countyscore
40.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 80.8Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax7.9Cost10.8Safety49.7Health65.6Schools63.9Income80.8Risk6.1Water63.8Weather60.1
🏛7.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.5
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

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48.1
Carbon County
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Deep Dives

Lehigh County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Lehigh County

via CostByCounty

Lehigh faces Pennsylvania's highest rent burden

Lehigh County renters dedicate 20.5% of their $77,493 median household income to rent—the highest ratio in this dataset and well above the national affordability comfort zone. Despite earning above the national median of $74,755, Lehigh households face the steepest relative housing costs.

State's most strained rental market

Lehigh County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, marking it as the state's most affordability-stressed county in this analysis. The $1,326 median rent towers over the state average of $960, creating genuine hardship for renters.

Lehigh commands region's steepest rents

Lehigh renters pay $1,326 monthly—$596 more than Juniata County and $239 more than nearby Lancaster County—making it the region's most expensive rental market. Even homeowners face pressure: the $1,420 monthly ownership cost ranks highest among all eight counties analyzed.

Lehigh's housing squeeze

On a $77,493 annual income ($6,458 monthly), Lehigh households spend $1,326 on rent and $1,420 on ownership costs—totaling 44% of gross income on housing alone. This leaves only 56% for all other expenses: food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Lehigh: reconsider if affordability matters

Lehigh County renters should seriously evaluate nearby Lancaster or Lebanon counties, where housing costs are $200+ cheaper monthly while maintaining strong job markets. If relocating beyond the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania counties like Juniata offer identical earning potential with one-third the rental costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lehigh County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy keeps pace with U.S. average

Lehigh County residents live to 78.0 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. average of 79.3 years and ranking among the best in Pennsylvania. The county's 19.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17.9%, suggesting pockets of chronic disease despite strong longevity.

Strong longevity, above-state coverage rates

At 78.0 years, Lehigh County's life expectancy exceeds Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 1.6 years, placing it among the state's best performers. Its 7.3% uninsured rate is near the state average of 7.0%, indicating relatively equitable coverage access.

Highest primary care provider density regionally

Lehigh County's 96 primary care providers per 100K is the highest in the eight-county region, enabling robust preventive care access. At 78.0 years life expectancy, it ranks second only to Lancaster County (78.8), showing strong translation of provider availability into health outcomes.

Healthcare infrastructure drives strong outcomes

With 96 primary care doctors per 100K—the region's highest—Lehigh County enables routine preventive care and early disease detection. Mental health support at 258 per 100K, combined with near-universal insurance coverage at 92.7%, creates conditions for comprehensive health maintenance.

Maintain coverage for continuous care access

Lehigh County's 7.3% uninsured rate is near the state average, but roughly 9,200 residents still lack coverage and its benefits. Check healthcare.gov annually to ensure your family has a plan that leverages the county's abundant primary care and mental health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lehigh County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dynamic Hub for Diverse Learning Options

Lehigh County manages a massive education system with 80 schools and 54,048 students across 19 districts. The county is a leader in school choice, featuring 8 charter schools that make up 10% of the total school landscape. The infrastructure includes 48 elementary, 17 middle, and 12 high schools to serve a growing population.

Solid Performance in a High-Volume System

Lehigh maintains an 88.3% graduation rate, staying ahead of the national 87% benchmark. The county spends $10,005 per pupil, which is nearly in line with the Pennsylvania state average. A composite school score of 59.1 demonstrates consistent quality across its urban and suburban districts.

Allentown and Parkland Manage Major Enrollment

Allentown City School District is the largest in the county, educating 15,928 students in 21 schools. Parkland School District follows with 9,821 students and is home to Parkland High School, the county's largest school with 3,220 students. Bethlehem Area SD also plays a major role, serving 12,939 students across its 22 schools.

Bustling Suburbs and Large City Campuses

Lehigh schools are primarily suburban (44) and city-based (29), with only 7 rural schools in the county. With an average school size of 676, many students attend large, resource-rich campuses like William Allen or Emmaus High. This environment provides students with a wide array of specialized programs and competitive athletics.

Choose Your Perfect Educational Path

Lehigh County offers everything from massive suburban high schools to specialized city charters. The variety of districts and school types makes it one of the most flexible counties in Pennsylvania for families. Look for homes in the Parkland or East Penn districts to take advantage of these top-rated educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lehigh County

via RiskByCounty

Lehigh County faces above-average multi-hazard risk

Lehigh County's composite risk score of 93.89 and "Relatively Moderate" rating place it 26 points above Pennsylvania's 67.45 state average. This substantial elevation reflects significant vulnerability across multiple hazard categories, approaching the state's highest-risk tier.

Third-highest risk county in Pennsylvania

Lehigh ranks among the top three counties in Pennsylvania for composite disaster risk, with only Lancaster (95.04) and Luzerne (91.63) counties exceeding its exposure. This positions Lehigh as one of the state's most hazard-prone regions.

Riskiest county in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh's 93.89 score substantially exceeds neighboring Northampton County (88.70) and Carbon County (81.50), making it the most exposed county in the eastern Pennsylvania cluster. This pattern reflects Lehigh's unique concentration of overlapping hazards.

Tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes pose extreme danger

Lehigh County faces extreme tornado risk (87.37), severe flood risk (95.36), and significant earthquake danger (89.79), with hurricane exposure (90.20) compounding the threat. Wildfire risk (30.31) remains comparatively modest, but the convergence of other hazards is severe.

Comprehensive coverage and reinforcement critical

Flood insurance is essential in Lehigh County; ensure you have coverage through NFIP or private policies immediately. Reinforce your home for seismic activity, install storm shutters and wind-resistant roofing, and establish a safe room for tornado season to address your county's extreme multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 40.7 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 Lehigh County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lehigh County ranks #64 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 $4,591, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Lehigh County a tax score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lehigh County?
The median household income in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is $77,493 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lehigh County earns an income score of 80.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lehigh County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lehigh County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.