CountyScore

Erie County

Pennsylvania · PA

#51 in Pennsylvania
61.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Erie County, Pennsylvania

Erie Beats National Average

Erie County's composite score of 63.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 27% advantage reflects a county where cost of living and tax burden align favorably compared to most of the country.

Slightly Below Pennsylvania Average

Erie scores 63.5 versus Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 67 counties. While not a top performer statewide, Erie remains solidly above-median nationally.

Affordability Is Erie's Strength

The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 78.7, supporting a median home value of $169,500 and median rent of $876 per month. Taxes are also moderate at 1.625% effective rate, making Erie attractive for budget-conscious households.

Income Growth Lags Behind

Erie's income score of 23.5 is a significant weakness, with a median household income of $61,476 trailing both state and national trends. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality are not yet available, limiting a full picture of livability.

Best for Cost-Conscious Families

Erie suits working families and retirees who prioritize affordable housing and lower taxes over high earning potential. The county delivers solid value if you're willing to accept moderate household incomes and want more clarity on health and safety factors.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax56.6Cost78.7SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.5Risk15.9WaterComing Soon
🏛56.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Erie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alachua County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $59,659
Lake County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $69,956
Cobb County
Georgia
61.7
Median income: $98,712
Herkimer County
New York
61.7
Median income: $68,858
Lorain County
Ohio
61.7
Median income: $70,693

Deep Dives

Erie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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