Luzerne County's composite score of 63.4 ranks 27% above the national median of 50.0, signaling solid livability overall. However, this masks significant internal trade-offs between housing costs and income levels.
2 / 5
Below state average but competitive
At 63.4, Luzerne County trails the Pennsylvania state average of 66.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The shortfall is driven primarily by modest incomes and elevated tax burdens relative to the state norm.
3 / 5
Moderate housing costs offer relief
Luzerne County's Cost Score of 76.3 reflects median home values of $163,800 and rent of $958, providing reasonable housing options for working families. This affordability cushion is the county's primary competitive advantage.
4 / 5
Taxes and wages compress opportunity
The Tax Score of 59.2 with an effective rate of 1.530% and an Income Score of 24.1 with median household income of $62,321 combine to limit household financial flexibility. Limited wage growth and elevated taxes constrain discretionary spending.
5 / 5
Suitable for modest-income, cost-conscious residents
Luzerne County appeals to working families earning $55,000–$70,000 who prioritize affordable housing and established neighborhoods over job market dynamism. If you're rooted in place and need modest, stable housing costs, this county meets baseline livability needs.
Luzerne County's composite score of 63.4 ranks 27% above the national median of 50.0, signaling solid livability overall. However, this masks significant internal trade-offs between housing costs and income levels.
Below state average but competitive
At 63.4, Luzerne County trails the Pennsylvania state average of 66.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The shortfall is driven primarily by modest incomes and elevated tax burdens relative to the state norm.
Moderate housing costs offer relief
Luzerne County's Cost Score of 76.3 reflects median home values of $163,800 and rent of $958, providing reasonable housing options for working families. This affordability cushion is the county's primary competitive advantage.
Taxes and wages compress opportunity
The Tax Score of 59.2 with an effective rate of 1.530% and an Income Score of 24.1 with median household income of $62,321 combine to limit household financial flexibility. Limited wage growth and elevated taxes constrain discretionary spending.
Suitable for modest-income, cost-conscious residents
Luzerne County appeals to working families earning $55,000–$70,000 who prioritize affordable housing and established neighborhoods over job market dynamism. If you're rooted in place and need modest, stable housing costs, this county meets baseline livability needs.
Score breakdown
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🏛59.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Luzerne County's effective tax rate of 1.530% sits 17% above the national median of 1.31%, placing it in the upper range nationwide. The median property tax of $2,506 falls slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Luzerne's lower home values.
Among Pennsylvania's higher-taxed counties
Luzerne ranks in the upper third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties with an effective rate of 1.530%, 16% above the state average of 1.317%. This positions it as one of the more tax-burdened communities in the Commonwealth.
Higher taxes on lower-priced properties
Luzerne's 1.530% rate nearly matches Lackawanna County (1.532%) and exceeds Jefferson County (1.114%), Juniata County (1.050%), and Lawrence County (1.451%). With median home values of $163,800—the lowest in this group—Luzerne homeowners face steep tax pressure on modestly priced properties.
Median home costs $2,506 in annual taxes
A homeowner with Luzerne County's median home value of $163,800 pays approximately $2,506 per year in property taxes at the 1.530% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,696; without one, it drops to $2,259.
Challenge assessments to reduce burden
Luzerne County homeowners facing above-average tax rates should verify whether their assessments match current market conditions in their neighborhoods. An appeal to the county assessor can challenge inflated valuations and deliver immediate annual savings.
Luzerne County renters spend 18.4% of their $62,321 median household income on rent, approaching affordability stress despite earning below the national median of $74,755. This tight ratio reflects a community where housing costs have climbed faster than wage growth.
Above-average burden in Pennsylvania
Luzerne County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, with median rent of $958 nearly matching the state average of $960. The county ranks among the more affordability-challenged areas statewide.
High rents for lower-income county
Luzerne's $958 rent trails Lackawanna's $973 by just $15 but exceeds nearby Juniata ($730) by $228 and Jefferson ($746) by $212, making it one of the region's pricier markets. Median home values of $163,800 underscore the county's modest economic profile relative to housing costs.
Luzerne income stretched thin
On a $62,321 annual income ($5,193 monthly), Luzerne households dedicate $958 to rent and $973 to ownership costs, consuming 37% of gross income combined. This leaves limited flexibility for savings and emergencies in a county where incomes lag state averages.
Luzerne: consider more affordable options
Renters in Luzerne County should explore nearby Juniata or Lawrence County, where $200-230 monthly rent savings could ease financial pressure substantially. Even modest relocations within northeastern Pennsylvania could unlock $2,500+ in annual housing savings while maintaining access to similar job markets and services.
Luzerne County's median household income of $62,321 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,434, or 17%. The county's legacy dependence on coal and heavy manufacturing contributes to below-average earnings relative to the broader U.S. economy.
Below Pennsylvania state average
At $62,321, Luzerne County ranks below Pennsylvania's median of $69,614 by $7,293 annually. The county ranks in the lower half statewide and is the third-lowest earner among the eight counties analyzed.
Lower-income regional standing
Luzerne households earn $4,458 less than Lackawanna County and only slightly more than Lawrence County ($60,779). The county trails the regional leaders Lancaster and Lehigh by approximately $15,000–21,000 in median household income.
Housing costs press household finances
Luzerne's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability limits, indicating housing consumes significant portions of family budgets. Median home values of $163,800 remain within reach for households at the median income but leave limited cushion.
Moderate income demands disciplined saving
With per capita income at $34,857, Luzerne households benefit from automating modest contributions to employer 401(k) plans and high-yield savings accounts. Even $100–150 monthly in consistent, low-cost index fund investments can accumulate meaningful retirement assets.
Luzerne County residents live to 74.8 years on average, about 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Nearly one in five residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, approaching the upper end of the regional range and signaling significant chronic disease burden.
Below-state longevity despite decent coverage
At 74.8 years, Luzerne County's life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average by 1.6 years, placing it among the state's weaker performers. Its 6.7% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 7.0%, suggesting that insurance coverage alone does not explain the longevity gap.
Lowest life expectancy, strong provider access
Luzerne County's 74.8-year life expectancy ranks below all regional peers except Lawrence County (73.7), despite offering 76 primary care providers per 100K. Mental health resources at 150 per 100K fall short of regional leaders like Lebanon County (361) and Lackawanna County (308).
Provider access not translating to longevity
Luzerne County's 76 primary care providers per 100K suggest adequate supply, yet the county's 74.8-year life expectancy lags significantly. Mental health resources at 150 per 100K are moderate; the mismatch between provider availability and health outcomes suggests issues with utilization, coordination, or underlying social determinants.
Maximize healthcare access through coverage
While Luzerne County's 6.7% uninsured rate is slightly better than state average, roughly 10,700 residents still lack coverage—a barrier to routine care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans that unlock the county's healthcare resources and support better health outcomes.
Luzerne County's composite score of 91.63 with a "Relatively Moderate" rating exceeds Pennsylvania's 67.45 state average by 24 points. This places Luzerne among the nation's highest-risk counties for overlapping disaster hazards.
Second-highest risk county in Pennsylvania
Luzerne County ranks second only to Lancaster (95.04) in Pennsylvania for composite disaster risk, making it one of the state's most vulnerable regions. Only a handful of other counties approach Luzerne's extreme exposure across multiple hazard categories.
Most exposed county in northeastern Pennsylvania
Luzerne's 91.63 score significantly exceeds nearby Lackawanna County (89.92) and Pike County (82.45), making it the hazard epicenter of northeastern Pennsylvania. This concentration reflects the region's particular vulnerability to flooding and seismic activity.
Extreme flood and wildfire danger coexist
Luzerne faces extreme flood risk (95.32), severe tornado exposure (81.58), and substantial wildfire risk (53.72)—rare for Pennsylvania counties. Earthquake (83.91) and hurricane (83.10) risks round out a uniquely dangerous hazard profile requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Flood, wildfire, and earthquake protection essential
Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Luzerne County; obtain it immediately if you lack coverage. Evaluate wildfire risk if you're in a forested area and harden your landscaping accordingly; reinforce foundations for earthquake resilience; and maintain your property's exterior to withstand high winds during tornado and hurricane season.