countyscore

Lawrence County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#40 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.8
County Score
Schools 83.1Lawn Care 73.3Health 55.9

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Pennsylvania

Above the National Average

Lawrence County earns a composite score of 52.2, positioning it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced quality of life with notable strengths in public education.

Matching the State Baseline

With a score of 52.2, Lawrence County sits right at the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It offers a standard of living that is representative of the best the state has to offer for its size.

Exceptional Schools and Value

The county shines with a school score of 83.1, among the highest in the region. Housing remains a great value with a cost score of 57.0 and a median rent of only $778 per month.

Tax Burdens and Economic Growth

The tax score of 15.2 highlights a challenge, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.451%. Meanwhile, the income score of 41.4 suggests that local wage growth hasn't yet caught up to the quality of local schools.

Perfect for Young Families

Lawrence County is a hidden gem for young families who want elite public schools without the price tag of a major city. It is best suited for those looking to maximize their housing dollar in a stable community.

2040608010017.453.555.855.983.139.533.952.551.9Tax17.4Cost53.5Safety55.8Health55.9Schools83.1Income39.5Risk33.9Water52.5Weather51.951.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Lawrence County DNA

Foverall

How Lawrence County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lawrence County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (17.4/100), though Schools (83.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.4-34.6
Cost
53.5
Safety
55.8
Health
55.9
Schools
83.1+29.099999999999994
Income
39.5-11.5
Risk
33.9-13.100000000000001
Water
52.5
Weather
51.9
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Many homeowners in Lawrence 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

$147,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$831/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$147,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,931/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.8

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Mercer County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Butler County
Pennsylvania
60.2
Beaver County
Pennsylvania
50.1
Mahoning County
Ohio
38.3
Columbiana County
Ohio
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Trumbull County
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39.6
Hancock County
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Allegheny County
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43.7

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence's taxes run 10% above U.S. median

Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 1.451% exceeds the national median of 1.31% by 10%, landing it in the upper-middle range nationwide. The median property tax of $1,983 falls short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lawrence's lower home values.

Above average for Pennsylvania overall

Lawrence ranks in the upper third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with an effective rate of 1.451%, about 10% above the state average of 1.317%. This positions it among the more tax-burdened communities in the Commonwealth.

Higher taxes on lower-priced homes

Lawrence's 1.451% rate exceeds Jefferson County (1.114%) and Juniata County (1.050%) but stays slightly below Lackawanna County (1.532%) and Lehigh County (1.663%). With a median home value of just $136,700, Lawrence homeowners face above-average rates on below-average properties.

Median home costs $1,983 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Lawrence County's median home value of $136,700 pays approximately $1,983 per year in property taxes at the 1.451% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,159; without one, it drops to $1,768.

Appeal to reduce your tax burden

Lawrence County homeowners facing above-average tax rates should check whether their assessments are inflated relative to comparable sales in the area. Filing an appeal with the county assessor can challenge overvalued properties and ease your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence trails U.S. income median

Lawrence County's median household income of $60,779 runs 19% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the county's reliance on declining industrial sectors. The $13,976 gap positions Lawrence in the bottom third of U.S. counties.

Below Pennsylvania average statewide

At $60,779, Lawrence County ranks below the Pennsylvania median of $69,614 by $8,835 annually. The county's per capita income of $34,283 trails the state average of $37,407, indicating broader economic challenges.

Among the region's lower earners

Lawrence households earn $2,944 less than Jefferson County and $3,144 less than Luzerne County, placing it fourth-lowest in the eight-county comparison. Only Jefferson, Luzerne, and Lawrence fall significantly below the state average.

Modest housing costs offer relief

Lawrence's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the region's most affordable, and median home values of $136,700 align reasonably with household incomes. However, the modest income base limits discretionary spending for families.

Low housing costs enable modest investing

With housing consuming just 15.4% of income, Lawrence households can potentially allocate $200–400 monthly toward retirement or investment accounts. Even small, consistent contributions to low-cost index funds compound meaningfully over 20–30 year horizons.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County Safety vs. National Norms

Lawrence County reports a safety score of 98.4 and a total crime rate of 1,008.1 per 100K. This crime rate is less than half the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K residents.

Aligning With Pennsylvania Safety Standards

The county's crime rate of 1,008.1 is slightly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. Its safety score of 98.4 is nearly identical to the state average score of 98.5.

Comparative Safety in Western Pennsylvania

Lawrence County's 18 reporting agencies show a crime rate of 1,008.1, which is higher than Jefferson County's 512.1. However, Lawrence remains significantly safer than many urban centers across the United States.

Property Crimes Outnumber Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for 874.2 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 133.9. Local violent crime is actually lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 142.2 per 100K.

Smart Steps to Deters Theft

Securing windows and doors is an effective first step in preventing the property crimes that make up most local reports. Homeowners can enhance safety by installing outdoor lighting and joining neighborhood watch programs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Humid Continental Weather Patterns

Lawrence County maintains an average annual temperature of 51.1°F, sitting slightly below the national median. This reflects a climate of cold winters and warm, humid summers typical of the Great Lakes region.

Staying Above the State Mean

The county is warmer than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F by over one degree. It avoids the harsher average cold found in the Allegheny Plateau counties to the east.

Higher Heat Than Eastern Neighbors

Lawrence experiences 21 extreme heat days per year, notably higher than Lebanon County’s 13 days. Its 41.8 inches of annual rain is slightly drier than the state average of 45.3 inches.

Defined Winters and Sunny Julys

Winter temperatures average 30.3°F with 27.5 inches of snowfall annually. Summers are active and warm, featuring a July average of 73.1°F and frequent days reaching into the 90s.

Plan for High Heat and Snow

Residents should service HVAC units early to prepare for 21 days of extreme heat. Reliable snow removal tools are also necessary to handle the 27.5 inches of winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced acidity on the western border

Lawrence County features a soil pH of 5.62, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.22. It still trends acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, but provides a versatile base for many plants. The overall soil score of 55.5 indicates a higher-than-average quality for the state.

Fine-textured silty landscapes

Silt makes up a majority of the soil at 53.4%, paired with 26.8% sand and 17.6% clay. This high silt content creates a velvety soil that is excellent at holding onto essential plant nutrients. However, it can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

High water capacity for steady growth

The available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, comfortably beating the state average of 0.151 in/in. Organic matter is 4.07%, which is double the national average of 2.0% but below the high state average. This suggests a soil that is reliable and drought-resistant for local gardeners.

Reliable hydrology for farming

Specific drainage classifications are missing, but the high silt and clay levels suggest the soil holds moisture well. Proper aeration will be important to prevent the silty profile from becoming too dense for delicate roots. Consider raised beds if you notice water pooling in low spots.

Hardy yields in Zone 6a

In Zone 6a, Lawrence County is well-suited for berries, brassicas, and cold-hardy perennials. The superior water capacity means you'll spend less time watering during the peak of summer. It is a fantastic environment to establish a self-sustaining backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Lawrence County Leads the State in Ease

With a high score of 73.3, Lawrence County offers some of the best lawn-growing conditions in Pennsylvania. It is significantly easier to maintain a healthy lawn here than the state average of 59.2. Homeowners in this Zone 6a region enjoy a climate that minimizes the usual stressors found elsewhere.

Balanced Rain and Heat for Steady Growth

The county averages 41.8 inches of rain, which aligns well with the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. Although there are 21 extreme heat days, the 3,088 growing degree days indicate a very productive environment for cool-season grasses. Mowing schedules remain busy throughout the spring and early summer.

Reliable Soil Texture with Acidic Leanings

The soil pH of 5.62 is acidic but manageable with routine lime applications to reach the 6.0 target. With 17.6% clay and 26.8% sand, the soil provides a stable medium that retains moisture without becoming overly compacted. This natural balance supports the county's impressive 73.3 difficulty score.

Exceptional Resilience to Recent Drought

Lawrence County only experienced 7 weeks in drought over the past year, far fewer than its neighbors. While 99.9% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, the historical lack of severe drought makes it a low-stress zone. Simple water-saving habits are usually enough to keep the turf green through the summer.

Maximize Success with the Right Timing

Hardiness Zone 6a favors Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue for a dense, green carpet. The last spring frost typically occurs on April 30, providing a safe start for spring projects, though fall remains best for seeding. With first frost not arriving until October 23, the autumn establishment window is quite generous.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 51.8 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lawrence County ranks #40 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 Lawrence County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $1,967, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 17.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania is $61,931 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 39.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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