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Jefferson County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#3 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
60.8
County Score
Schools 79.8Safety 78.6Cost of Living 74.9

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Pennsylvania

A Strong National Performer

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 60.8, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds many rural counterparts across the United States.

Leading the Pennsylvania Average

With a score of 60.8, Jefferson County comfortably outpaces the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It stands as a high-performing outlier in a state where urban centers often skew the data.

Excellence in Schools and Safety

The county boasts a remarkable school score of 79.8 and a safety score of 78.6, highlighting its commitment to public services. Additionally, its cost score of 74.9 indicates exceptional housing affordability, with median rents at just $746 per month.

Navigating Lower Income and Water Quality

Economic growth remains a hurdle as evidenced by an income score of 30.0 and a median household income of $56,898. Water quality also presents a challenge with a score of 29.7, trailing behind other infrastructure metrics.

A Haven for Families and Retirees

Jefferson County is ideal for families who value top-tier schools and a high degree of safety at a low cost. It suits those with remote work or fixed incomes who can maximize the area's incredible $126,700 median home value.

Score breakdown

Tax30.3Cost74.9Safety78.6Health51.3Schools79.8Income30Risk42.1Water29.7Weather60.5
🏛30.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓79.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.6
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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Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson taxes run 59% below national average

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.114% sits well below the national median of 1.31%, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,411 annually compared to the U.S. median of $2,690—a savings of nearly $1,300 per year.

Among Pennsylvania's lowest-taxed counties

Jefferson ranks in the bottom third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, with an effective rate 15% lower than the state average of 1.317%. This places it among the more tax-friendly communities in the Commonwealth.

Lowest rate in the regional cluster

Jefferson's 1.114% effective rate beats neighboring Juniata County (1.050% but higher median home values) and significantly undercuts Lackawanna County at 1.532%. For a homeowner with a $126,700 median home value, Jefferson offers clear relief compared to surrounding communities.

Median home costs $1,411 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Jefferson County's median home value of $126,700 pays approximately $1,411 per year in property taxes at the current 1.114% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $1,538; without one, it drops to $1,320.

Appeal if you think your assessment is high

Many Pennsylvania homeowners are overassessed relative to actual market values—a gap that compounds yearly. If your property tax bill seems out of line with comparable homes in Jefferson County, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could reduce your burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson rents eat 15.7% of income

Jefferson County renters spend 15.7% of their median household income on rent—better than the national benchmark where most affordability experts flag 30% as the danger zone. Compared to the national median household income of $74,755, Jefferson residents earn $56,898, making housing costs proportionally manageable relative to local wages.

Among Pennsylvania's most affordable

Jefferson County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, putting it in the more affordable tier across the state. The county's median rent of $746 significantly undercuts the state average of $960, offering genuine relief for renters.

Cheaper than Lackawanna and Luzerne

Jefferson County rents at $746 monthly underscore its competitive edge—Lackawanna County residents pay $973 and Luzerne County tenants pay $958 for the same housing stock. Even homeowners benefit: Jefferson's median monthly ownership cost of $673 trails both neighboring counties' averages, making it a bargain in the region.

Where Jefferson incomes go

On a $56,898 annual income, the typical Jefferson household allocates $746 monthly to rent (15.7%) and $673 to ownership costs, leaving substantial room in the budget. This breaks down to roughly $4,741 monthly gross income, with housing consuming less than one-third—well within healthy financial guidelines.

Consider Jefferson for affordability

If housing costs are your concern, Jefferson County delivers: rents run $214 cheaper monthly than the state average, and home values average $126,700. Relocating here could free up $2,500+ annually in rent savings compared to pricier Pennsylvania counties while maintaining reasonable homeownership costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson trails national income benchmark

Jefferson County's median household income of $56,898 sits 24% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. This gap reflects structural economic shifts in the region's traditional industries over the past two decades.

Below Pennsylvania's county average

At $56,898, Jefferson County ranks below Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614 by nearly $13,000 annually. The county's median household income trails roughly 60% of its peer counties statewide.

One of the region's lower earners

Jefferson County households earn $3,100 less than neighboring Lawrence County ($60,779) and $6,025 less than Juniata County ($63,923). Among the eight-county comparison set, only Jefferson falls further below the state average.

Housing costs strain household budgets

A 15.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests reasonable affordability for renters, but median home values of $126,700 require household incomes closer to $70,000 for comfortable ownership. The gap between median income and home value creates pressure on local purchasing power.

Build financial resilience strategically

With per capita income at $31,091, Jefferson residents benefit from tax-advantaged savings accounts and employer retirement plans that can amplify wealth over time. Starting early with automatic contributions to 401(k) or IRA accounts compounds significantly despite moderate current income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Far Outpaces National Safety Levels

Jefferson County stands out as an exceptionally safe area with a safety score of 99.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 512.1 per 100K residents is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Pennsylvania Public Safety

The county significantly outperforms the Pennsylvania average total crime rate of 932.4. Its safety score of 99.2 also sits comfortably above the state average score of 98.5.

Rural Security Compared to Regional Neighbors

With 11 reporting agencies contributing data, Jefferson maintains a significantly lower crime profile than more urbanized neighbors. Its total crime rate of 512.1 is roughly half the rate of Lawrence County to the west.

Low Violent Crime Rates Define the Area

Property crimes account for the majority of local incidents at 421.9 per 100K, while violent crime remains very low at 90.2. These figures are well below the national violent crime average of 369.8, indicating a peaceful environment.

Maintaining Peace of Mind at Home

Even in safe communities, basic home security provides essential protection against opportunistic property crime. Residents can maintain these low rates by staying vigilant and securing entry points during the night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind national pace

Jefferson County residents live to an average of 75.9 years, about 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. One in five people (20.3%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 17.9%.

County ranks middle of state health outcomes

At 75.9 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's average of 76.4 years by half a year. The county's health ranking places it in the middle tier statewide, with room for improvement on preventive care metrics.

Comparable to regional peers on insurance

Jefferson County's 8.5% uninsured rate sits between Lackawanna County (5.8%) and Juniata County (11.6%), showing moderate coverage across the region. Primary care provider availability at 48 per 100K falls below the regional average, but mental health resources at 110 per 100K meet community needs.

Healthcare access remains a daily challenge

While 91.5% of Jefferson County residents have some form of insurance, the county's primary care provider shortage means residents often travel farther for routine checkups. Mental health support is more readily available, with specialists helping address behavioral health needs across the county.

Find coverage that works for your family

If you're among the 8.5% uninsured in Jefferson County, 2025 enrollment options await through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace and Pennsylvania's Medicaid programs. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Network Serving Rural Communities

Jefferson County maintains a focused educational infrastructure consisting of 10 public schools across four districts. The system serves 4,985 students through six elementary and four high schools. There are currently no middle schools or charter options within the county borders.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $9,763 remains below the state average of $10,336, the county maintains a solid school score of 61.0. Data regarding bachelor's degree attainment is currently unavailable for this area.

Punxsutawney and Brookville Lead the Way

Punxsutawney Area School District serves as the county's largest provider with 1,905 students enrolled across two schools. Brookville Area School District also maintains a significant presence, managing four schools for 1,364 students. The county operates entirely via traditional public districts with zero charter school participation.

Small-Town Learning in a Rural Setting

Education here feels personal, with eight schools situated in town locales and two in rural areas. Punxsutawney Area Elementary is the largest campus with 1,079 students, while the average school size across the county is 499. Most students attend combined junior-senior high schools or primary centers.

Settle Near Top-Performing Rural Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates in a quiet setting should explore homes in the Punxsutawney or Brookville areas. The strong academic results and community-focused districts make Jefferson County an attractive choice for rural living. Use these school performance metrics to guide your local real estate search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County's risk is below average

Jefferson County scores 57.89 out of 100 for composite disaster risk, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. This is notably lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, and well below the national median, suggesting your community faces fewer overlapping hazards than most U.S. counties.

Safest risks in central Pennsylvania

Among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, Jefferson ranks toward the lower end of disaster risk. Only a handful of counties in the state maintain composite scores below 60, making Jefferson one of the safer regions for natural disasters statewide.

More protected than nearby counties

Jefferson's 57.89 score beats neighboring Clarion and Forest counties, which face higher flood and wildfire risks. However, nearby Lawrence County (66.13) runs slightly higher risk, showing that even in relatively safe regions, adjacent areas can differ meaningfully.

Flooding and hurricanes pose the most danger

Jefferson County's highest hazard risks are flooding (74.52) and hurricane impact (69.75), both significantly above the county's overall composite score. Tornado risk (31.20) and wildfire risk (16.44) remain modest, so localized flood preparedness and seasonal storm awareness matter most here.

Flood coverage is essential

With flood risk at 74.52, standard homeowners insurance won't cover water damage—you need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. Consider elevation improvements or sump pumps if you live in a flood-prone area, and ensure your property has working gutters and proper drainage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

The Region's Coldest County

Jefferson County is the coldest in this set with a 47.7°F annual average. This reflects a rugged continental climate with significantly more cold days than its neighbors.

Chillier Than the State Average

It sits 2.2 degrees below the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. Annual precipitation is also slightly lower than the state mean, totaling 42.4 inches.

The Regional Icebox

Jefferson is the coldest county among its peers, averaging 4.3 degrees lower than Huntingdon. While other counties face many hot days, Jefferson only sees 2 days above 90°F.

Long Winters, Very Cool Summers

Winter is long with January averages dipping to 24.5°F. Summer is exceptionally cool, with a July average of 69.1°F and almost no extreme heat recorded.

Focus on Winter Heating

Prioritize home heating efficiency and cold-weather vehicle preparation for the sustained freeze. Extreme heat is rare, so homeowners should focus on insulation over high-powered cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic woodland soil foundations

Jefferson County features an average pH of 5.03, significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This measurement falls just below the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22, requiring lime for most traditional crops. Taxonomic data is currently limited for this region's soil profile.

A silty mix with low clay

The soil contains 37.6% silt and 20.6% sand, balanced by a relatively low 11.5% clay content. This composition typically offers moderate workability but may lack the structural stability found in heavier clay soils. These ratios suggest the land is prone to erosion if left uncovered.

Massive organic reserves but low water storage

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 30.85%, dwarfing the state average of 12.14%. However, the available water capacity sits at 0.105 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.151 in/in. This means while the soil is nutrient-rich, it struggles to hold onto moisture during dry spells.

Navigating uncertain drainage patterns

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are currently unavailable for Jefferson County. Local growers should perform site-specific percolation tests before starting major building or irrigation projects. Understanding your specific lot's runoff potential is crucial given the high silt content.

Resilient gardening in Zone 6a

With a USDA hardiness zone of 6a, this county is perfect for cool-weather crops like kale, garlic, and blueberries which thrive in acidic conditions. Use the high organic matter to your advantage by planting heavy feeders. Start your mountain garden today to make the most of this unique soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

A Moderately Challenging Climate for Jefferson Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 56.6, Jefferson County is slightly more challenging than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2 but remains above the national median. This Hardiness Zone 6a region requires a attentive approach to maintain lush turf through seasonal transitions. Homeowners benefit from a climate that is generally more hospitable than half the country, yet requires local expertise.

Cool Summers and Ample Rainfall Support Growth

Jefferson County receives 42.4 inches of annual precipitation, falling slightly below the state average of 45.2 inches but within the ideal range for lawns. The region enjoys mild summers with only 2 extreme heat days over 90°F, reducing the risk of heat-induced dormancy. With 2,428 growing degree days, the pace of mowing remains manageable compared to warmer southern neighbors.

Acidic Soils Require Significant Nutrient Buffering

The local soil pH of 5.03 is significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning most lawns require lime applications to thrive. The soil contains 11.5% clay and 20.6% sand, a composition that typically demands organic matter additions to improve structure. Without intervention, this high acidity can prevent grass from absorbing essential nutrients.

Managing Turf During Dry Pennsylvania Spells

The county spent 27 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, with 66.1% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is currently absent, the frequent dry spells suggest homeowners should prioritize mulch-mowing to retain moisture. Regular monitoring of rainfall is essential to supplement the 42.4-inch annual average during peak summer.

Timing the Season in Hardiness Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the top performers for this cool-season climate. Planning is key, as the last spring frost typically occurs around May 6, while the first fall frost arrives by October 14. For the best results, aim to seed in late summer or early fall to allow roots to establish before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Jefferson County ranks #3 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 Jefferson County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $1,411, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 30.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania is $56,898 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 30/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.

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