countyscore
41
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.5Health 65.6Schools 63.9

County Report Card

About Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

Challenging National Rankings

Lehigh County holds a composite score of 40.7, placing it below the national median of 50.0. High costs and systemic risks weigh heavily on the overall quality-of-life assessment.

Trailing the State Average

At 40.7, Lehigh County falls over 10 points below the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. While economically active, the county struggles with high overhead and environmental vulnerabilities.

Strong Incomes and Healthy Living

Economic opportunity is the county's greatest asset, reflected in an income score of 80.8. Furthermore, a health score of 65.6 and a water score of 63.8 show a commitment to public wellness.

High Taxes and Affordability Gaps

The tax score of 7.9 is among the lowest, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.663%. Housing is also expensive, with a cost score of 10.8 and median rents reaching $1,326.

A Hub for Ambitious Professionals

Lehigh County is best for upwardly mobile professionals who prioritize high salaries and modern health infrastructure. It is a trade-off where high earning power is used to offset significant living and tax expenses.

204060801009.510.949.765.663.981.56.163.860.1Tax9.5Cost10.9Safety49.7Health65.6Schools63.9Income81.5Risk6.1Water63.8Weather60.141/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Lehigh County DNA

Foverall

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

Lehigh County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.5-42.5
Cost
10.9-37.1
Safety
49.7
Health
65.6+15.599999999999994
Schools
63.9+9.899999999999999
Income
81.5+30.5
Risk
6.1-40.9
Water
63.8
Weather
60.1
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Think property taxes are too high in Lehigh County?

Many homeowners in Lehigh 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

$300,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,383/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$300,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$55,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,079/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Northampton County
Pennsylvania
48.4
Carbon County
Pennsylvania
50
Berks County
Pennsylvania
44.3
Warren County
New Jersey
48.9
Monroe County
Pennsylvania
42.8
Schuylkill County
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48.8
Hunterdon County
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55.4
Montgomery County
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44

Deep Dives

Lehigh County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lehigh County

via TaxByCounty

Lehigh's taxes rank among the nation's highest

Lehigh County's effective tax rate of 1.663% ranks in the top quartile nationally, 27% above the national median of 1.31%. The median property tax of $4,591 significantly exceeds the national median of $2,690, making Lehigh one of the highest-taxed counties in the U.S.

Highest-taxed county in Pennsylvania

Lehigh ranks at or near the top of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with an effective rate of 1.663%, 26% above the state average of 1.317%. It stands as one of the Commonwealth's most tax-burdened communities.

Significantly outpaces all regional peers

Lehigh's 1.663% rate exceeds every comparison county, surpassing Lackawanna County (1.532%), Lawrence County (1.451%), and Lebanon County (1.399%) by wide margins. Even Lancaster County (1.411%) and Jefferson County (1.114%) pay substantially less per dollar of home value.

Median home costs $4,591 in annual taxes

A homeowner with Lehigh County's median home value of $276,100 pays approximately $4,591 per year in property taxes at the 1.663% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $4,669; without one, it drops to $4,448.

Assessment appeals offer substantial relief

Lehigh County's high tax rates make assessment accuracy critical—an overvalued property here costs significantly more annually than elsewhere. Filing an appeal with the county assessor should be a priority if your home's assessed value seems inflated relative to recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lehigh County

via IncomeByCounty

Lehigh exceeds national income average

Lehigh County's median household income of $77,493 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $2,738, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. The county's diverse economy and proximity to major metros support above-average earnings.

Top tier earner in Pennsylvania

At $77,493, Lehigh County ranks meaningfully above Pennsylvania's median of $69,614 by $7,879 annually. The county is the second-highest earner in this eight-county analysis, trailing only Lancaster County.

Regional income powerhouse

Lehigh households earn $793 more than Lebanon County and $14,172 more than Jefferson County, anchoring the upper tier regionally. Only Lancaster's $83,703 exceeds Lehigh's strong $77,493 median.

High housing costs strain budgets slightly

Despite strong incomes, Lehigh's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio is the region's highest, reflecting elevated housing prices in the Allentown metro area. Median home values of $276,100 require households earning above-county-median incomes for comfortable ownership.

Premium income despite housing pressures

Lehigh's per capita income of $41,804 is among the region's highest, enabling aggressive retirement savings and investment despite housing costs. Households should prioritize maxing 401(k) contributions and exploring real estate equity building as housing prices appreciate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lehigh County

via CrimeByCounty

Lehigh County Balances Urbanization and Safety

Lehigh County holds a safety score of 98.2 despite its busy metropolitan centers. Its total crime rate of 1,132.8 per 100K is still roughly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

How Lehigh Compares Within Pennsylvania

The county's crime rate of 1,132.8 is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. However, 24 reporting agencies show that the county remains a relatively safe place to live compared to other urban regions.

Comparing Lehigh to Neighboring Counties

Lehigh's crime rate of 1,132.8 is slightly lower than Lackawanna County's 1,144.4. It maintains a better safety profile than many similar-sized counties in the northeastern United States.

Breaking Down the Crime Statistics

Property crime is the most common issue at 1,029.4 per 100K, but this is still far below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is relatively low at 103.4 per 100K, which is better than the state average of 142.2.

Deterring Property Crime in Urban Areas

Residents in more populated areas should consider installing security cameras to deter property theft. Keeping valuables out of sight in parked cars is another simple way to reduce local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lehigh County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balance of Sun and Rain

Lehigh County's 53.1°F average temperature sits right at the U.S. median for temperate climates. It features a humid continental environment with significant moisture and well-defined seasonal shifts.

One of Pennsylvania's Warmer Counties

The county is significantly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. This makes Lehigh one of the milder urban corridors in the state, despite its susceptibility to heavy winter storms.

High Precipitation in the Valley

Lehigh receives 48.3 inches of rain annually, which is three inches more than the state average. This makes it wetter than nearby Lancaster and Luzerne counties.

Brisk Winters and Humid Summers

Winter brings 33.1 inches of snow and a 32.5°F average temperature. In summer, the county experiences 18 extreme heat days with July averages hitting 75.6°F.

Ready the Shovels and AC

Homeowners need heavy-duty snow removal equipment for the 33.1 inches of annual snowfall. Cooling costs also peak in July as temperatures frequently exceed 90°F for nearly three weeks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lehigh County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Pennsylvania silt-loam profile

Lehigh County soil features an average pH of 5.45, making it less acidic than the state average of 5.22. Despite this advantage, it remains below the national median of 6.5. The county's soil score of 46.4 is nearly identical to the overall Pennsylvania state average.

Balanced silt and sand distribution

The soil composition consists of 44.3% silt, 27.7% sand, and 15.5% clay. This creates a loam-like texture that is generally easy to work and provides a stable environment for root development. The clay content is sufficient to hold onto minerals without causing major drainage issues.

Reliable water capacity for urban gardens

The available water capacity is 0.142 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.151 in/in. Organic matter is 6.27%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but falling behind the state's 12.14% benchmark. This indicates a soil that is reliable but benefits from seasonal mulching.

Versatile hydrology for the Lehigh Valley

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the physical composition suggests moderate permeability. The balanced clay and silt ratio typically prevents the soil from becoming overly waterlogged or excessively dry. Local gardeners should monitor soil moisture during the high heat of July.

Abundant options in Zone 7a

A 7a hardiness zone allows Lehigh residents to enjoy a diverse range of ornamental and edible plants. From summer squash to perennial flowers, the climate and soil support a vibrant growing season. It's a great time to revitalize your outdoor space with local plantings.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lehigh County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions for Lehigh County Turf

Lehigh County has a lawn difficulty score of 55.5, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. While still above the national median, the local environment presents unique hurdles for homeowners in Hardiness Zone 7a. Consistent effort is required to keep lawns healthy in this part of the state.

High Rainfall Meets Frequent Summer Heat

Lehigh is one of the wetter counties, receiving 48.3 inches of precipitation annually. However, the 18 extreme heat days and 3,405 growing degree days create a high-demand environment where grass can quickly dry out. Managing this balance between heavy rain and high heat is the primary seasonal challenge.

Acidic Foundation Requires Regular Soil Testing

The soil pH sits at 5.45, requiring lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range needed for healthy turfgrass. The soil contains 15.5% clay and 27.7% sand, providing a standard texture that responds well to fertilization. Monitoring the pH is essential to ensure your grass can actually use the nutrients you provide.

Extreme Drought Coverage Limits Water Use

A staggering 99.9% of Lehigh County is currently experiencing severe drought (D2+), the highest in this group. Lawns have endured 35 weeks of drought over the past year, causing significant stress to even established turf. Strict water conservation and dormant-season protection are vital for lawn survival right now.

Resilient Grass Choices for Lehigh

Given the 99.9% severe drought coverage, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the smartest choice for local yards. The growing season typically starts after the April 20 frost and lasts until late October. Establishing a new lawn is best done in the fall when the extreme summer heat has subsided.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lehigh County's county score?
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 41 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 Lehigh County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lehigh County ranks #63 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 Lehigh County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Lehigh County is $4,651, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Lehigh County a tax score of 9.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lehigh County?
The median household income in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is $80,079 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lehigh County earns an income score of 81.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lehigh County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lehigh County scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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.