Jefferson County's composite score of 71.5 towers 43% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county where affordability, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs create genuine economic breathing room for residents.
2 / 5
Outperforming Pennsylvania overall
With a score of 71.5, Jefferson County ranks above the state average of 66.0, putting it among Pennsylvania's more livable counties. This edge is driven primarily by exceptional housing affordability and a low effective tax rate of just 1.114%.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax relief stand out
Jefferson County excels in cost of living, with a Cost Score of 84.8 and median home values of $126,700—among Pennsylvania's lowest. The Tax Score of 70.9 reflects a lean 1.114% effective tax rate, giving households more dollars to spend on priorities that matter.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind tax savings
The county's Income Score of 20.5 is notably low, with a median household income of $56,898 falling short of state and county peers. While housing is cheap, wage growth and job opportunities appear limited compared to more prosperous Pennsylvania counties.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious, settled families
Jefferson County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high incomes or urban amenities. If you're establishing roots in a quiet, economical region with room in your budget, this county delivers strong livability fundamentals.
Jefferson County's composite score of 71.5 towers 43% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county where affordability, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs create genuine economic breathing room for residents.
Outperforming Pennsylvania overall
With a score of 71.5, Jefferson County ranks above the state average of 66.0, putting it among Pennsylvania's more livable counties. This edge is driven primarily by exceptional housing affordability and a low effective tax rate of just 1.114%.
Affordability and tax relief stand out
Jefferson County excels in cost of living, with a Cost Score of 84.8 and median home values of $126,700—among Pennsylvania's lowest. The Tax Score of 70.9 reflects a lean 1.114% effective tax rate, giving households more dollars to spend on priorities that matter.
Income growth lags behind tax savings
The county's Income Score of 20.5 is notably low, with a median household income of $56,898 falling short of state and county peers. While housing is cheap, wage growth and job opportunities appear limited compared to more prosperous Pennsylvania counties.
Best for budget-conscious, settled families
Jefferson County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high incomes or urban amenities. If you're establishing roots in a quiet, economical region with room in your budget, this county delivers strong livability fundamentals.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.