countyscore
55.9
County Score
Lawn Care 76.5Safety 68.4Cost of Living 67.8

County Report Card

About Greene County, Pennsylvania

Above the National Quality Median

Greene County earns a 55.9 composite score, which is well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably among its peers across the United States.

A Strong Performer in Pennsylvania

Exceeding the state average of 51.8, Greene proves to be a competitive option within Pennsylvania. It offers a balanced profile of safety and affordability for residents.

Public Safety and Low Home Costs

Public safety is a major asset with a 68.4 score, paired with an affordable cost score of 67.8. Median home values remain low at $146,200, making ownership attainable for many.

Water Quality and Tax Burdens

Water quality is the primary concern, scoring just 19.2 on the index. The tax score of 21.1 also indicates a relatively high local tax burden compared to other dimensions.

A Win for First-Time Homeowners

Greene is perfect for young families and first-time buyers who prioritize safety and low housing costs. Residents should be prepared to invest in private water filtration or infrastructure improvements.

Score breakdown

Tax21.1Cost67.8Safety68.4Health58.3Schools64.7Income58.8Risk44.9Water19.2Weather57.3
🏛21.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.5
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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Nearby counties

Monongalia County
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51.4
Washington County
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55.1
Marion County
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54.4
Marshall County
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Wetzel County
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Ohio County
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Fayette County
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Brooke County
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Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene taxes run slightly above the national average

Greene County's effective tax rate of 1.295% sits just below the national median of 1.317%, positioning it near the national 48th percentile. At $1,893, the median property tax is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values ($146,200 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Greene ranks near the state average for taxes

With an effective rate of 1.295%, Greene sits just 0.022 percentage points below Pennsylvania's average of 1.317%, making it nearly typical statewide. The median tax of $1,893 is about $764 lower than the state median, reflecting Greene's more modest home values.

Greene falls in the middle of the regional tax range

Greene's 1.295% rate is lower than Erie (1.625%) and Fayette (1.195%) but higher than Forest (1.038%), Fulton (1.028%), and Huntingdon (0.914%). A Greene homeowner pays roughly $300–$800 more than residents of lower-taxing counties, but less than Erie.

Median Greene home costs about $1,893 yearly

A typical Greene home worth $146,200 carries an annual property tax bill of $1,893. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,219; without one, it drops to $1,616.

Greene homeowners should check their assessments regularly

Property values fluctuate, and assessments don't always keep pace with the market. Requesting an assessment review can ensure you're not overpaying—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene County Delivers Exceptional Affordability

Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% ranks among the lowest in Pennsylvania and sits well below both the national average of 15.8% and the state average of 16.5%. With a median household income of $66,870 and monthly rent of just $754, Greene residents enjoy meaningful financial breathing room.

Greene Ranks Among PA's Most Affordable

At 13.5%, Greene County's rent-to-income ratio is the best in this eight-county group and among Pennsylvania's lowest statewide. The county's median rent of $754 undercuts the state median by 21%, making Greene an affordable outlier in the state housing market.

Greene Offers the Region's Most Favorable Ratios

Greene County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats every regional peer, including Fulton (14.5%), Huntingdon (14.6%), and Fayette (16.5%), while its $754 rent ties for lowest in the group. The median home value of $146,200 remains moderate, reflecting a county where affordability prevails.

Just 13.5% of Income Goes to Rent

Greene County households earning $66,870 pay only $754 for rent or $754 for mortgage, consuming just 13.5% of gross income—exceptional affordability that leaves over 86% for other needs. Rental and ownership costs nearly converge here, giving residents real flexibility in housing choices.

Greene County: Maximum Housing Freedom

Greene County offers the best housing affordability in this group, with renters spending just 13.5% of income on housing—significantly below the national average. If affordability is your priority, Greene's $754 rent and reasonable home values beat every comparable option in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene approaches the national average

Greene County's median household income of $66,870 trails the national median of $74,755 by $7,885, a relatively modest gap. The county performs above many rural Pennsylvania peers and suggests a functioning regional economy.

Below state average but stable

Greene's $66,870 income falls $2,744 short of Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing it just below the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county hovers near parity with statewide norms.

Greene outearns western counties

Greene's $66,870 leads Forest ($50,061), Fayette ($56,093), and Indiana ($58,739), but trails Franklin ($74,946) and peers like Fulton ($64,798). Among southwestern counties, Greene demonstrates relative economic strength.

Lowest housing burden in the group

Greene County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio of these eight counties at just 13.5%, meaning housing consumes the smallest share of household earnings. Median home values of $146,200 pair affordably with local incomes.

Build wealth through housing equity

Greene households earning $66,870 benefit from exceptional housing affordability—the county's best advantage for wealth accumulation. Prioritize homeownership and mortgage paydown to leverage this cost advantage into substantial long-term equity gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County Leads the Way in Safety

Greene County is one of the safest in the nation with a score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 740.6 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average.

Greene County Surpasses Pennsylvania Safety Marks

With a crime rate of 740.6, Greene County is significantly safer than the state average of 932.4. Its 98.8 safety score also beats the state average of 98.5.

How Greene Compares to Nearby Counties

Greene County's rate of 740.6 per 100K is lower than Indiana County's 790.2 and much lower than Fayette's 1436.7. This makes Greene a regional leader in public safety.

Very Low Rates of Violent Offenses

The county reports just 114.6 violent crimes per 100K, which is lower than the state average of 142.2. Property crime is also minimal, sitting at only 626.0 per 100K.

Keep Greene County Safe and Secure

Greene's low crime rates are a point of pride that residents can help maintain. Practicing basic home security habits ensures that the county remains an exceptionally safe place for families.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Greene's health slightly below U.S. average

At 74.3 years, Greene County residents live 1.8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, suggesting below-average health outcomes. However, 18.5% reporting poor or fair health is close to the 17.9% national average, indicating mixed but manageable chronic disease burden.

Greene ranks in lower state quartile

Greene's 74.3-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 2.1 years, placing it in the lower portion of the state's health rankings. This gap suggests structural health challenges from rural poverty and limited healthcare infrastructure that affect population longevity.

Greene performs better than far-west peers

Greene's 74.3-year life expectancy surpasses Forest County (70.9) and Fayette County (72.5) but lags counties like Franklin (77.2) and Huntingdon (77.0). With 45 primary care providers and 148 mental health providers per 100K, Greene offers moderate healthcare capacity that aligns with its middle-tier health profile.

Below-average uninsured rate, modest care access

Greene's 6.4% uninsured rate is below Pennsylvania's 7.0% average, indicating decent coverage; however, 45 primary care providers per 100K is only moderate, potentially creating wait times. Mental health services at 148 per 100K suggest some capacity for behavioral health support.

Greene residents: check your coverage status

While Greene's uninsured rate is relatively low, 6.4% of residents still lack coverage and face barriers to routine care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to verify your coverage or explore new options; insured status protects both your health and your finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Greene County’s Six-District Network

Greene County supports 4,482 students across 13 public schools and six distinct school districts. The county’s facilities include five elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools. This distribution ensures that high school education is widely accessible across the county’s various small towns and rural areas.

Steady Academic Scores and Solid Investment

Greene County reports a graduation rate of 88.1%, comfortably beating the national average of 87%. The county invests $10,419 per pupil, slightly more than the state average of $10,336. Its composite school score of 59.9 is nearly on par with the Pennsylvania state average of 60.9.

Central Greene and Carmichaels Area Leads

Central Greene School District is the largest provider in the county, serving 1,494 students. Carmichaels Area School District also plays a significant role with 956 students enrolled across three schools. Traditional public districts handle all student needs, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

A Blend of Towns and Countryside

Greene County schools are set in nine rural locations and four town settings, giving families a mix of environments. Waynesburg Central Elementary is the largest school with 765 students, though the county average is a more modest 345. This ensures that most students attend medium-sized schools with strong local identities.

Invest in a Home with Community Roots

Greene County offers a unique opportunity to live in a town like Waynesburg where schools are the center of community life. With graduation rates above the national average and healthy per-pupil spending, these districts provide a solid foundation for families. Browse homes where rural peace meets stable educational opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene maintains below-average risk

Greene County's composite risk score of 55.12 falls below the national median, earning a "Relatively Low" rating overall. However, the county's flood risk of 74.27 suggests concentrated vulnerability despite favorable averages across other hazards.

Moderate risk within Pennsylvania

At 55.12, Greene scores below the Pennsylvania state average of 67.45, ranking in the lower-middle tier statewide. This suggests Greene faces fewer disaster threats than most other counties in the commonwealth.

Safer than Fayette, comparable to Westmoreland

Greene's 55.12 score is substantially lower than neighboring Fayette County (82.22) to the north. Greene offers roughly similar risk to Westmoreland County but significantly more protection than Fayette.

Flooding and hurricane exposure stand out

Greene's flood risk of 74.27 and hurricane risk of 63.33 are its primary concerns, while tornado (34.67) and wildfire (23.38) risks remain low. The county's river valleys create recurring flood potential during heavy rain.

Prioritize flood insurance coverage

Greene County residents should secure flood insurance immediately, as the 74.27 flood risk is substantial and standard policies exclude such damage. Review your homeowner's policy annually and consider flood coverage for any riverside or low-lying properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Mid-Atlantic Outlier

Greene County averages 51.5°F annually, positioning it as a warmer outlier in the Mid-Atlantic’s continental climate. This results in longer growing seasons and shorter periods of deep freeze.

Beating the State Average

It ranks as one of Pennsylvania’s warmest counties, sitting 1.6 degrees above the state average of 49.9°F. Despite the heat, it is slightly drier than the state average with 44.1 inches of rain.

The Region's Heat Record

Greene experiences 15 days of extreme heat, the highest in the region and five times Erie's frequency. Its 30.1 inches of snow is the lowest among these eight counties.

Milder Winters, Hotter Summers

July is warm at 72.3°F, while January stays relatively mild at 29.4°F. The lack of heavy snow—just 30 inches annually—defines its gentle winter character.

Maximize the Milder Seasons

Focus on sun protection and efficient cooling systems for the 15 annual extreme heat days. Outdoor planning can take advantage of the milder winters and lower snowfall totals.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Greene County's Highland Profile

Specific data for Greene County's soil pH and taxonomic order is currently unavailable in the central registry. Like its neighbors, it likely features the acidic conditions characteristic of the southwestern Pennsylvania hills.

Western Pennsylvania Texture Trends

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not specified, the region is generally known for loamy soils with significant rock fragments. These textures often require careful management of soil organic content.

Fertility Potential in the Hills

There is no available data for organic matter or water capacity in Greene County at this time. Gardeners should focus on building up local compost to ensure their plots have enough nutrients for the season.

Water Movement on the Plateau

Data regarding drainage class and hydrologic groups is currently missing for this area. Residents should observe how water moves across their specific landscape, as the rolling hills can create rapid runoff.

Cultivating Success in Zone 6b

Greene County resides in USDA Zone 6b, providing a reliable window for most mid-Atlantic crops. Despite the limited data, the region's long farming history proves that these soils are more than capable of producing a bounty.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Greene County Is a Lawn Lover's Paradise

Boasting a difficulty score of 76.5, Greene County is significantly easier for lawn maintenance than the state average of 59.2. This Zone 6b region provides one of the most favorable turf-growing climates in the Commonwealth.

Rapid Growth Fueled by Warm Summer Days

With 3035 growing degree days and 15 extreme heat days, lawns in Greene County grow quickly and vigorously. The 44.1 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average, providing a steady supply of natural irrigation.

Custom Soil Solutions for the Southwest Coast

While specific soil pH and texture data are not available for this county, regional trends suggest acidic tendencies. Homeowners are encouraged to test their soil locally to determine if lime or nitrogen is needed to support the high growth rate.

Consistent Rains Prevent Lawn Dormancy

Greene County has faced only 11 weeks of drought in the past year and currently reports 0.0% abnormal dryness. This high resilience means your lawn is likely to stay green through most of the summer without heavy watering.

A Long Growing Season for New Turf

Seeding is safest after the final spring frost on May 3rd. The long growing season provides ample time for establishment before the first fall frost arrives on October 23rd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Greene County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Greene County ranks #23 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 Greene County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $1,893, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Pennsylvania is $66,870 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 58.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Greene County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene 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.