Lycoming County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#53 in Pennsylvania
46.9
County Score
Schools 68.5Health 68.1Lawn Care 59.5

County Report Card

About Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Slightly Below the National Median

Lycoming County earns a composite score of 46.9, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of affordable housing and moderate income levels across the north-central region.

Trailing the Pennsylvania Average

The county's overall score sits nearly five points below the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. While it offers unique regional advantages, it faces stiffer competition from higher-scoring counties in the southeast.

Strong Schools and Healthcare Access

Education and health are the county's primary pillars, with scores of 68.5 and 68.1 respectively. Residents benefit from a reliable school system and a median home value of $195,600, which remains accessible for many families.

Tax and Environmental Risk Factors

The county struggles with a low tax score of 18.7 and a risk score of 20.4, indicating higher burdens and potential environmental vulnerabilities. An effective tax rate of 1.353% impacts overall household take-home pay.

A Fit for Established Families

Lycoming County is best suited for families who prioritize quality education and manageable housing costs over low taxes. It offers a stable, service-rich environment for those earning near the median income of $64,412.

2040608010018.736.452.568.168.551.820.426.853.3Tax18.7Cost36.4Safety52.5Health68.1Schools68.5Income51.8Risk20.4Water26.8Weather53.346.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Lycoming County DNA

Foverall

How Lycoming County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lycoming County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (68.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (18.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.7-33.3
Cost
36.4-11.600000000000001
Safety
52.5
Health
68.1+18.099999999999994
Schools
68.5+14.5
Income
51.8
Risk
20.4-26.6
Water
26.8-31.2
Weather
53.3
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Many homeowners in Lycoming 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

$195,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$887/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$195,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,412/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.7

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Lycoming County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lycoming County

via TaxByCounty

Lycoming taxes slightly above national norm

Lycoming's effective tax rate of 1.353% sits above the national median of 1.2%, placing the county in the higher half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is $2,647, nearly matching the national median of $2,690, though on a significantly lower home value. This means Lycoming residents pay a steeper rate on their properties compared to the typical American household.

Above average for Pennsylvania

At 1.353%, Lycoming's effective rate exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% by about 0.04 percentage points. Among the state's 67 counties, Lycoming ranks in the upper third for tax burden, reflecting moderate-to-high property tax pressure in the region.

Higher than Mercer and Montour

Lycoming's 1.353% rate surpasses neighboring Mercer County (1.265%) and Montour County (1.030%), but trails Monroe County (1.839%). The county sits in the middle of its regional peer group, suggesting competitive but not exceptional tax rates in northcentral Pennsylvania.

Median home costs about $2,647 yearly

A homeowner with the county median home value of $195,600 pays roughly $2,647 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. Including mortgage-related assessments, that figure can climb to $2,745, meaning annual tax bills range from $2,496 to $2,745 depending on mortgage status.

Many assessments may be too high

Studies show a significant share of homeowners in Pennsylvania counties are overassessed relative to fair market value. If you believe your property is assessed above its true worth, a tax appeal could reduce your bill—contact your county assessment office to request a reassessment or file a formal challenge.

Cost of Living in Lycoming County

via CostByCounty

Lycoming matches the national housing balance

Renters in Lycoming County spend 16.5% of their income on housing—exactly matching the national benchmark for affordability. With a median household income of $64,412, the county falls about $10,300 below the national median, yet housing costs stay proportionally manageable.

Right in the middle of Pennsylvania

Lycoming's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ties it with the statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's affordability spectrum. The county's median rent of $887 remains $73 below the state average, offering stable housing costs for a county with below-average incomes.

More affordable than regional peers

Lycoming rents ($887/month) undercut nearby Montour County ($1,057) and Northampton County ($1,335) by significant margins, while homeownership costs ($1,026/month) remain competitive. The county offers a rare sweet spot: lower costs than wealthier neighbors without sacrificing affordability ratios.

Breaking down the housing dollar

Renters dedicate $887 monthly to housing on a $64,412 annual income, while homeowners pay $1,026. Together, these represent 16.5% and 19.1% of income respectively—both within sustainable ranges for most households.

Consider Lycoming for stable affordability

If you're relocating from higher-cost regions, Lycoming delivers predictable housing costs without the income penalty of wealthier counties. Compare its $195,600 median home value and balanced rent ratios against neighboring options to find your best fit.

Income & Jobs in Lycoming County

via IncomeByCounty

Lycoming trails national income median

Lycoming County's median household income of $64,412 falls about $10,300 short of the national median of $74,755. This 14% gap suggests residents here earn less than typical American households, reflecting economic patterns common in rural Pennsylvania.

Below-average income within Pennsylvania

At $64,412, Lycoming's median household income ranks below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by roughly $5,200. The county's per capita income of $34,853 also lags the state average of $37,407, signaling modest earning power across the board.

Mid-range among central Pennsylvania counties

Lycoming earns more than neighboring McKean ($61,705) and Mercer ($60,614) but less than Montour County ($72,926). Within the broader region, Lycoming sits in the middle tier, reflecting its small-city economy centered on manufacturing and healthcare.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Lycoming's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% indicates that rental housing is affordable relative to earnings. With a median home value of $195,600, homeownership is accessible for many households, though the mortgage-to-income burden requires careful budgeting.

Build financial security in Lycoming

With median household income at $64,412, prioritizing retirement savings and emergency funds is essential for residents here. Leveraging affordable housing costs to build equity and explore employer-sponsored benefits can help Lycoming households strengthen their long-term financial position.

Safety in Lycoming County

via CrimeByCounty

Lycoming County Earns High Safety Marks

Lycoming County boasts a safety score of 98.3, placing it well above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 1,065.6 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Above Pennsylvania's Average Crime Rate

While safe by national standards, Lycoming's total crime rate of 1,065.6 is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. The county's safety score of 98.3 also trails the state average score of 98.5 by a slim margin.

Lower Crime Than Most Regional Neighbors

Lycoming is notably safer than McKean County, which sees 1,441.0 crimes per 100,000 people. It also maintains a lower crime rate than Mifflin County, which reports 1,074.8 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes account for 928.8 incidents per 100,000 people, representing the bulk of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime remains relatively rare at 136.8 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

Focus on Securing Your Property

Because property crime is nearly seven times more common than violent crime here, home security is a wise investment. Installing motion lights and visible cameras can effectively deter opportunistic theft in your neighborhood.

Schools in Lycoming County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Educational Landscape in North Central PA

Lycoming County supports a robust network of 30 public schools across eight distinct school districts. The infrastructure serves 14,529 students through 14 elementary, seven middle, and nine high school facilities.

Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a 90.1% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87.0% despite a per-pupil expenditure of $9,561, which sits below the state average of $10,336. With a school score of 59.1, the region delivers competitive academic outcomes compared to its state peers.

Williamsport Area Leads Local Districts

The Williamsport Area School District is the county's largest, managing seven schools and enrolling 4,703 students. Montoursville Area and East Lycoming also represent significant hubs, and currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county borders.

A Mix of Town and Suburban Classrooms

With an average school size of 501 students, the county offers a balanced environment across 11 town, nine suburban, and five rural locales. Williamsport Area Senior High is the largest facility with 1,479 students, while local primary schools like Donald E. Schick provide a more intimate start for young learners.

Find Your Home Near Lycoming Schools

Families looking for strong graduation rates and diverse school settings will find plenty of options in Williamsport and its surrounding townships. Consider how local school district performance aligns with your next home investment.

Disaster Risk in Lycoming County

via RiskByCounty

Lycoming's risk sits above the nation

With a composite risk score of 79.58, Lycoming County faces above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties overall. The county earned a "Relatively Low" risk rating, meaning its hazards are manageable with proper preparation. However, residents should understand that this score still reflects meaningful flood and hurricane vulnerabilities.

Above average for Pennsylvania

Lycoming's risk score of 79.58 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevated ranking reflects the county's significant flood exposure, which scores 88.99 statewide. Despite ranking above peers, Lycoming's "Relatively Low" rating indicates manageable risk with proper preparation.

Riskier than nearby counties

Lycoming County's risk score of 79.58 exceeds neighboring Mifflin County (69.27) and significantly outpaces McKean County (53.78) to the north. Within the region, only Monroe County (85.08) and Northampton County (90.01) face comparable or greater disaster exposure. Lycoming residents benefit from proximity to lower-risk areas but should recognize their higher vulnerability relative to neighboring counties.

Flood and hurricane threats dominate

Flooding poses Lycoming's most significant hazard, with a risk score of 88.99—the county's highest and well above state average. Hurricane exposure ranks second at 75.05, reflecting the region's vulnerability to tropical systems tracking inland from the Atlantic. Together, these water-related hazards account for the majority of the county's overall composite risk.

Flood insurance is essential here

Lycoming County's flood risk score of 88.99 makes comprehensive flood insurance critical—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Review your property's elevation and proximity to the Susquehanna River and its tributaries; even moderate rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems. Consider also fortifying your roof and securing outdoor items ahead of hurricane season.

Water Quality in Lycoming County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Earns Failing Grade

Lycoming County holds a Water Quality Grade of F with 64 health violations recorded over five years. The violation rate of 81.0 per 100,000 people sits just below the Pennsylvania state average of 86.5. This signal reflects ongoing challenges in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Uncertain Status for Local Watersheds

The 2022 reporting cycle assessed 23,331 water bodies in the county, currently listing a 0.0% impairment rate. However, because no top impairment causes are identified, these water bodies may not yet be fully covered in federal Clean Water Act assessments. This creates a data gap for local watershed health.

High-Density Monitoring Tracks Water Trends

A robust network of 100 monitoring sites has generated 43,220 measurements over the last five years. Agencies prioritize tracking inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics to maintain water quality oversight. This data-rich environment provides a clear view of chemical shifts in the environment.

Susquehanna River Flow Runs High

The West Branch Susquehanna River at Williamsport currently discharges 11,000 cfs. This represents 122% of the long-term mean, indicating flows are significantly higher than typical for this time of year. This gauge monitors a vast drainage area of 5,682 square miles.

Filter and Test Your Tap Water

Given the county's low compliance grade, residents should consider professional tap water testing or high-quality filtration systems. Additionally, high streamflow can increase turbidity, so those on private wells should be particularly vigilant after heavy rain events.

Weather & Climate in Lycoming County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Pennsylvania's Humid Continental Zone

Lycoming County averages 51.5°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median temperature. It experiences a wide range of weather, from heavy winter snows to hot summer afternoons.

Above the State Average Mark

At 51.5°F, the county is 1.6 degrees warmer than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. This makes it a relatively warm pocket within the central mountainous region of the state.

Frequent Summer Heat Spikes

Lycoming sees 21 extreme heat days a year, matching Lawrence County but far exceeding Luzerne’s 8 days. It receives 43.1 inches of rain, which is slightly lower than the state mean.

Diverse Weather Year-Round

Summer temperatures average 72.1°F, while winter drops to a 30.3°F average with 34.2 inches of snow. January is the coldest month, typically bottoming out around 27.9°F.

Dual-Season Home Maintenance Required

The 21 days of heat over 90°F require effective cooling systems. Conversely, homeowners must prepare for over 34 inches of snow to keep driveways and roofs clear in winter.

Soil Quality in Lycoming County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Inceptisols Define the River Valley

Lycoming's silt loam soils belong to the Inceptisol order, indicating a relatively young geological profile. The average pH sits at 5.15, which is more acidic than both the state average of 5.22 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH level often requires lime amendments for most traditional row crops.

A Silty Mix with Moderate Texture

The soil contains 39.8% silt, 30.5% sand, and 14.2% clay, creating a classic silt loam texture. This balance offers a good middle ground for workability, though the higher silt content makes the ground prone to erosion if left uncovered. The low clay percentage suggests that while the soil doesn't bake hard, it lacks high natural mineral retention.

Rich Organic Matter Boosts Growth

With an organic matter content of 13.03%, Lycoming exceeds the state average of 12.14% and dwarfs the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.156 in/in further supports plant health by holding slightly more moisture than the typical Pennsylvania soil. These numbers indicate a high biological potential for both forestry and agriculture.

Navigating Very Poorly Drained Grounds

The county's dominant soils are classified as very poorly drained and fall under hydrologic group B/D. This means the water table is often near the surface, posing significant challenges for basement construction and heavy machinery use. Farmers here must often rely on tiling or specialized water management to prevent root rot.

Tending the Valley in Zone 6a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Lycoming is ideal for cool-weather vegetables and hardy fruit trees like apples. The rich organic matter supports a vibrant growing season for those who manage the acidic pH and high water table. It is a prime environment for starting a productive home vegetable garden or a small orchard.

Lawn Care in Lycoming County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth in the Susquehanna Valley

Lycoming County earns a 59.5 lawn difficulty score, placing it slightly above the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. This Zone 6a region offers a more favorable environment for turf than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat Challenges Valley Turf

The county experiences 21 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the state average of 11 days. With 43.1 inches of precipitation and 3,154 growing degree days, lawns require consistent monitoring during peak summer months.

Amending Acidic Silt Loam Soils

Soil here is very poorly drained and acidic with a pH of 5.15, well below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The silt loam texture includes 14.2% clay and 30.5% sand, necessitating lime applications to balance the high acidity.

Navigating Dry Spells in Lycoming

Residents spent 23 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass roots reach deeper into the soil for resilience.

Ready for a Robust Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in this Zone 6a climate when established correctly. Target the window between the last frost on April 25 and the first frost on October 24 for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lycoming County's county score?
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Lycoming County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Lycoming County ranks #53 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 Lycoming County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Lycoming County is $2,647, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Lycoming County a tax score of 18.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lycoming County?
The median household income in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania is $64,412 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lycoming County earns an income score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lycoming County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Lycoming County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Lycoming 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 Lycoming County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.