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Lebanon County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#45 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
50.6
County Score
Safety 87.5Income & Jobs 79Weather & Climate 61.9

County Report Card

About Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

A Stable National Middle-Ground

Lebanon County scores a 50.5 composite, landing it almost exactly on the national median of 50.0. It provides a reliable, typical American living experience with few extreme highs or lows.

Aligned with Pennsylvania’s Average

The county’s score of 50.5 is nearly identical to the state average of 51.8. It offers a quality of life that is very consistent with the broader trends seen across the Commonwealth.

Top-Tier Safety and High Incomes

Safety is a premier feature here with a score of 87.5, ensuring high security for residents. This is paired with an income score of 79.0, backed by a healthy median household income of $76,350.

High Living Costs and Tax Rates

The cost of living is high with a score of 21.7, and the tax score of 17.3 adds to the financial pressure. Residents pay an effective tax rate of 1.399%, which can be a burden for those on fixed budgets.

Suited for Secure, Mid-Career Families

Lebanon County is an excellent fit for established families who value safety and high earning potential. It is ideal for those who don't mind paying more for the peace of mind that a secure community provides.

Score breakdown

Tax17.3Cost21.7Safety87.5Health61.6Schools57.5Income79Risk20.1Water54.8Weather61.9
🏛17.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.9
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

Lebanon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lebanon County

via TaxByCounty

Lebanon's taxes align with national rates

Lebanon County's effective tax rate of 1.399% sits 7% above the national median of 1.31%, placing it in the middle-upper range nationwide. The median property tax of $3,180 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lebanon's stronger real estate values.

Slightly above average for Pennsylvania

Lebanon ranks near the middle of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with an effective rate of 1.399%, about 6% above the state average of 1.317%. It sits among the more moderately taxed counties in the Commonwealth.

Mid-range taxes in southeastern group

Lebanon's 1.399% rate edges just above Lancaster County (1.411%) and falls well below Lehigh County (1.663%) and Lackawanna County (1.532%). With median home values of $227,300, Lebanon offers moderate tax pressure on mid-priced properties.

Median home costs $3,180 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Lebanon County's median home value of $227,300 pays approximately $3,180 per year in property taxes at the 1.399% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $3,252; without one, it drops to $3,074.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Even moderate-tax counties like Lebanon can harbor overassessments, especially if your home's valuation exceeds recent comparable sales. An appeal to the county assessor can reset your valuation and deliver measurable year-round relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lebanon County

via CostByCounty

Lebanon earns strong income, faces moderate rent

Lebanon County's median household income of $76,350 slightly exceeds the national average of $74,755, while renters spend 17.1% on rent—moderate pressure but manageable given local wage strength. This positions Lebanon as an above-average earner facing typical housing cost challenges.

Slightly above Pennsylvania's rental burden

Lebanon County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks modestly above the state average of 16.5%, with median rent of $1,087 exceeding the state average of $960 by $127. The county balances solid earning power with higher-than-average housing costs.

Lebanon: middle ground in pricing

Lebanon's $1,087 rent sits comfortably between affordable Juniata ($730) and expensive Lancaster ($1,289), making it a regional middle ground. Home values follow the same pattern: Lebanon's $227,300 median falls between Juniata's $206,300 and Lancaster's $279,400.

Lebanon household budget snapshot

A typical Lebanon household earning $76,350 annually ($6,363 monthly) pays $1,087 in rent and $1,127 in ownership costs, committing 35% of gross income to housing. This leaves healthy room for discretionary spending compared to higher-cost Pennsylvania counties.

Lebanon balances growth and affordability

Lebanon County offers the best of both worlds: stronger-than-average incomes and reasonable housing costs relative to neighbors like Lancaster. If you're considering relocation, Lebanon delivers prosperity with moderate affordability—a sweet spot between rural bargains and expensive regional job centers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lebanon County

via IncomeByCounty

Lebanon approaches national income parity

Lebanon County's median household income of $76,350 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, sitting just 2% above the U.S. benchmark. The county ranks in the top 50% nationally, reflecting its balanced mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Solid performer within Pennsylvania

Lebanon's $76,350 median exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $6,736 annually. The county ranks in the top third of state counties and is the fourth-highest earner in this eight-county regional analysis.

Mid-to-upper range regional income

Lebanon households earn $19,571 more than Jefferson County and $12,427 more than Luzerne County but trail Lancaster County by $7,353. The county's $76,350 median places it alongside Lehigh County ($77,493) as a regional income leader.

Balanced housing-to-income relationship

At 17.1% of household income, Lebanon's rent-to-income ratio is healthy and well below concerning thresholds. Median home values of $227,300 remain achievable for dual-income households earning the county median.

Strong earnings power fuels investing

With per capita income of $37,701 and favorable housing costs, Lebanon households can comfortably max retirement contributions while building taxable investment accounts. Strategic diversification across stocks, bonds, and real estate can multiply household wealth substantially.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lebanon County

via CrimeByCounty

Lebanon County Ranks as a National Leader

Lebanon County is one of the safest areas in the nation with a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 268.0 per 100K is almost nine times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Setting the Standard for Pennsylvania Safety

Lebanon dramatically outperforms the Pennsylvania state average crime rate of 932.4. Its safety score of 99.6 is well above the state average score of 98.5, indicating exceptional public security.

The Safest Option Among Regional Neighbors

With a crime rate of only 268.0, Lebanon is significantly safer than its neighbor Lancaster, which sits at 502.5. Data from 18 reporting agencies highlights Lebanon as a regional benchmark for low crime.

Virtually No Violent Crime in Lebanon

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 27.9 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also remarkably low at 240.1 per 100K, which is a tenth of the national property crime rate.

Vigilance to Maintain Record Safety

Even with record-low crime numbers, residents should remain aware of their surroundings to maintain this safe environment. Simple precautions like locking vehicles can prevent the few opportunistic property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lebanon County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above national average

Lebanon County residents live to 77.4 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 79.3 years by 1.9 years. The county's 17.4% poor/fair health rate is below the national average of 17.9%, suggesting moderate population health with room for chronic disease reduction.

Above-average longevity, uneven insurance access

At 77.4 years, Lebanon County's life expectancy surpasses Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 1 year, placing it in the upper tier statewide. Its 9.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.0%, indicating that good health outcomes have not translated into universal coverage.

Strong mental health infrastructure stands out

Lebanon County's 361 mental health providers per 100K represents the highest concentration in the eight-county region, nearly matching Lackawanna County's 308. Its 77.4-year life expectancy trails Lancaster County (78.8) but exceeds Lawrence County (73.7), showing solid middle-ground performance on primary outcomes.

Behavioral health resources exceed regional norms

Lebanon County stands out for its 361 mental health specialists per 100K—the region's highest—reflecting exceptional investment in behavioral health services. Primary care access at 58 per 100K is moderate; combined with 9.7% uninsured, residents can access mental health support but may face barriers to preventive primary care.

Use open enrollment to build better health

Lebanon County's 9.7% uninsured rate means roughly 9,700 residents lack coverage during a critical year for health. Visit healthcare.gov before January 31 or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans that connect you to the county's strong mental health and primary care resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lebanon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network in Central Pennsylvania

Lebanon County supports 19,446 students across 35 public schools and seven districts. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education with 22 elementary schools, supported by 6 middle and 7 high schools. The county relies entirely on its traditional public districts, as no charter schools are currently active.

Meeting Benchmarks with Lean Funding

Lebanon County achieves an 88.2% graduation rate, which remains above the national average of 87%. This performance comes despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $8,678, well below the Pennsylvania average of $10,336. The composite school score stands at 56.2, indicating room for growth compared to state medians.

Cornwall-Lebanon and Lebanon SD Lead Enrollment

Cornwall-Lebanon School District is the county's largest, serving 5,007 students across six schools. Lebanon School District closely follows with 4,947 students and seven schools. Cedar Crest High School is the largest individual campus in the county, housing 1,633 students.

A Balanced Mix of Suburb and Country

The school landscape is perfectly balanced between 14 suburban and 14 rural campuses, with 7 additional city schools. The average school size is 556 students, providing a medium-sized educational experience. Large campuses like Cedar Crest Middle (1,302 students) offer diverse extracurricular and academic opportunities.

Education and Value in Lebanon County

Families seeking a mix of suburban amenities and rural charm will find Lebanon County’s districts very appealing. With steady graduation rates and efficient spending, these schools offer reliable performance for local residents. Explore real estate options in the Cornwall-Lebanon or Palmyra Area districts for great local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lebanon County

via RiskByCounty

Lebanon County's risk exceeds state average moderately

Lebanon County's composite risk score of 79.90 with a "Relatively Low" rating sits 12 points above Pennsylvania's 67.45 average. This indicates elevated exposure compared to many counties statewide, though not reaching the extreme levels of the state's highest-risk regions.

Upper-middle risk range in Pennsylvania

Lebanon County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for disaster risk, placing it in the state's higher-exposure zones. Only about one-third of Pennsylvania counties exceed Lebanon's 79.90 score, making it more vulnerable than most.

Riskier than Dauphin, safer than Lancaster

Lebanon's 79.90 score exceeds nearby Dauphin County (76.45) but falls well below Lancaster County's dangerous 95.04. Compared to Berks County (84.20), Lebanon faces slightly lower risk, showing meaningful variation across south-central Pennsylvania.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate the risk profile

Lebanon County's top hazards are flooding (84.86), tornado exposure (70.26), and hurricane risk (86.82), each carrying significant potential for property damage. Earthquake risk (80.88) rounds out a formidable multi-hazard landscape, while wildfire risk (22.49) remains comparatively low.

Flood and wind insurance cover essential gaps

Flood insurance is vital given Lebanon's 84.86 flood risk; obtain it through NFIP or private insurers. Reinforce your roof for wind resistance, secure outdoor items before spring storms, and maintain a family emergency kit for tornado and flooding events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lebanon County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Four-Season Temperate Zone

Lebanon County’s 52.3°F average temperature places it in the heart of the temperate humid continental zone. This climate offers a diverse weather experience throughout the year, staying near the national median.

Milder Than the State Average

The county stays 2.4 degrees warmer than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This relative warmth helps moderate the severity of winter compared to the state's northern mountain counties.

Plenty of Rainfall for Agriculture

With 46.4 inches of annual precipitation, Lebanon is wetter than the state average and slightly outpaces neighboring Lancaster. This ample rainfall fuels the local water table and regional farming.

Moderate Snowfall and Fewer Heatwaves

The county sees 24.0 inches of snow annually, which is average for the region. It experiences only 13 extreme heat days, offering more summer relief than many southern Pennsylvania neighbors.

Winterize for Sub-Freezing Januarys

Heating systems must be ready for a January average of 29.5°F. While extreme heat is less frequent here, adequate ventilation is still needed for the 74.3°F July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lebanon County

via SoilByCounty

A foundation of ancient Ultisols

Lebanon County is characterized by Ultisols, highly weathered soils with an average pH of 5.37. This is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.22 but well below the national median of 6.5. These soils often require supplemental nutrients to compensate for natural weathering over time.

Rocky channery loam textures

The dominant texture is channery loam, containing 45.1% silt and 28.2% sand. The 'channery' designation indicates thin, flat rock fragments are scattered throughout the soil mix. This creates a unique physical structure that aids in drainage but can be challenging for some digging tools.

Moderate fertility and water storage

Organic matter levels stand at 7.12%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national average but lower than the 12.14% state average. The available water capacity is 0.138 in/in, slightly trailing the Pennsylvania average of 0.151 in/in. Regular composting will help boost both nutrient levels and moisture retention.

Well-drained soils for healthy roots

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils offer a great balance of moisture and air. Water moves through the profile at a moderate rate, reducing the risk of root rot in sensitive plants. This makes the county excellent for both residential gardening and light construction.

Warm season success in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone provides a generous window for growing warm-weather favorites like peppers and melons. While the soil is rockier than some neighbors, the good drainage supports healthy fruit trees and grapes. Put down some mulch and start your Lebanon County garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lebanon County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Prospects for Lebanon Lawns

Lebanon County carries a lawn difficulty score of 60.9, placing it slightly above the state average. This Zone 7a region provides a favorable climate that rewards consistent care and proper timing. Maintaining a lawn here is notably easier than the national median of 50.0.

Plentiful Rainfall Offsets Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 46.4 inches is higher than the state average, providing an excellent natural water supply. The 13 extreme heat days and 3,214 growing degree days suggest a robust season with steady grass production. This extra rain helps lawns recover quickly from the occasional 90°F summer afternoon.

Well-Drained Loams Benefit from Lime

The soil consists of well-drained channery loam with a pH of 5.37, indicating a need for alkalizing amendments. The 16.1% clay and 28.2% sand content ensures that roots have access to oxygen while still holding onto nutrients. Proper drainage prevents the root rot issues often found in heavier, wetter soils.

Severe Drought Pockets Demand Strategic Watering

Despite high annual rain, 15.5% of the county is currently in a severe drought (D2+), and 100% is abnormally dry. Lawns have faced 26 weeks of drought over the past year, making water-retention strategies crucial. Focus on deep-root irrigation to take advantage of the well-drained soil structure.

Planting for Success in Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is the ideal match for Lebanon's climate, offering the best resistance to the 15.5% severe drought areas. Frost-free days typically run from April 20 to October 25, creating a long and productive window. Aim to seed in late August or September to give your new lawn the best start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lebanon County's county score?
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Lebanon County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lebanon County ranks #45 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 Lebanon County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Lebanon County is $3,180, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Lebanon County a tax score of 17.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lebanon County?
The median household income in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania is $76,350 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lebanon County earns an income score of 79/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lebanon County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lebanon County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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.