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Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#65 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
39.4
County Score
Weather & Climate 57.9Soil Quality 56.5Schools 55.4

County Report Card

About Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

Low National Performance Ranking

Luzerne County receives a composite score of 39.3, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. The county faces broad challenges across several key liveability dimensions.

Lagging Behind State Standards

With a score of 39.3, Luzerne County is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It ranks as one of the more challenging counties for overall composite quality of life in the state.

Steady Schools and Health Access

Public services are a relative bright spot, with a school score of 55.4 and a health score of 55.0. These areas provide a foundation of support for the county's large population.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

A very low risk score of 8.4 suggests significant vulnerability to change, while the safety score of 42.7 is lower than most neighbors. Financial pressure is also real, with a tax score of only 11.6.

For Those Seeking Moderate Costs

Luzerne County is a realistic option for people with deep local roots or those who can find value in the mid-range school system. It is best for residents who can manage the risks of an area in economic transition.

Score breakdown

Tax11.6Cost33.4Safety42.7Health55Schools55.4Income46Risk8.4Water48.6Weather57.9
🏛11.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.3
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

Luzerne County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Luzerne County

via TaxByCounty

Luzerne's taxes run 17% above U.S. median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Luzerne County

via CostByCounty

Luzerne rents strain household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Luzerne County

via IncomeByCounty

Luzerne falls short of national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Luzerne County

via CrimeByCounty

Luzerne County Safety Against National Benchmarks

Luzerne County reports a safety score of 98.0 and a total crime rate of 1,296.3 per 100K. While this is the highest in this group, it remains far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Within the Pennsylvania Landscape

With a crime rate of 1,296.3, Luzerne is above the Pennsylvania average of 932.4. Its safety score of 98.0 is slightly below the state average score of 98.5, but still indicates a generally safe environment.

Monitoring Trends Across Regional Neighbors

Data from 55 reporting agencies shows that Luzerne has a higher crime rate than neighboring Lackawanna's 1,144.4. Despite this, it remains much safer than many major cities with similar population counts.

Violent and Property Crime Distribution

Violent crime stands at 172.1 per 100K, which is higher than the state average of 142.2 but less than half the national average. Property crime makes up 1,124.2 of the total incidents reported in the county.

Modern Tools for Home Protection

Enhanced home security, such as smart locks and alarm systems, can help address property crime concerns. Staying connected with local law enforcement through community apps is another effective way to stay safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Luzerne County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national standard by years

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Luzerne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Education Across the Wyoming Valley

Luzerne County features 64 public schools serving a total of 43,617 students. The system is managed by 16 school districts and includes 37 elementary, 11 middle, and 15 high schools. One charter school currently operates in the county, providing a small alternative to the traditional district model.

Graduation Rates Near the National Average

The county's graduation rate of 86.5% sits just below the national 87% average and the state 90.3% mark. Schools operate on an average per-pupil budget of $9,272, which is approximately $1,000 less than the state average. The composite school score of 56.6 reflects the challenges and opportunities within this large system.

Hazleton Area and Wilkes-Barre Lead the Region

Hazleton Area School District is the largest in the county, serving 12,187 students across 11 schools. Wilkes-Barre Area School District also maintains a massive presence with 7,777 students. Hazleton Area High School is the largest individual school, enrolling 3,795 students in one of the state's biggest campuses.

Suburban Settings and Large-Scale Schools

Suburban locales dominate the landscape with 44 schools, supplemented by 14 rural and 6 city campuses. The average school size is a significant 692 students, making Luzerne schools some of the largest on average in the region. Giant facilities like Wilkes-Barre Area High (2,293 students) define the local student experience.

Explore Homes in Established School Districts

Luzerne County offers a wide range of suburban and rural living options near major educational centers. Families can find value in districts like Wyoming Valley West or Crestwood that offer a variety of school sizes and settings. Start your home search today to find the right fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Luzerne County

via RiskByCounty

Luzerne County faces severe multi-hazard risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Luzerne County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Climates in the Northeast

Luzerne County’s 49.0°F average annual temperature is lower than the national median. Its location in the mountains creates a cooler, more humid environment than the coastal plains.

Trailing the State Temperature Average

The county is nearly a full degree cooler than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. This slight dip reflects the higher elevation and northern position of the Wyoming Valley.

Significant Snowfall Compared to Neighbors

Luzerne receives 40.4 inches of snow per year, which is far more than Lehigh County's 33.1 inches. Precipitation remains steady at 45.0 inches, aligning with the state average.

Mild Summers and Cold Winters

Extreme heat is rare, with only 8 days reaching 90°F annually. However, winters are quite cold, with January temperatures averaging just 25.8°F and heavy snow accumulation.

Winter Preparedness is Top Priority

With 40.4 inches of snow and a 28.3°F winter average, snow tires and high-efficiency heating are essential. Residents enjoy lower cooling costs thanks to the mild 68.9°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Luzerne County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and rich mountain soils

Luzerne County has an average soil pH of 5.08, which is more acidic than both the state average of 5.22 and the national median of 6.5. The county achieves a soil score of 56.5, indicating it is higher quality than the state average of 46.3. This soil provides a robust, if acidic, foundation for growth.

Silty texture with low clay content

The soil is comprised of 38.2% silt, 27.6% sand, and a low 12.7% clay. This light texture allows for good aeration and easy root penetration for young seedlings. However, the low clay means you may need to monitor nutrient levels more closely.

High organic matter and water storage

Luzerne boasts an impressive 19.30% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.184 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.151 in/in. This makes the soil naturally sponge-like and extremely fertile.

Natural moisture management

Drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county. Given the high organic matter and silt, the soil likely retains moisture well without becoming a heavy bog. Always check for low-lying areas where water might collect before planting large trees.

Diverse planting in Zone 6b

Falling in Zone 6b, Luzerne County is perfect for a wide variety of vegetables and temperate fruits. The high water capacity and organic richness make it a dream for organic gardeners who want to minimize irrigation. Start your garden today to capitalize on these fertile mountain soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Luzerne County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Growing Environment in Luzerne

Luzerne County scores a 51.3 on the difficulty scale, making it one of the most challenging places in Pennsylvania to grow a lawn. Located in Zone 6b, it barely exceeds the national median score of 50.0. Success here requires a more disciplined maintenance routine than in neighboring counties.

Ample Moisture and Moderate Growing Season

The county receives 45.0 inches of rain annually, which matches the Pennsylvania average perfectly. With only 8 extreme heat days and 2,656 growing degree days, the climate is relatively mild during the peak summer months. This lack of extreme heat helps offset some of the other environmental difficulties.

High Acidity Presents a Growth Barrier

A soil pH of 5.08 is quite low, creating an acidic environment that can stunt grass growth and encourage weeds. The soil has a low clay content of 12.7% and 27.6% sand, suggesting it may struggle to hold onto essential nutrients. Regular liming and core aeration are highly recommended to improve the soil foundation.

Long Drought History Impacts Turf Health

Luzerne has spent 33 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the county currently abnormally dry. While only 3.2% is in severe drought, the cumulative stress of those 33 weeks can weaken grass roots. Deep watering and avoiding heavy traffic during dry spells will help your lawn recover.

Timing Your Planting for Zone 6b Success

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are well-suited for the 6b climate and 45 inches of rain. The safe planting window typically opens after the last frost on May 7 and closes before the first frost on October 20. Focusing on soil pH correction before seeding is the best way to ensure long-term success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luzerne County's county score?
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Luzerne County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Luzerne County ranks #65 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 Luzerne County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Luzerne County is $2,506, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Luzerne County a tax score of 11.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Luzerne County?
The median household income in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is $62,321 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Luzerne County earns an income score of 46/100 on CountyScore.
Is Luzerne County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Luzerne County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Luzerne 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 Luzerne 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.