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Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#60 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.8
County Score
Schools 68.9Health 67.2Soil Quality 66.6

County Report Card

About Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

Trailing the National Median

Lackawanna County receives a composite score of 43.8, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects specific structural challenges that offset its regional urban advantages.

Below Pennsylvania’s State Average

The county’s score of 43.8 falls behind the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. While it provides significant city-based services, it struggles to keep pace with the state’s high-growth regions.

Strong Healthcare and Steady Schools

The county excels in health services with a score of 67.2 and maintains a respectable school score of 68.9. These assets ensure that families have access to essential wellness and educational resources.

Climate Risk and Tax Pressures

A very low risk score of 10.1 indicates significant vulnerability to environmental or economic shifts. Additionally, the tax score of 11.4 is pressured by an effective tax rate of 1.532%, making it one of the more expensive burdens in the region.

A Good Match for Healthcare Workers

Lackawanna County is best for professionals in the medical field or families who value established school systems. It offers an urban-lite lifestyle for those who can navigate the higher local tax environment.

Score breakdown

Tax11.4Cost29.1Safety49Health67.2Schools68.9Income53Risk10.1Water43.1Weather57.9
🏛11.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.6
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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Compare Lackawanna County with Clark County →Share on X

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Deep Dives

Lackawanna County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lackawanna County

via TaxByCounty

Lackawanna taxes run 8% above U.S. median

Lackawanna County's effective tax rate of 1.532% exceeds the national median of 1.31%, landing it in the upper-middle range nationally. The median property tax bill of $2,910 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, though on significantly lower home values.

Among Pennsylvania's higher-taxed counties

Lackawanna ranks in the upper third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with an effective rate of 1.532%, 16% above the state average of 1.317%. This positions it as one of the more tax-burdened communities in the Commonwealth.

Higher taxes than most nearby counties

Lackawanna's 1.532% rate exceeds Jefferson County (1.114%), Juniata County (1.050%), and Luzerne County (1.530%) by 38% or more. Only Lehigh County (1.663%) and Lawrence County (1.451%) approach or exceed Lackawanna's burden in the region.

Median home costs $2,910 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Lackawanna County's median home value of $189,900 pays approximately $2,910 per year in property taxes at the 1.532% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $3,047; without one, it drops to $2,765.

Assessment appeal could yield real relief

Many Lackawanna County homeowners may be overassessed, particularly if home values have declined in their neighborhoods since the last reassessment. Filing a timely appeal with the county can challenge inflated valuations and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lackawanna County

via CostByCounty

Lackawanna rents squeeze household budgets

Lackawanna County renters spend 18.1% of their $64,691 median household income on rent, edging toward affordability stress despite earning slightly below the national median of $74,755. At this ratio, the county sits above the 16.5% Pennsylvania state average, signaling housing cost pressure.

Above-average housing burden statewide

Lackawanna's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Pennsylvania's more expensive counties for renters, surpassing the state average of 16.5% by 1.6 percentage points. The median rent of $973 exceeds the state average of $960, compounding affordability challenges for wage-earning households.

Steepest rents in the region

Lackawanna renters pay $973 monthly—$243 more than Juniata County and $227 more than Jefferson County—making it the priciest rental market in its peer group. Homeowners face similar pressures: the $1,057 monthly ownership cost ranks highest among comparable northeastern Pennsylvania counties.

Lackawanna housing takes 36% of income

On a $64,691 annual income ($5,391 monthly), Lackawanna households allocate $973 to rent and $1,057 to ownership costs—combined, these consume over one-third of gross income. This tight squeeze leaves less than two-thirds for food, utilities, healthcare, and savings.

Compare Lackawanna to affordable neighbors

Renters in Lackawanna should evaluate neighboring Juniata or Jefferson counties: both offer median rents $200+ cheaper monthly and lower home values. A move 30-45 minutes could reclaim $3,000+ annually in housing costs while maintaining reasonable commute distances to job centers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lackawanna County

via IncomeByCounty

Lackawanna lags national income bar

Lackawanna County's median household income of $64,691 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $10,064, or 13%. The county reflects broader challenges facing Rust Belt communities dependent on legacy industries.

Below average across Pennsylvania

At $64,691, Lackawanna ranks below the Pennsylvania state median of $69,614 by $4,923 annually. The county's per capita income of $36,217 nearly matches the state average of $37,407, suggesting unequal income distribution.

Middle-income standing regionally

Lackawanna's $64,691 median places it roughly $2,000 above Lawrence County and Luzerne County but significantly below Lancaster and Lehigh counties. The county's per capita income of $36,217 is the second-highest in the eight-county set, indicating less income inequality.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

Lackawanna's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio approaches the 20% threshold where affordability concerns emerge, suggesting rental housing consumes meaningful portions of family budgets. Median home values of $189,900 require household incomes of $70,000+ for 30-year mortgage comfort.

Higher per capita income offers planning edge

Lackawanna's strong per capita income of $36,217 suggests potential for household wealth-building through side income, freelance work, or spousal employment. Couples can leverage household earnings to max out retirement contributions and build diversified investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lackawanna County

via CrimeByCounty

Lackawanna County Maintains a High Safety Score

Lackawanna County maintains a safety score of 98.2, even with an active urban center. Its total crime rate of 1,144.4 per 100K remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Contextualizing Safety Within Pennsylvania

The county's crime rate of 1,144.4 is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. However, its safety score of 98.2 remains only slightly below the state average score of 98.5.

A Safer Alternative to Regional Neighbors

With 38 reporting agencies, Lackawanna shows a lower total crime rate than its southern neighbor, Luzerne County. It balances urban challenges while keeping crime rates well below the national baseline.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime represents the bulk of local reports at 937.1 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 207.3. While violent crime is higher than the state average of 142.2, it remains far below the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Security for Urban Living

Urban environments benefit greatly from smart home technology like video doorbells and motion sensors. Staying informed about local trends helps residents take proactive steps to secure their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lackawanna County

via HealthByCounty

Health outcomes approach national standards

Lackawanna County residents live to 75.8 years on average, roughly aligned with U.S. life expectancy of 79.3 years, though still trailing by about 3.5 years. The county's 17.8% poor/fair health rate is below the national average of 17.9%, signaling relatively better population health.

Strongest healthcare infrastructure in region

Lackawanna County's 75.8-year life expectancy and 5.8% uninsured rate represent the best performance among Pennsylvania's counties studied here. The county's robust provider network—83 primary care doctors and 308 mental health specialists per 100K—makes it a regional healthcare hub.

Uninsured rate sets gold standard for access

Lackawanna County's 5.8% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, compared to 8.5% in Jefferson County and 11.6% in Juniata County. Its mental health provider density of 308 per 100K far exceeds all regional peers, reflecting significant institutional investment in behavioral health.

Urban density enables robust healthcare access

With 83 primary care providers per 100K—among the highest regionally—Lackawanna County residents enjoy ready access to preventive and routine care. The county's mental health infrastructure of 308 providers per 100K supports treatment access for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Maintain your coverage with annual review

While Lackawanna County leads the region in insurance coverage, the 5.8% uninsured population and millions facing coverage gaps each year should still explore options. Check healthcare.gov annually to ensure your plan remains the best fit for your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lackawanna County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Infrastructure in Northeast Pennsylvania

Lackawanna County features a robust educational network of 47 public schools serving 27,087 students. The landscape includes 28 elementary, 6 middle, and 12 high schools managed across 13 distinct districts. Two charter schools operate here, representing roughly 4% of the county's total school options.

Strong Success Rates in Diverse Settings

The county maintains a 90.6% graduation rate, exceeding both the national 87% and the state 90.3% averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,442, which remains below the state average of $10,336 despite the strong results. The county's composite school score of 59.1 aligns closely with the state median.

Scranton and Abington Heights Lead Enrollment

Scranton School District is the largest provider, educating 9,215 students across 15 different schools. Abington Heights School District follows with 3,460 students and a high-performing reputation. Scranton High School is the county's largest facility, housing ,1710 students in a city environment.

Urban Hubs and Suburban Classrooms

Students experience a balanced mix of 17 suburban, 16 city, and 14 rural school settings. The average school size is 576 students, though campuses range from small rural elementary centers to the 1,710-student Scranton High. This geographic diversity allows families to choose between bustling urban schools or quiet suburban campuses.

Diverse Living Options Near Proven Schools

From the suburban streets of Abington Heights to the urban energy of Scranton, Lackawanna County offers education for every lifestyle. The high graduation rates and diverse school types make this county a premier destination for families moving to the region. Start your home search near these established and successful districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lackawanna County

via RiskByCounty

Lackawanna County faces moderate multi-hazard risk

With a composite risk score of 89.92 and a "Relatively Moderate" rating, Lackawanna exceeds Pennsylvania's 67.45 state average by 22 points. This elevated exposure reflects significant vulnerability across multiple hazard types, placing the county in a higher-risk category nationally.

Fifth-highest risk county in Pennsylvania

Lackawanna ranks fifth or sixth among Pennsylvania's 67 counties for composite disaster risk, making it one of the state's highest-exposure regions. Only a handful of counties, mostly in the south-central and eastern parts of the state, face comparably greater hazard.

Among the riskiest in northeastern PA

Lackawanna's 89.92 score is higher than Pike County (82.45) and matches Luzerne County (91.63) for elevated risk in the northeast. This pattern reflects the region's shared exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and seismic activity.

Flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes loom large

Lackawanna faces severe flood risk (94.08), significant tornado exposure (68.13), and notable earthquake risk (74.97). Hurricane risk (82.02) rounds out a multi-hazard threat profile that requires comprehensive preparedness across several disaster types.

Invest in flood and wind protection

Lackawanna's 94.08 flood risk demands flood insurance coverage; standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Additionally, ensure your roof and exterior are rated for high winds, reinforce garage doors, and consider a safe room or shelter for tornado season, which peaks in spring and early summer.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Lackawanna County

via SoilByCounty

Inceptisols define the valley landscape

Lackawanna County is dominated by Inceptisols, which are relatively young soils with an average pH of 5.22. This matches the state average exactly but remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These soils provide a decent foundation but often require amendments for optimal vegetable growth.

Gravelly sandy loam textures

The soil is a gravelly sandy loam, composed of 29.0% sand, 35.3% silt, and 11.5% clay. This high sand and gravel content ensures excellent workability and prevents the soil from becoming heavy and compacted. It is an ideal mix for plants that dislike 'wet feet.'

High water capacity and rich organic matter

The organic matter content is high at 21.01%, well above the state average of 12.14%. More impressively, the available water capacity is 0.201 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.151 in/in. This combination creates a very fertile environment with excellent drought resistance.

Swift drainage for dry foundations

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. This means water moves very quickly through the profile, making it excellent for building foundations but requiring frequent watering for shallow-rooted plants. Runoff risks are minimal due to the high infiltration rates.

Thriving in the 6a highlands

In hardiness zone 6a, Lackawanna gardeners can grow robust root vegetables and hardy orchard fruits. The excellent drainage and high organic matter support healthy apple trees and perennial herbs. Get your seeds ready, because this soil score of 66.6 is well above the state average.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lackawanna County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing Conditions in Lackawanna

Lackawanna County scores a 59.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, almost perfectly matching the Pennsylvania state average. This Zone 6a region offers a reliable environment for homeowners who follow standard maintenance schedules. It remains significantly easier to grow grass here than the national median of 50.0.

Consistent Moisture Meets Mild Summers

With 45.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits right at the state average for rainfall. Only 8 days per year exceed 90°F, which is lower than the state average and helps prevent grass from scorching. This balance of ample rain and moderate heat simplifies summer lawn care significantly.

Sandy Loam Provides Excellent Natural Drainage

The soil is characterized as a gravelly sandy loam that is somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through quickly. A pH of 5.22 indicates acidic conditions that require lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 target for optimal growth. Because it drains fast, homeowners may need to water more frequently during dry spells compared to counties with heavier clay.

Adapting to Fast-Draining Soils During Drought

The county experienced 21 weeks of drought over the past year and currently sees 100.0% coverage of abnormally dry conditions. Given the somewhat excessively drained soil, lawns here are more vulnerable to moisture loss than those in other counties. Integrating organic matter like compost can help the sandy soil hold water longer during these dry periods.

Cool-Season Grasses Thrive in Zone 6a

Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue are excellent choices for the Lackawanna climate and soil profile. While specific frost dates vary, the mild summer temperature profile makes late summer the ideal window for renovation. Focus on species that can handle the fast-draining nature of the local sandy loam.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lackawanna County's county score?
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 43.8 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 Lackawanna County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lackawanna County ranks #60 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 Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Lackawanna County is $2,910, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Lackawanna County a tax score of 11.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lackawanna County?
The median household income in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is $64,691 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lackawanna County earns an income score of 53/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lackawanna County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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.