56
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.3Water Quality 86Health 68.1

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Pennsylvania

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Fulton County achieves a 56.0 composite score, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This places it in the upper tier of all counties nationwide for overall livability.

Outpacing the Pennsylvania Average

Fulton is a top performer in Pennsylvania, exceeding the state average of 51.8 by over four points. It ranks as one of the more desirable rural locations in the state.

Superior Safety and Environmental Quality

It boasts an exceptional risk score of 92.3 and a water quality score of 86.0. Health and schools also show strength, with scores of 68.1 and 63.1 respectively.

Moderating Taxes and Community Safety

Tax burdens are moderate but have room to improve, with a score of 36.1 and an effective rate of 1.028%. Safety scores 41.4, which is lower than the county's other high-performing categories.

Perfect for Families Seeking Stability

Fulton is the premier choice for families looking for a safe, environmentally pristine community with excellent schools. It offers a high quality of life for those who appreciate rural stability.

2040608010036.160.141.468.163.153.592.38655.9Tax36.1Cost60.1Safety41.4Health68.1Schools63.1Income53.5Risk92.3Water86Weather55.956/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Fulton County DNA

Foverall

How Fulton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fulton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (36.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.1-15.899999999999999
Cost
60.1+12.100000000000001
Safety
41.4-13.600000000000001
Health
68.1+18.099999999999994
Schools
63.1+9.100000000000001
Income
53.5
Risk
92.3+45.3
Water
86+28
Weather
55.9
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Think property taxes are too high in Fulton County?

Many homeowners in Fulton 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

$206,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$781/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$206,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,798/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton offers low rates despite decent home values

Fulton County's effective tax rate of 1.028% ranks well below the national median of 1.317%, placing it in roughly the 25th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,118 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, even as typical homes approach $206,000 in value.

Fulton ranks among Pennsylvania's lowest-tax counties

At 1.028%, Fulton's effective rate is among the lowest in the state, sitting well below the Pennsylvania average of 1.317%. The median tax bill of $2,118 is roughly $539 lower than the state median, providing meaningful savings to property owners.

Fulton competes well with neighboring counties

Fulton's 1.028% rate is lower than Forest (1.038%), Fayette (1.195%), and Franklin (1.115%), making it one of the region's most tax-efficient counties. A Fulton homeowner pays roughly $200–$1,100 less annually than residents of higher-taxing counties, despite competitive home values.

Median Fulton home costs about $2,118 yearly

A typical Fulton home worth $206,000 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,118. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,271; without one, it drops to $1,948.

Fulton homeowners can further reduce taxes via appeals

Even in one of Pennsylvania's lowest-tax counties, assessment errors occur. Requesting an informal review or formal appeal of your property's assessed value could trim another $200–$400 from your annual bill.

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Fulton County Offers Solid Rental Affordability

Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% ranks among the most affordable in this group and sits below both the national average of 15.8% and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With a median household income of $64,798, local earners maintain healthy financial flexibility for non-housing expenses.

Fulton Ranks in PA's Most Affordable Counties

At 14.5%, Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio is among Pennsylvania's lowest, indicating strong rental affordability relative to local incomes. Monthly rent of $781 sits 19% below the state median of $960, delivering genuine savings compared to statewide norms.

Fulton Balances Affordability with Home Values

Fulton's $781 monthly rent falls between Greene ($754) and Huntingdon ($795), while its $206,000 median home value ranks second-highest in this group after Franklin's $236,300. This combination suggests Fulton attracts buyers seeking newer or better-quality housing stock without the premium costs of Franklin.

Housing Takes Just 14.5% of Household Income

Fulton County households earning $64,798 medially pay $781 for rent or $817 for mortgage, consuming only 14.5% and 15.2% of income respectively—among the region's lowest burdens. This leaves substantial room in budgets for savings, education, and other priorities.

Fulton Delivers Balanced Value and Affordability

If you're relocating to Pennsylvania, Fulton County offers an attractive middle ground: rental affordability at 14.5% of income with median home values of $206,000 that support quality housing stock. Compare Fulton's balance against Franklin's premium pricing ($1,071 rent) or Greene's lower home values ($146,200) to find your best fit.

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton falls slightly behind the nation

Fulton County's median household income of $64,798 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,957, placing it below the national average but ahead of many rural counties. The gap is modest relative to other Pennsylvania regions, suggesting a moderately healthy economy.

Below Pennsylvania's average income

Fulton's $64,798 income falls $4,816 short of Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county underperforms regional peers but remains economically stable.

Fulton earns more than western counties

Fulton's $64,798 outearns Forest ($50,061), Fayette ($56,093), Indiana ($58,739), and Erie ($61,476), but trails Franklin ($74,946). Among this group, Fulton occupies a solid middle position with stronger fundamentals than its western neighbors.

Rent exceptionally affordable here

At 14.5%, Fulton's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest of these eight counties, indicating strong housing affordability. Median home values of $206,000 remain reasonable relative to local incomes, supporting both renting and homeownership.

Capitalize on low housing costs

Fulton households earning $64,798 enjoy an exceptional advantage: below-average housing costs free up income for savings and investment. Prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring homeownership to build equity in an affordable market.

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County Beats National Crime Rates

Fulton County is a safe place to live, with a 97.9 safety score. Its total crime rate of 1327.0 per 100K is roughly 1,000 points lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Fulton County Compared to State Averages

Fulton's crime rate of 1327.0 per 100K is somewhat higher than the Pennsylvania average of 932.4. However, its 97.9 safety score remains quite strong relative to many other regions.

Local Safety in the Southern Tier

Fulton County reports a higher crime rate than neighboring Franklin County, which sits at 941.1 per 100K. Despite this, Fulton maintains a much safer profile than larger urban counties in the state.

Understanding Fulton's Crime Distribution

The county experiences 151.3 violent crimes and 1175.7 property crimes per 100K. Most reports are focused on property, meaning physical safety remains very high for most residents.

Practical Advice for Home Protection

Since property crime is the main concern in Fulton, simple security upgrades make a big difference. Installing smart doorbells and motion lights can deter potential theft and keep the community safe.

Schools in Fulton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fulton County’s Small Town Education

Fulton County features a streamlined education system with eight public schools divided among four districts. The county serves 1,982 students through three elementary, one middle, and four high schools. This structure provides a traditional K-12 experience within a compact, manageable network.

Solid Performance and Above-Average Spending

Fulton County maintains an 87.4% graduation rate, which is slightly above the national average of 87%. The county spends $10,447 per pupil, exceeding the Pennsylvania state average of $10,336. A school score of 59.6 puts it just under the state average but well ahead of the national median of 50.0.

Central Fulton and Southern Fulton Districts

Central Fulton School District is the largest in the county, educating 931 students across three schools. Southern Fulton follows with 697 students, while the smaller Forbes Road district serves 354. With zero charter schools in the area, these four local districts are the exclusive providers of public education.

The Heart of Rural Learning

All eight schools in Fulton County are located in rural settings, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 283 students, with McConnellsburg Elementary being the largest campus at 429 students. This rural character ensures small class sizes and a high degree of community involvement in every school.

Discover Rural Living Near Great Schools

If you are looking for a peaceful rural lifestyle with schools that spend above the state average, Fulton County is an excellent choice. Homes in the Central Fulton district offer proximity to the county's largest educational facilities and solid graduation rates. Explore real estate where a quiet commute and stable schools come standard.

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton County ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 7.76, Fulton County sits in the bottom 1% nationally for natural disaster risk—an exceptional "Very Low" rating. This score places Fulton among the most secure counties in the entire United States.

Second-safest county in Pennsylvania

Fulton's 7.76 score is the second-lowest in Pennsylvania, falling far below the state average of 67.45. Only Forest County offers even lower disaster risk in the commonwealth.

Safer than all adjacent counties

Fulton's 7.76 composite score dramatically outperforms neighboring Huntingdon (50.25), Franklin (76.40), and Maryland counties. The county's rural, inland location away from seismic zones and storm tracks drives this exceptional safety.

Hurricane risk the only notable concern

Even in ultra-low-risk Fulton, hurricane risk registers at 71.21—still moderate but exceptional for Pennsylvania's interior. All other hazards score well below state averages, with wildfire (22.77) and tornado (15.49) risks minimal.

Standard insurance meets your needs

Fulton County residents can confidently rely on basic homeowner's insurance without specialized riders for floods or earthquakes. An annual policy review suffices; Fulton offers some of the lowest natural disaster risk in the nation.

Water Quality in Fulton County

via WaterByCounty

Fulton County Maintains Perfect Scores

Fulton County earns an A grade for drinking water quality with zero health violations recorded over five years. This 0.0 violation rate per 100,000 people stands in stark contrast to the state average of 86.5. This record indicates highly reliable and compliant water utility management.

Watersheds Meet Federal Health Standards

According to the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of the 18,325 assessed water bodies in Fulton County are unimpaired. This perfect attainment rate shows that local waters comply with Clean Water Act §303(d) requirements. No major pollutants have been flagged in the most recent federal assessments.

Targeted Monitoring of Nutrient Levels

Agencies have recorded 3,915 measurements at 29 monitoring sites during the past five years. The monitoring focus remains on nutrients, metals, and inorganics within the 11-square-mile drainage area. While the measurement count is lower than neighbors, the lack of violations validates the current oversight.

Tonoloway Creek Experiences Low Flow

Current discharge at Tonoloway Creek near Needmore is only 5 cfs, which is just 36% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow indicates drier than normal conditions for the local watershed. Low streamflow can sometimes lead to higher concentrations of naturally occurring minerals.

Monitor Water Supplies During Drought

Fulton County's water is currently among the cleanest in the state, holding an A grade. However, Tonoloway Creek is flowing at only 36% of its typical level, which may impact some source water volumes. Residents should practice water conservation and monitor well levels until flow rates return to normal.

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Fulton's High-Quality Acidic Soil

Fulton County earns a soil score of 50.8, significantly higher than the state average of 46.3. Its pH of 5.43 is relatively high for Pennsylvania, though still more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Silt-Rich and Clay-Moderate Mix

The soil is 44.6% silt and 17.1% clay, a combination that provides good structure for root systems. The 27.8% sand content helps ensure the soil remains workable even after heavy rains.

Rich Organic Matter in Rural Fulton

Fulton's soil contains 8.94% organic matter, which is far superior to the national 2.0% average. Its water capacity of 0.150 in/in is almost exactly on par with the Pennsylvania state average.

Reliable Water Levels for Agriculture

The balanced silt and clay levels suggest the soil manages water effectively for most agricultural needs. This contributes to the county's strong overall soil score and its reputation for productive land.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6b

The Zone 6b climate and high-quality soil make Fulton a great place for traditional vegetable gardening. With high organic matter already present, your plants have a head start on the growing season.

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

Fulton County Lawns Are Moderately Easy

Fulton County scores 60.8 on the difficulty scale, placing it slightly above the state average of 59.2. This Zone 6b county offers a balanced environment for homeowners, though it requires more attention than the national median.

Lower Precipitation and Higher Summer Heat

The county receives 40.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average of 45.2. Combined with 14 extreme heat days, turf owners should expect to irrigate more frequently to keep grass from entering dormancy.

Adjusting pH for Optimal Grass Health

Fulton's soil pH of 5.43 is acidic, falling short of the ideal 6.0 benchmark. The soil contains 17.1% clay and 27.8% sand, a composition that can hold moisture but requires pH correction to maximize fertilizer efficiency.

Severe Drought Affects Over Half the County

With 28 weeks of drought in the past year, 55.4% of Fulton County currently sits in severe drought. Keeping your mower blades high is a practical way to shade the soil and preserve precious moisture during these dry spells.

Choose Resilient Varieties for Fulton Yards

While specific frost dates for the county are currently unavailable, Zone 6b generally supports cool-season grasses seeded in early autumn. Focus on drought-tolerant varieties to combat the region's higher-than-average heat day count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 56 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 Fulton County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Fulton County ranks #22 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 Fulton County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $2,118, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 36.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Pennsylvania is $64,798 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 53.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Fulton 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 Fulton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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