Lycoming County

Pennsylvania · PA

#43 in Pennsylvania
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Lycoming Outpaces National Median

Lycoming County scores 65.7 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the 63rd percentile nationally, meaning it ranks better than roughly two-thirds of U.S. counties on overall livability.

Just Below Pennsylvania Average

At 65.7, Lycoming scores slightly below Pennsylvania's statewide average of 66.0, ranking it near the middle of the state's county tier. The county remains solidly competitive within Pennsylvania's livability landscape.

Affordability and Tax Advantage

Lycoming shines in housing affordability, with a cost score of 76.8 and a median home value of just $195,600. The county's effective tax rate of 1.353% also supports a reasonable tax burden, earning a tax score of 64.2.

Income Growth Lags Behind

Income represents a notable weakness, with a score of just 25.4 and a median household income of $64,412—below state expectations for livability. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data remain unavailable, limiting a fuller picture of county conditions.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Lycoming appeals to families and individuals seeking affordable housing without breaking the bank on taxes, though moderate incomes may limit options for higher earners. It's ideal for those prioritizing housing stability and cost control over maximum earning potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax64.2Cost76.8SafetyComing SoonHealth73.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.4Risk20.4WaterComing Soon
🏛64.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠76.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼25.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
20.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Lycoming County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Health in Lycoming County

via HealthByCounty

Lycoming's life expectancy slightly below national mark

At 76.1 years, Lycoming County residents live about 3 years less than the U.S. average of 79 years, placing it in the lower-middle range for longevity. The county's 16.7% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average, signaling chronic health challenges across the population. Despite these headwinds, Lycoming performs close to state averages, suggesting shared regional health patterns.

Slightly behind Pennsylvania on longevity

Lycoming's 76.1-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years by just three months, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The uninsured rate of 6.8% nearly matches the state average of 7.0%, reflecting comparable coverage stability. Primary care provider availability at 77 per 100K residents exceeds the state norm, offering reasonable access to routine care.

Health advantage over nearby McKean and Mercer

Lycoming's 76.1-year life expectancy outpaces McKean (74.7 years) and Mercer (74.6 years), both struggling counties to the north and west. The county's 16.7% poor/fair health rate is better than Mercer's 17.9%, though higher mental health provider density (224 vs. Mercer's 220 per 100K) suggests more robust behavioral health support. Lycoming occupies a healthier middle ground in this regional cluster.

Good provider access, low uninsured rate

With 6.8% of residents uninsured—below the state average—most Lycoming residents have healthcare coverage for routine visits and emergencies. The county's 77 primary care providers per 100K residents offer solid frontline access, though 224 mental health providers per 100K suggest mental health services may face demand pressures. This combination means residents can typically find a family doctor, but mental health appointments may require patience.

Ensure your health insurance is current

If you're among the 6.8% of Lycoming residents without coverage, the open enrollment period presents an opportunity to explore Marketplace plans or Medicaid eligibility. A local health insurance broker or your county health department can help you compare options and estimate subsidies. Securing coverage now protects you from unexpected medical expenses and connects you to the preventive care that extends life expectancy.

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.

ByCounty Network

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