Huntingdon County

Pennsylvania · PA

#5 in Pennsylvania
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania

Huntingdon Reaches Top-Quartile Status

Huntingdon County's composite score of 73.1 ranks 46% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This exceptional performance stems from the lowest effective tax rate in the dataset and strong housing affordability.

Second-Best in Pennsylvania

Huntingdon scores 73.1 against Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average, ranking it among the state's most livable counties. Only Forest County edges ahead statewide.

Best-in-Class Tax Advantages

Huntingdon leads this cohort with a tax score of 76.6 and the lowest effective tax rate at just 0.914%, while maintaining a solid cost score of 82.3 supporting median homes at $180,300. This combination makes it exceptionally attractive for tax-conscious residents.

Income Levels Remain Modest

Huntingdon's income score of 26.1 and median household income of $65,429 represent moderate earning potential despite low tax and housing costs. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and water quality limit comprehensive livability assessment.

Perfect for Tax-Minimization Seekers

Huntingdon is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and anyone prioritizing low taxes and manageable housing costs over high local incomes. The county's combination of tax relief and affordability makes it one of Pennsylvania's most financially efficient places to live.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.6Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.1Risk49.8WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼26.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
49.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Huntingdon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Huntingdon County

via TaxByCounty

Huntingdon offers the region's lowest tax rates

Huntingdon County's effective tax rate of 0.914% is among the lowest in the nation, placing it in roughly the 10th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,648 is substantially below the national median of $2,690, despite moderately valued homes of $180,300.

Huntingdon ranks as Pennsylvania's lowest-tax county

At 0.914%, Huntingdon's effective rate is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed and stands well below the state average of 1.317%. The median tax bill of $1,648 is roughly $1,009 lower than the state median, delivering exceptional savings to property owners.

Huntingdon has the region's best tax advantage

Huntingdon's 0.914% rate beats every neighboring county analyzed, including Forest (1.038%), Fulton (1.028%), and Fayette (1.195%). A Huntingdon homeowner pays roughly $500–$1,200 less annually than residents of higher-taxing counties, even when adjusting for home values.

Median Huntingdon home costs about $1,648 yearly

A typical Huntingdon home worth $180,300 carries an annual property tax bill of just $1,648. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,734; without one, it drops to $1,542.

Even lowest-tax Huntingdon has appeal opportunities

Assessment overvaluations happen everywhere, and Huntingdon homeowners who challenge inflated assessments have won meaningful reductions. A successful appeal could shave another $200–$500 off your already-low annual bill.

Cost of Living in Huntingdon County

via CostByCounty

Huntingdon County Balances Income and Housing

Huntingdon County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% sits below both the national average of 15.8% and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, reflecting a healthy alignment between local wages and housing costs. With a median household income of $65,429, residents maintain solid financial stability.

Huntingdon Ranks in PA's Affordable Counties

At 14.6%, Huntingdon County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, placing it among the state's most affordable housing markets. Monthly rent of $795 undercuts the state median of $960 by nearly 17%, delivering consistent rental savings.

Huntingdon Offers Solid Middle Ground

Huntingdon's $795 monthly rent falls squarely in the middle of this region's range, while its 14.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best after Greene's 13.5%. The median home value of $180,300 positions Huntingdon as an accessible ownership option between Fayette's $126,900 and Franklin's $236,300.

Housing Burden Stays Well Below 15 Percent

Huntingdon County residents earning $65,429 pay $795 for rent or $780 for mortgage, consuming only 14.6% of household income—well below the recommended 30% housing affordability threshold. This leaves substantial income available for other essential expenses and financial goals.

Huntingdon: Affordability with Balanced Values

If relocating to central Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County delivers strong affordability at 14.6% of income with moderate home values of $180,300. Compare Huntingdon against Greene (better affordability at 13.5%) and Franklin (premium market at $1,071 rent) to determine which county best matches your priorities.

Income & Jobs in Huntingdon County

via IncomeByCounty

Huntingdon moderately below national norm

Huntingdon County's median household income of $65,429 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,326, representing a typical gap for rural Pennsylvania. The county sits solidly in the middle range relative to national income benchmarks.

Slightly below Pennsylvania average

Huntingdon's $65,429 income falls $4,185 short of Pennsylvania's $69,614 state average, placing it in the middle-to-lower tier of the state's 67 counties. The county performs near statewide norms with room for economic strengthening.

Huntingdon outearns most western peers

Huntingdon's $65,429 leads Forest ($50,061), Fayette ($56,093), and Indiana ($58,739), matching Fulton's performance but trailing Franklin ($74,946). Among central and western counties, Huntingdon demonstrates solid economic position.

Housing costs stay manageable

Huntingdon's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% falls comfortably below the national threshold, indicating strong housing affordability. With median home values at $180,300, the county offers accessible homeownership for middle-income families.

Use affordability to build reserves

Huntingdon households earning $65,429 should capitalize on the county's low housing cost burden to build emergency savings and retirement contributions. Prioritize debt reduction and consistent investment in index funds to compound wealth over decades.

Health in Huntingdon County

via HealthByCounty

Huntingdon rivals nation's best life expectancy

At 77.0 years, Huntingdon County residents live 0.9 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing the county among America's healthiest. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health—close to the 17.9% national average—Huntingdon demonstrates effective population health management.

Huntingdon ranks among Pennsylvania's best

Huntingdon's 77.0-year life expectancy exceeds Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 0.6 years, ranking it in the state's top tier for health outcomes. This premium reflects strong primary care access and a relatively healthy resident population.

Huntingdon matches Franklin as regional leader

Huntingdon's 77.0-year life expectancy rivals Franklin County (77.2 years) as the region's longest-lived counties, far ahead of Forest (70.9) and Fayette (72.5). With 32 primary care providers and 159 mental health providers per 100K, Huntingdon offers solid healthcare infrastructure that supports its superior health profile.

Lowest uninsured rate, solid provider access

Huntingdon's 5.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties, indicating nearly universal coverage and strong health equity. With 32 primary care providers per 100K, access is moderate but sufficient, and 159 mental health providers per 100K suggests reasonable behavioral health capacity.

Huntingdon leads coverage; stay insured

Huntingdon's already-excellent 5.8% uninsured rate shows residents understand coverage's value; if you're uninsured, act now to join them. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, Marketplace, and employer options before life events change your eligibility.

Disaster Risk in Huntingdon County

via RiskByCounty

Huntingdon faces moderate disaster risk

Huntingdon County's composite risk score of 50.25 sits below the national average, with a "Relatively Low" rating overall. However, the county's flood risk of 68.77 indicates concentrated vulnerability in waterway corridors despite favorable overall metrics.

Lower-middle tier among Pennsylvania counties

At 50.25, Huntingdon ranks well below the Pennsylvania state average of 67.45, placing it in the lower-risk half of all state counties. This suggests Huntingdon faces fewer multi-hazard pressures than most of its peers statewide.

Safer than Franklin, riskier than Fulton

Huntingdon's 50.25 score falls between neighboring Fulton County's exceptional 7.76 and Franklin County's elevated 76.40. This positions Huntingdon as a moderate-risk zone between Pennsylvania's safest and more exposed inland counties.

Flooding dominates the hazard profile

Flood risk is Huntingdon's primary concern at 68.77, followed by hurricane risk (71.17) and tornado risk (27.07). The county's position along the Juniata River system creates recurring spring flood potential.

Secure flood coverage for riverine properties

Huntingdon residents living near rivers or streams should obtain flood insurance; properties outside mapped flood zones may still purchase NFIP policies. Homeowner's insurance should include comprehensive coverage given the 71.17 hurricane risk score.

ByCounty Network

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