Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#7 in Pennsylvania
59.2
County Score
Health 69.8Lawn Care 64.8Schools 63.5

County Report Card

About Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania

A National Leader in Livability

Huntingdon County shines with a 59.2 composite score, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high score places it in an elite tier of livability nationwide.

Top-Tier Ranking in Pennsylvania

It is one of Pennsylvania's leaders, far exceeding the state average of 51.8. Its balanced scores across most categories make it a standout choice in the region.

Excellent Health and Low Taxes

Healthcare is the top-performing area with a score of 69.8, followed by strong school ratings. The effective tax rate of 0.914% is one of the lowest in the group, earning a tax score of 44.2.

Infrastructure and Risk Considerations

Water quality remains a middle-of-the-road metric at 44.0, while environmental risk sits at 49.8. These scores suggest that while not critical, there is still room for infrastructure investment.

The Premier Choice for All-Arounders

Huntingdon is an excellent all-arounder for anyone seeking high quality of life with low taxes and great services. It is particularly well-suited for retirees and families looking for health-conscious communities.

2040608010044.260.862.769.863.555.749.84459.8Tax44.2Cost60.8Safety62.7Health69.8Schools63.5Income55.7Risk49.8Water44Weather59.859.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

Huntingdon County DNA

Foverall

How Huntingdon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Huntingdon County excels in 3 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Health (69.8/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (44/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.2
Cost
60.8+12.799999999999997
Safety
62.7
Health
69.8+19.799999999999997
Schools
63.5+9.5
Income
55.7
Risk
49.8
Water
44-14
Weather
59.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Huntingdon County?

Many homeowners in Huntingdon 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

$180,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$795/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$180,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,429/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Huntingdon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Safety in Huntingdon County

via CrimeByCounty

Huntingdon County Ranks High for Safety

Huntingdon County earns a strong 98.6 safety score. Its total crime rate of 861.2 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Huntingdon Beats the State Average

The county's crime rate of 861.2 per 100K is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. Its safety score of 98.6 is also slightly higher than the state average of 98.5.

Regional Safety Comparison for Huntingdon

Huntingdon is safer than neighboring Forest County, which has a crime rate of 948.4 per 100K. This makes it a standout for safety in the central Pennsylvania region.

Violent vs Property Crime in Huntingdon

Property crime sits at 695.8 per 100K, while violent crime is 165.4. Most of the incidents reported by the 9 local agencies involve property issues rather than personal threats.

Security Awareness for Local Residents

Locking doors and securing valuables are effective ways to keep property crime low. Community vigilance helps Huntingdon maintain its status as one of the state's safer counties.

Schools in Huntingdon County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Fabric of Huntingdon

Huntingdon County is home to 17 public schools serving 4,611 students across seven districts. The system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and seven high schools, plus one alternative school. This balanced infrastructure serves a variety of small towns and rural communities throughout the region.

Strong Graduation Rates in Huntingdon

Huntingdon County achieves a graduation rate of 89.6%, nearly matching the state average and beating the national average of 87%. The county spends $9,133 per pupil, which is below both the state and national averages. Despite lower spending, the county maintains a school score of 57.9, well above the national median of 50.0.

Huntingdon Area and Charter Options

Huntingdon Area School District is the county's largest, serving 1,673 students in four schools. Southern Huntingdon County follows with 1,060 students. Uniquely, the county has two charter schools, which represent 11.8% of the total school count and offer families alternative educational paths.

Town and Country School Settings

The county's schools are split between nine rural settings and eight town locations, providing a diverse feel for students. Southern Huntingdon County High/Middle School is the largest campus with 614 students, while the county average is a small 271. Attending school here typically means being part of a medium-sized town or a small rural campus.

Find Your Future in Huntingdon County

Huntingdon County is an excellent place to search for a home if you value high graduation rates and diverse school types. Whether you prefer the town life near Huntingdon Area schools or a more rural setting, the options are plentiful. Explore real estate where education is a top priority for the local community.

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.

Water Quality in Huntingdon County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Despite D Grade

Huntingdon County holds a D grade after recording 8 health violations in the last five years. Interestingly, its violation rate of 25.2 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the state average of 86.5. This indicates that while violations exist, they are less frequent than in many other parts of Pennsylvania.

Extensive Watershed Network Remains Unimpaired

Huntingdon County has an impressive 36,083 water bodies assessed in the 2022 cycle, all of which are unimpaired. This 100% attainment rate is a positive indicator for the region's environmental health. Protecting these vast resources remains a priority for local conservation efforts.

Focus on Nutrient and Physical Data

Technicians have gathered 11,930 measurements across 34 monitoring sites over the past five years. The data highlights physical characteristics, nutrients, and metals as the top characteristic groups being measured. This surveillance provides the baseline for the county's excellent watershed health rating.

Juniata River Below Historical Average

The Juniata River at Mapleton Depot is currently flowing at 1,590 cfs. This represents 59% of the long-term mean for this 2,030-square-mile drainage area. While not critically low, the river is currently carrying less water than is typical for this time of year.

Watch Flow Levels and Compliance

The county's drinking water D grade suggests residents should remain vigilant despite the low frequency of violations. With the Juniata River at 59% of typical flow, monitor your local utility for any changes in water source quality. Regular tap water testing is recommended to ensure safety given the historical compliance record.

Weather & Climate in Huntingdon County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Growing Warmer

Huntingdon’s 52.0°F annual average makes it the warmest county in this selection, leaning toward a more temperate profile. This exceeds both the state average and the regional median.

Hotter and Drier Than PA

At 52.0°F, the county is significantly warmer than Pennsylvania's 49.9°F average. It is also the driest in this group, receiving only 40.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer Than Northern Neighbors

Huntingdon is noticeably warmer and drier than Jefferson and Indiana counties. While it hits 14 days of extreme heat, it receives 5 inches less rain than the state average.

Peak July Heat

July temperatures lead the region at 74.0°F, supported by 14 days of heat above 90°F. Snowfall data is limited, but the 29.2°F January average suggests typical winter conditions.

Prepare for Dry Spells

Residents should prepare for dry spells and high summer temperatures by optimizing irrigation and cooling. Ensure HVAC systems are serviced early to handle the frequent 90-degree days.

Soil Quality in Huntingdon County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Ridge and Valley Acidity

Huntingdon County has an average pH of 5.28, placing it right in line with the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. This acidic profile is standard for the region and remains well below the national median of 6.5.

High Silt for Soft Soil

The soil is 41.9% silt and 29.5% sand, giving it a soft, crumbly feel when properly moist. A clay content of 16.9% provides necessary minerals but may lead to slight crusting on the surface after rain.

Nearly 10% Organic Matter Content

The soil boasts a healthy 9.73% organic matter, nearly five times the national average. However, the water capacity of 0.141 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, meaning consistent watering is key.

Managing the Valley Floor Moisture

With a soil score of 45.1, Huntingdon is slightly below the state average for overall quality. Gardeners should focus on improving water retention through mulching to compensate for the lower available water capacity.

Summer Crops in Zone 6b

Zone 6b offers a solid growing season for everything from corn to cucumbers in Huntingdon. Start your seeds indoors to get a jump on the spring and take advantage of the county's high organic matter.

Lawn Care in Huntingdon County

via LawnByCounty

Huntingdon County Lawns Outperform the State

With a score of 64.8, Huntingdon County is easier for lawn care than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. This Zone 6b region benefits from a reliable growing season that supports a variety of grass types.

High Heat and Below-Average Rainfall

The county receives 40.7 inches of precipitation annually, which is nearly 5 inches less than the state average. Combined with 14 extreme heat days, the 3189 growing degree days make for a fast-paced but thirstier growing season.

Managing Acidity in Silt-Sand Soil

The average soil pH of 5.28 is lower than the ideal range, requiring lime to prevent nutrient lockout. With 16.9% clay and 29.5% sand, the soil provides a decent structure but needs organic matter to improve its water-holding capacity.

Dry Spells Are a Recent Routine

Huntingdon saw 25 weeks of drought last year, and 100.0% of the county is currently under abnormally dry conditions. Homeowners should prioritize watering in the early morning to combat the lower-than-average annual rainfall.

An Early Start for Huntingdon Lawns

The spring frost risk clears early here by April 19th, allowing for a long spring planting window. You have until October 28th to establish roots before the first frost of the autumn season hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huntingdon County's county score?
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 59.2 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 Huntingdon County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Huntingdon County ranks #7 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 Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Huntingdon County is $1,648, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Huntingdon County a tax score of 44.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Huntingdon County?
The median household income in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania is $65,429 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Huntingdon County earns an income score of 55.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Huntingdon County scores 59.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Huntingdon 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 Huntingdon 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.