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Juniata County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#18 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.7
County Score
Schools 71.6Safety 70.2Lawn Care 64.7

County Report Card

About Juniata County, Pennsylvania

Reliable Living Above National Standards

Juniata County holds a composite score of 56.7, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a stable environment with high marks for basic community needs.

Outperforming the State Average

The county’s score of 56.7 puts it nearly five points ahead of the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its immediate neighbors in the Commonwealth.

Strong Schools and Safe Neighborhoods

Education is a primary driver here with a school score of 71.6 and a safety score of 70.2. A cost score of 63.9 further supports residents, keeping the median home value at a manageable $206,300.

Water Infrastructure and Tax Burden

The county faces its biggest hurdle in water quality, which scores a low 15.0. Furthermore, the tax score of 34.5 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.050%, which may feel high compared to the modest local income gains.

The Practical Choice for Rural Families

Juniata County suits families looking for a quiet, safe environment with solid educational foundations. It is a perfect fit for those who prioritize community safety and lower-than-average housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax34.5Cost63.9Safety70.2Health45.5Schools71.6Income50.6Risk61.2Water15Weather56.7
🏛34.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.7
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

Perry County
Pennsylvania
53.2
Mifflin County
Pennsylvania
46.2
Snyder County
Pennsylvania
51.7
Cumberland County
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Huntingdon County
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Dauphin County
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Union County
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Centre County
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Deep Dives

Juniata County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Juniata County

via TaxByCounty

Juniata's tax rate ranks lowest nationally

Juniata County's effective tax rate of 1.050% is among the nation's lowest, sitting 20% below the national average of 1.31%. Despite this low rate, the median property tax of $2,167 reflects higher home values in the county compared to some neighbors.

Number one tax relief in Pennsylvania

Juniata County boasts the lowest effective property tax rate among all 67 Pennsylvania counties at 1.050%, nearly 20% below the state average of 1.317%. This distinction makes it a standout destination for tax-conscious homebuyers.

Regional tax champion beats all rivals

Juniata's 1.050% rate undercuts Jefferson County (1.114%), Lackawanna County (1.532%), and Lancaster County (1.411%) by significant margins. Even with median home values of $206,300, Juniata delivers the region's most favorable tax treatment.

Median home costs $2,167 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Juniata County's median home value of $206,300 pays approximately $2,167 per year in property taxes at the 1.050% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,235; without one, it drops to $2,097.

Appeal assessments to lock in savings

Even in Pennsylvania's lowest-tax county, overassessments happen—and they compound over decades. If your home's assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales of similar properties, an appeal to Juniata's assessor could yield immediate annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Juniata County

via CostByCounty

Juniata beats national affordability standards

Juniata County renters dedicate just 13.7% of their $63,923 median household income to rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold and better than most U.S. counties. Even compared to the national median household income of $74,755, Juniata's rent-to-income ratio remains impressively lean.

Pennsylvania's affordability standout

At 13.7%, Juniata County's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in Pennsylvania, significantly outperforming the state average of 16.5%. The county's median rent of $730 ranks it as one of the state's most budget-friendly rental markets.

Cheapest rents in the northeast cluster

Juniata's $730 median rent edges out Jefferson County ($746) and undercuts Lackawanna ($973) by $243 monthly, making it the regional affordability leader. Homebuyers also benefit: Juniata's median home value of $206,300 sits below nearby Lancaster County's $279,400, offering solid equity without premium pricing.

Income distribution in Juniata

A typical Juniata household earning $63,923 annually ($5,327 monthly) pays $730 in rent and $848 in ownership costs, freeing up nearly 75% of income for other expenses. This healthy margin reflects both modest housing costs and stable local wages.

Juniata offers unbeatable rent value

Juniata County is Pennsylvania's hidden gem for renters and first-time buyers: $230 cheaper monthly rent than the state average and median homes under $210,000. Relocating here unlocks nearly $3,000 in annual rent savings while supporting a lower cost of living across the board.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Juniata County

via IncomeByCounty

Juniata earns 15% below national median

Juniata County's median household income of $63,923 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $10,800, placing it in the bottom 40% nationally. Despite this gap, the county performs slightly better than many rural Pennsylvania peers.

Mid-range earner among state counties

Juniata's $63,923 median falls $5,691 below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, ranking the county in the lower half statewide. Still, it outperforms six of the eight counties in this regional comparison.

Strong home values despite moderate income

Juniata households earn modestly but support median home values of $206,300—the highest in this comparison relative to income. The county's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is the region's lowest, reflecting both lower rents and healthy wage-to-rent balance.

Housing costs well-managed for renters

At 13.7% of household income, Juniata's rent burden is the most favorable in the region, well below the 30% affordability threshold. However, home ownership still requires dual incomes or significant down payments given the median value-to-income ratio.

Low rent frees money for investment

Juniata's efficient rent-to-income ratio creates genuine opportunity to redirect savings toward wealth-building vehicles like stock index funds or real estate equity. Households saving an extra $200–300 monthly can accumulate substantial retirement assets over three decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Juniata County

via CrimeByCounty

Juniata County Remains Far Below National Averages

Juniata County reports a total crime rate of 701.1 per 100K, which is nearly 70% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. The county earns a high safety score of 98.9, reflecting its status as a secure community.

Outperforming State Averages in Every Category

Juniata remains safer than the typical Pennsylvania county, beating the state average crime rate of 932.4. Its safety score of 98.9 is higher than the state average of 98.5 across all reporting jurisdictions.

A Quiet Presence in Central Pennsylvania

Five local agencies report data that shows Juniata is safer than many neighboring counties with higher population densities. Its total crime rate of 701.1 per 100K suggests a more tranquil atmosphere than nearby metropolitan hubs.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 157.2 per 100K compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up 543.9 of the total incidents, which is significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

Maintaining a safe home starts with simple habits like checking locks and lighting up dark walkways. Community awareness remains the best tool for keeping these crime numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Juniata County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below national standard

Juniata County residents average 75.9 years of life, lagging the U.S. average by about 3.4 years. Nearly one in five people (19.5%) experience poor or fair health, suggesting underlying chronic disease burdens in this rural community.

Among Pennsylvania's most underserved counties

Juniata County's 75.9-year life expectancy falls below the state average of 76.4 years, and its 11.6% uninsured rate ranks among the highest in Pennsylvania—65% above the state average. This combination signals acute healthcare access barriers.

Highest uninsured rate in the region

At 11.6% uninsured, Juniata County faces the most significant coverage gap among its peers, compared to 5.8% in Lackawanna County and 8.5% in Jefferson County. The county's severe provider shortage—just 17 primary care doctors per 100K—ranks it last in the region for healthcare access.

Rural isolation compounds healthcare access crisis

With only 17 primary care providers and 22 mental health specialists per 100K population, Juniata County residents face acute provider shortages that force many to travel significant distances for care. The combination of rural isolation and limited insurance coverage creates a perfect storm for preventable health problems.

Take action: Open enrollment closes January 31

Juniata County's high uninsured rate makes enrollment urgent—11.6% of residents lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or connect with a local navigator through Pennsylvania's resources to find affordable plans before the deadline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Juniata County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District Connecting the Entire County

Juniata County operates a streamlined educational system with five total public schools managed by a single school district. The county provides two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools for its 2,323 students. This unified structure ensures consistent standards and resources across the entire region.

Efficiency and Results in Juniata Schools

Students achieve a high 92% graduation rate, which sits well above the 87% national benchmark. The county operates with high efficiency, spending just $8,819 per pupil compared to the Pennsylvania state average of $10,336. The overall school score of 58.5 reflects a solid foundation for local learners.

The Central Role of Juniata County SD

Juniata County School District manages every public student in the county, totaling 2,323 learners. The district does not include any charter schools, focusing all resources on its five traditional public campuses. Juniata Elementary School stands as the largest single facility with 674 students.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

The school environment is evenly split between three town-based schools and two rural campuses. With an average school size of 465 students, the atmosphere remains intimate and community-oriented. High schoolers attend either Juniata SHS or East Juniata JSHS, which serve 541 and 406 students respectively.

Join a Community with High Academic Standards

Juniata County offers a rare, unified school district experience that appeals to families seeking consistency. Homes in this area provide access to schools with graduation rates that outpace state and national averages. Explore local listings to find a place in this high-performing, rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Juniata County

via RiskByCounty

Juniata County faces minimal disaster risk

Juniata County's composite risk score of 38.80 earns a "Very Low" rating—the safest category. This score is significantly below Pennsylvania's 67.45 average and puts Juniata among the lowest-risk counties in the nation.

Pennsylvania's lowest-risk county

With a composite score of 38.80, Juniata ranks as the safest or near-safest county in Pennsylvania for natural disaster risk. This reflects relatively low exposure to flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other major hazards across the region.

Safer than surrounding counties

Juniata's 38.80 score is substantially lower than Perry County (48.90) and Mifflin County (52.30), making it a notably safer region. Even when compared to the state average of 67.45, Juniata residents enjoy significantly reduced disaster exposure.

Hurricane and flood risks dominate

Juniata's most elevated hazards are hurricane risk (76.72) and flood risk (60.27), though these remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado, earthquake, and wildfire risks are all well below 40, indicating that major multi-hazard events are relatively unlikely.

Basic flood preparedness covers most needs

While Juniata's overall risk is low, flood insurance is still wise given a 60.27 flood risk score and Pennsylvania's seasonal rainfall patterns. Focus on basic home maintenance—clean gutters, proper drainage, and a solid roof—to handle the county's modest hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Juniata County

via SoilByCounty

Undocumented soil profiles in the heartland

Juniata County currently lacks detailed regional data regarding its dominant taxonomic order and average pH levels. While the state average pH sits at 5.22, local conditions may vary significantly across the ridge and valley landscape. On-site testing remains the most reliable way to identify your specific soil identity.

Local testing required for composition

Standardized data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is not available for this specific county. Typically, Pennsylvania soils in this region feature high silt from weathered shale and sandstone. Gardeners should check for grit or ribboning to estimate their own texture mix.

Potential for high mountain fertility

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable, but neighboring counties often exceed the national 2.0% organic matter average. Without data, we recommend comparing your results to the state average AWC of 0.151 in/in. Building organic matter is always a safe bet for increasing local yield.

Observing natural water movement

Drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unmapped for this county. Observe how quickly puddles disappear after a heavy rain to gauge your land's natural drainage capacity. This is vital for choosing between raised beds or direct-ground planting.

Versatile growing in Zone 7a

Juniata County enjoys a temperate 7a hardiness zone, allowing for a longer growing season than its northern neighbors. You can successfully grow tomatoes, peppers, and even some tender perennials with proper care. Despite the data gaps, the mild climate offers an excellent environment for a thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Juniata County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates for Juniata County Lawns

Juniata County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 64.7, making it easier to maintain turf here than in much of the state. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, the environment is broadly favorable for established grass varieties. This score places the county well ahead of the national median of 50.0.

Summer Heat Tests Local Turf Resilience

The county experiences 18 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the Pennsylvania average of 11 days. While 42.1 inches of annual precipitation provides a solid foundation, these hot stretches can lead to rapid evaporation. Homeowners should adjust watering schedules to compensate for the higher-than-average thermal stress.

Navigating Local Soil Variations in Juniata

While specific regional soil pH and texture data are limited, local conditions typically mirror the broader ridge and valley region. Lawns in this area generally benefit from a soil test to determine if they meet the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH benchmark. Observing drainage patterns after a heavy rain is the best way to determine if your soil needs aeration.

Universal Dryness Demands Water Conservation

Currently, 100.0% of Juniata County is classified as abnormally dry, following a year with 27 weeks of drought conditions. This widespread dryness means consistent, deep watering is more effective than frequent light sprinkling. Prioritizing water conservation during these 100% coverage events ensures your lawn survives the stress of a dry year.

Selecting Durable Grass for Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is a recommended choice for this area because of its superior heat tolerance during those 18 annual 90°F days. Because growing season data is limited, homeowners should monitor local soil temperatures to ensure they stay above 50°F for successful seeding. Proper grass selection ensures a green lawn that can handle Juniata's warmer-than-average summers.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Juniata County's county score?
Juniata County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Juniata County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Juniata County ranks #18 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 Juniata County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Juniata County is $2,167, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Juniata County a tax score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Juniata County?
The median household income in Juniata County, Pennsylvania is $63,923 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Juniata County earns an income score of 50.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Juniata County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Juniata County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Juniata 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 Juniata County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.