Mifflin County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#54 in Pennsylvania
46.2
County Score
Lawn Care 75.2Schools 63.4Cost of Living 59.6

County Report Card

About Mifflin County, Pennsylvania

Below National Averages

Mifflin County holds a composite score of 46.2, falling behind the national median of 50.0. While housing remains affordable, other dimensions drag the total ranking down.

Underperforming the State Average

With a score of 46.2 against the state's 51.8, Mifflin ranks in the lower tier of Pennsylvania counties. It faces difficulties in matching the tax and health outcomes seen in the state's more prosperous regions.

Solid Schools and Housing Value

The county's strongest assets are its schools (63.4) and cost of living (59.6). Homes are reasonably priced at a median value of $142,900, which is well below the national average.

Tax Burdens and Health Scores

Mifflin struggles with a tax score of 10.4 and a health score of 40.9, indicating room for policy and infrastructure improvement. The 1.558% effective tax rate is particularly high relative to the $61,415 median income.

Suited for Practical Living

This county is best for residents who need reliable schools and low-cost housing above all else. It offers a quiet, rural lifestyle for those who can manage the higher-than-average tax rates.

2040608010010.459.652.140.963.443.530.751.556.7Tax10.4Cost59.6Safety52.1Health40.9Schools63.4Income43.5Risk30.7Water51.5Weather56.746.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Mifflin County DNA

Foverall

How Mifflin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mifflin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (59.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (10.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.4-41.6
Cost
59.6+11.600000000000001
Safety
52.1
Health
40.9-9.100000000000001
Schools
63.4+9.399999999999999
Income
43.5
Risk
30.7-16.3
Water
51.5
Weather
56.7
Sponsored

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$792/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,415/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.0

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Mifflin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mifflin County

via TaxByCounty

Mifflin's rate is well above the U.S. median

Mifflin County's effective tax rate of 1.558% exceeds the national median of 1.2% by a substantial margin, placing it in the top quarter of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $2,227 falls below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values, but the rate itself signals aggressive taxation. Mifflin residents bear a notably high tax burden relative to what they own.

One of Pennsylvania's higher-tax counties

Mifflin's 1.558% effective rate exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% by roughly 0.24 percentage points, ranking the county in the upper third of the state's 67 counties. This elevated rate reflects heavy reliance on property taxation to fund local services.

Steeper than most surrounding counties

Mifflin's 1.558% rate surpasses Mercer (1.265%), Lycoming (1.353%), and Montour (1.030%), but falls short of McKean (1.636%) and Monroe (1.839%). Among its regional peers, Mifflin ranks in the upper tier, indicating a moderately aggressive tax environment.

Median property tax is $2,227 annually

On Mifflin's median home value of $142,900, the effective tax rate produces a median property tax of approximately $2,227 per year. Mortgage-related assessments bring the bill to $2,210 with a mortgage and $2,246 without, creating minimal variation between owner-occupied and debt-free scenarios.

High rates increase appeal potential

Mifflin's elevated effective tax rate makes reassessing whether your property is fairly valued especially worthwhile. Many homeowners in high-tax counties are overassessed; contacting your county assessor to request a formal reassessment or appeal could substantially lower your annual tax obligation.

Cost of Living in Mifflin County

via CostByCounty

Mifflin's affordability matches the nation

Mifflin County residents spend 15.5% of their $61,415 income on rent—slightly better than the national benchmark and well-balanced for the region. At $792 monthly, median rent aligns with similar-sized Pennsylvania counties in the state's central corridor.

Solid affordability in central PA

Mifflin's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Pennsylvania's 16.5% state average, positioning it in the top tier of affordable counties. The county's $792 median rent undercuts the state average by $168, reflecting central Pennsylvania's cost advantages.

Competitive with similar-sized peers

Mifflin's $792 rent rivals McKean ($769) and Mercer ($808) while offering slightly higher home values ($142,900) than both. This balance makes it attractive for households weighing ownership against renting in the central part of the state.

Nearly equal renting and ownership burden

Renters spend $792 monthly (15.5% of income) while homeowners pay $804 monthly (15.7%), making both pathways equally affordable. This rare parity gives households genuine flexibility in choosing their housing type.

Mifflin offers flexibility and value

If you're undecided between renting and buying, Mifflin's similar affordability on both fronts removes a major relocation decision. Compare its central Pennsylvania location and balanced costs against neighboring counties to confirm your move.

Income & Jobs in Mifflin County

via IncomeByCounty

Mifflin earns below national median

Mifflin County's median household income of $61,415 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $13,300, a 18% shortfall. This gap reflects Mifflin's rural character and limited high-wage employment opportunities in central Pennsylvania.

Below-average within Pennsylvania

Mifflin's $61,415 median household income lags Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by roughly $8,200 per household. The per capita income of $30,357 is the lowest in this cohort, indicating particularly uneven income distribution.

Mid-range earner in central cluster

Mifflin's $61,415 places it slightly above Mercer ($60,614) and McKean ($61,705) but below Lycoming ($64,412). The county's economy centers on agriculture, manufacturing, and public sector work, with limited presence of high-wage industries.

Strong affordability for housing costs

Mifflin's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% indicates very affordable rental housing relative to earnings. The median home value of $142,900 is accessible to many households, allowing residents to build equity despite modest income levels.

Leverage affordability for financial growth

At $61,415 median household income, Mifflin residents face earning constraints but enjoy strong housing affordability. Channeling the savings from low housing costs into retirement accounts and long-term investments can help households accumulate wealth despite modest annual earnings.

Safety in Mifflin County

via CrimeByCounty

Mifflin County is Safer Than Average

Mifflin County earns a safety score of 98.3, indicating a very safe environment compared to national trends. Its total crime rate of 1,074.8 per 100,000 residents is less than half the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Consistent with State Safety Benchmarks

Mifflin's 1,074.8 crime rate is slightly above the state average of 932.4, yet its safety score of 98.3 is nearly identical to the state average of 98.5. This suggests a level of safety that is typical for many Pennsylvania counties.

Comparative Safety Across the Region

Mifflin County is notably safer than McKean County, which has a much higher crime rate of 1,441.0. It also slightly edges out Mercer County's rate of 1,136.5 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

The property crime rate of 912.3 per 100,000 is more than five times higher than the violent crime rate of 162.5. Despite this, the violent crime rate remains very low compared to the national average of 369.8.

Protect Your Home From Intrusion

With property crimes being the primary concern, residents should focus on basic home security measures. Simple additions like motion-sensor lights and reinforced door frames can provide significant peace of mind.

Schools in Mifflin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Education System in Central PA

Mifflin County operates 11 public schools primarily within three school districts. The infrastructure serves 4,927 students, focusing heavily on elementary education with seven primary-level facilities.

Solid Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national average. This is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,788, showcasing a highly cost-effective approach to public education in the region.

Mifflin County School District Dominates

The Mifflin County School District is the central pillar of local education, enrolling 4,631 students across nine schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a unified traditional public school model.

Town-Centered Schools with a Local Feel

Eight of the county's 11 schools are located in town settings, creating a community-focused atmosphere with an average size of 448 students. Mifflin County High School is the largest institution, serving 1,086 students as the county's primary secondary hub.

Find Your Place in a Traditional School Town

Mifflin County offers a streamlined school system that consistently outperforms national graduation benchmarks. Look for homes in Lewistown to stay close to the heart of the county's educational resources.

Disaster Risk in Mifflin County

via RiskByCounty

Mifflin faces above-average hazards

With a composite risk score of 69.27, Mifflin County experiences above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties overall. The county's "Relatively Low" risk rating suggests hazards are manageable but not negligible. Residents should focus on the specific threats that score highest in their region.

Close to Pennsylvania's average

Mifflin County's risk score of 69.27 slightly exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it just above the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county's flood exposure of 83.59 and hurricane vulnerability of 77.35 significantly elevate its overall ranking. This near-average position reflects moderate but real disaster preparedness needs.

Safer than most nearby counties

Mifflin County's score of 69.27 is substantially lower than Lycoming (79.58), Mercer (77.74), Monroe (85.08), and Northampton (90.01) in surrounding areas. Only McKean County (53.78) and Montour County (14.66) fall below Mifflin's risk profile. This favorable positioning makes Mifflin one of the safer central Pennsylvania counties.

Flooding and hurricanes threaten most

Mifflin County's flood risk of 83.59 ranks as its most serious hazard—substantially higher than the county's composite score suggests. Hurricane exposure follows closely at 77.35, reflecting vulnerability to tropical systems tracking inland. Tornado risk is moderate at 41.79, making severe thunderstorms a secondary but genuine concern.

Prioritize flood and wind protection

Flood insurance is critical for Mifflin County residents, as the 83.59 flood risk score indicates substantial vulnerability that standard homeowners policies don't cover. Secure your roof, trim branches overhanging your home, and reinforce garage doors to withstand high winds from hurricanes and severe storms. Identify local evacuation routes and keep emergency supplies stocked year-round.

Water Quality in Mifflin County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Compliance for Drinking Water

Mifflin County earns a Water Quality Grade of C, reflecting 4 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 14.2 per 100,000 people is much lower than the state average of 86.5. While the grade is mid-range, the low frequency of violations is a positive indicator for residents.

Watershed Assessments Are Limited

Federal reports for 2022 show 16,815 assessed water bodies with a 0.0% impairment rate. The lack of documented impairment causes indicates that Mifflin's streams and rivers are not yet fully covered by Clean Water Act §303(d) reporting. This results in an incomplete picture of the county's total aquatic health.

Stable Monitoring Footprint in Juniata

Mifflin County maintains 56 monitoring sites, which have collected 12,460 measurements over five years. Scientists focus on inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics to monitor the Juniata River's health. This consistent recording helps track the impacts of local land use on water quality.

Juniata River Flow Below Average

At Lewistown, the Juniata River currently measures 2,110 cfs, which is only 61% of its long-term typical flow. This lower-than-normal volume reflects a dry spell across the 2,519-square-mile drainage area. Reduced flow can lead to higher concentrations of certain minerals in the water.

Be Mindful of Low Flow

With the Juniata River running at 61% of its typical volume, residents should be mindful of water conservation and potential concentration of pollutants. While the C grade for drinking water is decent, staying informed about local utility reports is still recommended for those on public lines.

Weather & Climate in Mifflin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Above the National Median

Mifflin County maintains an average annual temperature of 51.9°F, placing it slightly above the national median for temperate regions. The local environment is classified as humid continental, characterized by distinct seasonal transitions.

Warmer Than the Pennsylvania Average

The county is warmer than the state average of 49.9°F, ranking as one of the more temperate areas in central Pennsylvania. Its 42.1 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the statewide average of 45.3 inches.

Balanced Weather Compared to Central Neighbors

Mifflin enjoys a milder climate than the high-altitude counties to its north. While it receives 26.2 inches of snow, it remains drier than the state's more mountainous regions.

Hot Summers and Moderate Winters

Residents face 18 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F each year. Winters are manageable, with a January average of 29.0°F and total snowfall staying well below the 40-inch mark seen in the northeast.

Preparation for Seasonal Extremes

Homeowners should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to handle the nearly three weeks of extreme summer heat. Standard winterization is sufficient for the 26.2 inches of snow typical of the valley floor.

Soil Quality in Mifflin County

via SoilByCounty

Uncharted Soils in the Ridge and Valley

Mifflin County's specific taxonomic and pH data are currently limited in the primary statewide surveys. While nearby counties show acidic trends, local conditions in the Kishacoquillas Valley often feature limestone-influenced soils that differ from regional norms. This unique geography makes site-specific testing essential for local growers.

A Mystery of Sand and Silt

Comprehensive percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in the current county-wide data set. However, the region is known for its diverse topography, ranging from rocky mountain slopes to fertile valley floors. This variation means your backyard could range from heavy clay to very stony loam.

Potential for High Valley Fertility

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, the county's agricultural history suggests highly productive pockets. The surrounding state averages of 12.14% organic matter serve as a likely benchmark for the region's untracked areas. Successful farming in the area has long relied on the inherent richness of the valley's bottomlands.

Managing Water in Mountainous Terrain

Drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently standardized for this county in the central registry. Because Mifflin features steep ridges and deep valleys, drainage can shift from excessively well-drained on slopes to saturated in the flats. Builders and farmers should consult local conservation district maps for precise hydrological information.

Warmer Opportunities in Zone 7a

Mifflin County enjoys a milder climate in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than its northern neighbors. This zone is perfect for heat-loving plants like peppers, tomatoes, and even some southern-leaning ornamentals. Despite the lack of broad data, the climate alone offers an inviting window for any aspiring gardener.

Lawn Care in Mifflin County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawns in Pennsylvania

Mifflin County boasts an impressive 75.2 difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in the state to maintain a lawn. This Zone 7a county far exceeds the national average score of 50.0 for turf health.

A Long and Healthy Season

A long growing season supported by 3,165 growing degree days keeps lawns active through much of the year. While 18 extreme heat days occur annually, the 42.1 inches of precipitation provides a solid baseline for hydration.

Testing the Unknown Soil Terrain

While specific soil texture and pH data are unavailable for this county, local gardeners should still test for acidity before the season. Adding organic compost generally helps any soil type bridge the gap toward the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range.

Protecting Grass During Dry Weeks

Despite its high score, the county endured 19 weeks of drought over the past year. With 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, setting mower blades higher helps shade the soil and retain moisture.

Warm-Season Resilience in 7a

Turf-type Tall Fescues are the most resilient choice for the warmer 7a climate found here. Plan to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 21 to take full advantage of the robust growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mifflin County's county score?
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Mifflin County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Mifflin County ranks #54 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 Mifflin County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Mifflin County is $2,227, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Mifflin County a tax score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mifflin County?
The median household income in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania is $61,415 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mifflin County earns an income score of 43.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mifflin County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Mifflin County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Mifflin 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 Mifflin 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.