's uninsured rate is lower than state average, 6.1% of residents—roughly 13,000 people—still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or employer options; open enrollment and qualifying life events may expand your choices.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Erie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Educational Landscape in Erie

Erie County supports a robust network of 68 public schools serving over 35,500 students across 18 districts. The infrastructure includes 36 elementary, 16 middle, and 16 high schools to provide a complete K-12 pipeline. This large-scale system balances urban density with expansive suburban and rural reaches.

Evaluating Results and Educational Investment

The county's graduation rate sits at 86.1%, trailing the Pennsylvania state average of 90.3% but remaining competitive with the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,364, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000. Despite tighter budgets, Erie maintains a school score of 56.6, outpacing the national median of 50.0.

Spotlight on Erie’s Largest School Districts

Erie City School District leads the county with 15 schools and 10,061 students, followed by Millcreek Township with over 6,300 students. Charter schools account for 5.9% of the local options, with four active campuses providing specialized alternatives. These large districts serve as the primary educational hubs for the region's diverse population.

A Mix of Urban Centers and Rural Classrooms

Students attend a variety of settings, ranging from 18 city-based schools to 20 rural and 20 suburban campuses. While the average school size is 523 students, Erie High School serves as a massive hub for 2,317 learners. This variety ensures that families can find everything from large-scale high school experiences to intimate rural elementary settings.

Find Your Home Near Erie's Top Schools

As you search for properties in Erie County, consider the impact of proximity to high-performing districts like Millcreek Township. School quality is a major driver of long-term property value and community stability in the Great Lakes region. Explore neighborhoods that offer the perfect balance of academic excellence and local charm.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Erie County

via RiskByCounty

Erie ranks above the national average

With a composite risk score of 84.10, Erie County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly flooding, which scores 90.71—well above typical levels nationwide.

Third-riskiest county in Pennsylvania

Erie's 84.10 composite score ranks among the highest in Pennsylvania, where the state average is 67.45. Only two other counties in the state face comparably elevated disaster risk across multiple hazard types.

More exposed than neighboring counties

Erie faces notably higher risk than Crawford County to the north and Chautauqua County across the state line. Its flood risk (90.71) and hurricane risk (71.09) are substantially elevated compared to inland neighbors, reflecting its position on Lake Erie's shore.

Flooding and hurricanes top the list

Flooding is Erie's dominant hazard, scoring 90.71, followed by hurricane risk at 71.09 and tornado risk at 66.57. Lake Erie's proximity means residents face both riverine flooding from heavy rainfall and surge risks during Atlantic hurricane season.

Prioritize flood insurance immediately

With flood risk in the 91st percentile, flood insurance is not optional—it's essential for renters and homeowners alike. Standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage; contact your insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure coverage before the next heavy rain event.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Erie County

via WeatherByCounty

A Chilly Lakefront Climate

Erie's 49.0°F annual average reflects a humid continental climate that sits below the national median temperature. This cooler profile results in longer, more sustained winters compared to much of the United States.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 49.0°F, Erie is nearly a full degree cooler than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. It ranks among the state's cloudier and chillier northern tier counties due to its unique position on the Great Lakes.

Regional Lake Effects

While neighboring Forest County enjoys a 49.9°F average, Erie remains colder because of its northern latitude. Its 46.0 inches of precipitation slightly exceeds the state average of 45.3 inches.

Famous Snow and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with a staggering 109.3 inches of snowfall and January lows of 26.3°F. Conversely, summers remain very mild with only 3 days per year topping 90°F.

Gear Up for Deep Snow

Residents must prioritize high-capacity snow removal equipment and heavy-duty winter apparel to handle the 100-inch seasons. Robust home insulation is also essential to combat the sustained lake-effect cold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Erie County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Lakefront Soils in Erie

Erie's soil features an average pH of 5.29, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While low compared to national standards, this acidity is slightly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22.

Silt-Heavy Texture for Easy Working

The soil composition is dominated by 49.9% silt and 30.4% sand, providing a fine-grained texture that is relatively easy to till. A low clay content of 14.0% means the soil resists heavy compaction better than many other regions.

Strong Water Retention for Lake Crops

Organic matter sits at 6.88%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls below the state's high average of 12.14%. The available water capacity of 0.166 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.151, ensuring reliable moisture for crops.

Moisture Management Near the Shore

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high silt and moderate sand percentages suggest a profile that holds water well without becoming immediately swampy. Gardeners should monitor for saturation during heavy lake-effect rain events.

A Vineyard Paradise in Zone 6b

Falling in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Erie is famous for its grapes and tree fruits that thrive in these acidic, water-holding soils. Start your own vineyard or berry patch to take advantage of this unique lakefront climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Erie County

via LawnByCounty

Erie's Lawn Success Outpaces the State Average

With a difficulty score of 67.5, maintaining a lawn in Erie County is significantly easier than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. This Zone 6b region offers a climate that is much more hospitable than the national median of 50.0.

Cool Summers and Plentiful Lake Precipitation

The county receives 46.0 inches of annual precipitation, placing it right in the sweet spot for turf growth. With only 3 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 11, local grass experiences far less summer stress than neighboring regions.

Acidic Soil Requires Strategic Amendments

Local soil pH averages 5.29, which falls below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy lawns. Homeowners manage a mix of 14.0% clay and 30.4% sand, requiring regular lime applications to balance the acidity.

Reliable Moisture and High Drought Resilience

Erie County saw only 7 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 0.0% of the area is abnormally dry. This stability allows for consistent mowing schedules without the constant need for supplemental irrigation.

Seeding Success in the Lake Effect Zone

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here after the final frost on May 7th. With 2680 growing degree days, the season provides ample warmth for establishing new sod before the first fall frost on November 4th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erie County's county score?
Erie County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 39 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 Erie County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Erie County ranks #66 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 Erie County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Erie County is $2,754, with an effective tax rate of 1.62%. This earns Erie County a tax score of 9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Erie County?
The median household income in Erie County, Pennsylvania is $61,476 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Erie County earns an income score of 43.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Erie County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Erie County scores 39/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Erie 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 Erie 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.