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.

20406080100942.426.763.755.143.615.943.762.1Tax9Cost42.4Safety26.7Health63.7Schools55.1Income43.6Risk15.9Water43.7Weather62.139/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Erie County DNA

Foverall

How Erie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Erie County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (9/100), though Health (63.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9-43
Cost
42.4
Safety
26.7-28.3
Health
63.7+13.700000000000003
Schools
55.1
Income
43.6
Risk
15.9-31.1
Water
43.7-14.299999999999997
Weather
62.1
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Many homeowners in Erie County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$876/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,476/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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52.4
Chautauqua County
New York
41.2
Warren County
Pennsylvania
52.3
Ashtabula County
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Venango County
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Forest County
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54.7
Mercer County
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Trumbull County
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39.3

Deep Dives

Erie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Erie County

via WaterByCounty

Erie's Drinking Water Earns a D Grade

Erie County recorded 75 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a D grade. Despite the low grade, the county violation rate of 25.7 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Pennsylvania average of 86.5.

Full Compliance for Assessed Water Bodies

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that 100% of the 19,049 assessed water bodies in Erie County meet federal standards. This perfect attainment rate matches the current state average for assessed segments. Local authorities continue to monitor these vast resources to ensure they remain unimpaired.

Microbiological Monitoring Leads Local Efforts

Technicians collected 18,287 measurements across 85 different monitoring sites over the past five years. Microbiological and physical characteristics represent the most frequently tested groups in the county. This dense monitoring network provides a robust baseline for tracking pesticide and organic levels.

French Creek Flows Above Typical Levels

The USGS gauge at French Creek near Union City currently reports a discharge of 869 cfs. This flow represents 163% of the long-term mean for this 221-square-mile drainage area. Higher-than-average volume often indicates recent precipitation or snowmelt upstream.

Manage Water Safety During High Flows

While watershed health is currently rated high, the D grade for drinking water suggests residents should track local utility notices. High streamflow in French Creek can increase turbidity, so private well owners should monitor for changes in clarity. Regular testing remains the best defense against historical health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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