countyscore
42.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.1Schools 78.4Health 67

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Pennsylvania

Struggling Against National Norms

Monroe County's composite score of 42.5 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. High costs and taxes are the primary drivers of this lower ranking.

A Difficult Value Proposition

The county scores nearly 10 points below the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. Despite high individual earnings, the cost of living in the Poconos region impacts its overall standing.

High Earnings and Strong Schools

The county excels with an income score of 86.1 and a school score of 78.4. A median household income of $82,374 supports a robust local economy and quality education system.

High Costs and Heavy Taxes

Monroe faces a very low tax score of 4.8 and a cost score of 11.0. High rents of $1,347 and an effective tax rate of 1.839% make it one of the more expensive areas in the state.

A Choice for High-Earners

Monroe County is ideal for high-income professionals or commuters who can afford the premium price for good schools. It suits those willing to trade tax efficiency for quality community amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax4.8Cost11Safety53.8Health67Schools78.4Income86.1Risk14.9Water15.5Weather54.9
🏛4.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.5
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

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe's tax rate ranks among nation's highest

Monroe County's effective tax rate of 1.839% far exceeds the national median of 1.2%, placing it in the top 10% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $4,435 nearly doubles the national median of $2,690, reflecting both high home values and an aggressive tax rate. Monroe imposes one of the nation's steepest property tax burdens.

Highest-tax county in Pennsylvania

At 1.839%, Monroe's effective rate far exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, making it the most heavily taxed county in the entire state. This rank reflects Monroe's unique position as a high-value, high-tax jurisdiction within Pennsylvania.

Dramatically outpaces all regional peers

Monroe's 1.839% rate towers over neighbors Lycoming (1.353%), Mercer (1.265%), Montour (1.030%), McKean (1.636%), and Mifflin (1.558%). The county stands apart as the tax-heaviest jurisdiction in its region, making it substantially more expensive than surrounding counties.

Homeowners pay $4,435 median annual tax

With the county median home value of $241,200, residents pay approximately $4,435 in annual property taxes—the highest median tax bill among these eight counties. Adding mortgage-related assessment bumps the bill to $4,649; subtracting it yields $4,004, reflecting the substantial tax burden Monroe homeowners shoulder.

Appeals are critical in high-tax counties

Given Monroe's exceptionally high tax rate, even a modest overassessment error can cost homeowners hundreds yearly. If you believe your property is valued above comparable sales in your area, filing a tax appeal with the county assessor is worthwhile—many Monroe homeowners successfully reduce inflated assessments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe stretches affordability despite higher income

Monroe County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort zone, even though the county boasts the second-highest median income ($82,374) in our dataset. At $1,347 monthly, rent consumes substantially more income here than in lower-cost regions.

Pennsylvania's most expensive county

Monroe ranks as the state's priciest housing market with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio, well above Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and the highest in our group. This reflects the Poconos' status as a regional destination driving home values to $241,200.

Significantly pricier than all peers

Monroe's $1,347 rent towers over Northampton's $1,335 and all central Pennsylvania counties, while its $241,200 median home value matches Montour but comes with higher income pressure. Buyers and renters pay premium prices here despite elevated incomes.

Premium housing takes a bigger bite

On an $82,374 income, renters pay $1,347 monthly (19.6%) while homeowners pay $1,384 monthly (20.1%)—the highest burden ratios in our dataset. Both groups sacrifice substantially more for housing than counterparts in adjacent counties.

Monroe premium comes with location

Monroe's higher income supports but doesn't fully offset its housing costs—evaluate whether the Pocono region's amenities justify the 19.6% rent burden before relocating. Compare against nearby Northampton (18.5%) for similar access with lower costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe exceeds national income median

Monroe County's median household income of $82,374 runs about $7,600 ahead of the national median of $74,755. This 10% premium reflects Monroe's proximity to New York City, attracting commuters and remote workers earning above-average wages.

Well above Pennsylvania's average

At $82,374, Monroe's median household income exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by roughly $12,700 per household. The per capita income of $37,512 matches the state average, indicating fairly distributed earnings across the population.

Outearning most regional peers

Monroe's $82,374 significantly outpaces western Pennsylvania counties like Lycoming ($64,412) and McKean ($61,705). Only Northampton County ($86,687) and Montgomery County ($111,521) exceed Monroe's earnings in this cohort, both benefiting from proximity to Philadelphia.

Higher income meets higher housing costs

Monroe's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is elevated compared to peer counties, reflecting the region's desirable status. The median home value of $241,200 exceeds state averages, requiring higher-earning households to manage substantial housing expenses.

Capitalize on above-average earnings

With median household income at $82,374, Monroe residents earn well above national norms and can prioritize wealth building. Balancing higher housing costs with strategic investment in retirement accounts and diversified portfolios positions households for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Shows Strong Safety Score

Monroe County is significantly safer than the national average, with a total crime rate of 1,046.8 per 100,000 compared to 2,385.5 nationwide. This earns the county a robust safety score of 98.3.

Competitive Safety within Pennsylvania

The county's crime rate of 1,046.8 is slightly higher than the state average of 932.4 per 100,000 people. Its safety score of 98.3 remains just shy of the state average of 98.5.

A Safer Alternative to Major Hubs

Monroe is considerably safer than Montgomery County, which reports a crime rate of 1,465.8 per 100,000. It also outperforms nearby Lycoming County's rate of 1,065.6.

Low Violent Crime Rates Reported

Monroe's violent crime rate of 133.2 is lower than both the state average of 142.2 and the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent at 913.6 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Maintain a Secure Property Perimeter

Most crime in Monroe is property-related, occurring at nearly seven times the rate of violent crime. Residents are encouraged to use smart home monitoring to help keep these rates declining.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe exceeds national life expectancy average

Monroe County residents live to 76.8 years on average—slightly below the U.S. average of 79 years but better than most peers in this Pennsylvania cohort. The 18.1% poor or fair health rate exceeds national norms, indicating chronic disease challenges despite decent longevity. Uninsured rate of 6.8% is close to national averages, suggesting reasonable coverage access for basic healthcare needs.

Above-average lifespan, below-average provider access

Monroe's 76.8-year life expectancy ranks above Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier for longevity among 67 counties. The uninsured rate of 6.8% matches state norms, yet primary care provider availability at just 40 per 100K is critically low—among the worst in the state. Mental health providers at 167 per 100K also fall short, limiting behavioral health access despite decent longevity.

Decent longevity undercut by acute provider shortage

Monroe's 76.8-year life expectancy rivals Northampton (78.9) and exceeds Lycoming (76.1) and Mercer (74.6), yet its 40 primary care providers per 100K is the lowest in this entire regional group. The county's 18.1% poor/fair health rate suggests residents live longer but manage chronic illness without robust primary care support. This paradox reveals a population aging without adequate medical infrastructure.

Critical primary care desert despite decent coverage

Monroe's 40 primary care providers per 100K is a critical shortage—less than half the state average—forcing many residents to drive far for routine check-ups, screenings, and medication management. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate indicates chronic disease prevalence, yet the provider shortage means many conditions go unmanaged. Residents with good insurance still struggle to find a doctor to accept new patients.

Secure coverage to navigate provider challenges

With 6.8% of Monroe residents uninsured and an acute primary care shortage, insurance coverage becomes even more critical to navigating long wait times and distant appointments. Enroll in a Marketplace plan during open enrollment at healthcare.gov or explore Medicaid eligibility at mybenefits.pa.gov. Coverage ensures you can access one of Monroe's scarce primary care slots when you need it most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Pocono Education Serving 21,000 Students

Monroe County features a large-scale educational network of 29 schools across six districts. The system accommodates 21,326 students, making it one of the more significant school populations in the region.

High Scores and National-Level Funding

With a 91.3% graduation rate and a school score of 67.2, Monroe County significantly outperforms state averages. Investment is high at $13,015 per pupil, matching the national average and exceeding Pennsylvania's typical spending.

Major Districts in Pocono Mountain and Stroudsburg

Pocono Mountain SD is the largest district with 8,012 students, followed closely by East Stroudsburg Area SD with 6,383 students. One charter school operates in the county, providing a small alternative to the major traditional districts.

Large Schools in a Scenic Rural Setting

Despite having 18 schools in rural locales, the average school size is a substantial 735 students. Large campuses like Pocono Mountain West High School, which enrolls ,1512 students, define the educational experience here.

Live and Learn in the Heart of the Poconos

Monroe County offers a high-performing, well-funded school environment set against a beautiful natural backdrop. Families should explore the diverse housing options within the Pocono Mountain and Stroudsburg school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 85.08, Monroe County experiences significantly above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties overall. The county earned a "Relatively Moderate" risk rating, indicating meaningful hazards that require active preparation and mitigation. Monroe residents face one of the more challenging disaster profiles in the nation.

Among Pennsylvania's highest-risk counties

Monroe County's risk score of 85.08 substantially exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it among the state's most vulnerable counties. Only Montgomery County (96.82) and Northampton County (90.01) face comparable or greater exposure. Monroe's "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects genuine and multifaceted hazard exposure across flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Riskier than most Pennsylvania counties

Monroe County's score of 85.08 is significantly higher than Mifflin (69.27), Lycoming (79.58), and Mercer (77.74) to the west and north. Only Northampton County (90.01) immediately nearby approaches Monroe's risk level; most other counties in the state rank substantially safer. Monroe's position in northeastern Pennsylvania, vulnerable to Atlantic weather systems, drives its elevated exposure.

Multiple serious hazards converge

Monroe County faces threats from multiple major hazard types: hurricane risk at 82.44, earthquake exposure at 73.19, tornado risk at 65.94, and flood exposure at 88.07. This convergence of threats—unusual for Pennsylvania—reflects the county's location near the Atlantic coast and geologically active areas. No single hazard dominates; residents must prepare comprehensively.

Comprehensive preparation is essential

Monroe County residents need flood insurance (88.07 risk), secure roofing for hurricane and tornado seasons, and earthquake-safe structural bracing—a rare combination of protections for Pennsylvania. Reinforce your home's foundation and secure heavy furniture to walls to protect against earthquake damage. Create a multi-hazard emergency plan covering floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes specific to your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Highlands and High Humidity

Monroe County's average annual temperature of 48.1°F is significantly cooler than the national median. This reflects its position in the Pocono Mountains, where a colder humid continental climate prevails.

Cooler and Wetter Than Most of PA

The county sits nearly two degrees below the state average temperature of 49.9°F. It is also much wetter than average, receiving 51.9 inches of precipitation compared to the 45.3-inch state benchmark.

A Regional Peak for Precipitation

Monroe is a moisture leader in the region, out-raining many of its neighbors by several inches. Its 41.6 inches of annual snow is among the highest in the eastern part of the state.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages a pleasant 70.3°F with only 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Conversely, winter is rigorous, with January averages dipping to 25.1°F and frequent heavy snowfall.

Plan for Snow and Moisture

High-capacity gutters and basement waterproofing are essential to manage the 51.9 inches of annual rain. Residents should also invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment for the 41.6 inches of expected snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Weathered Ultisols of the Poconos

Monroe County is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils characterized by an average pH of 4.87. This makes it one of the most acidic counties in the state, well below the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. Most gardeners will find that regular applications of lime are necessary to unlock soil nutrients.

Channery Silt Loam Textures

The dominant texture is a channery silt loam, composed of 35.1% silt, 29.5% sand, and 12.7% clay. The term 'channery' refers to the thin, flat rock fragments often found throughout the soil, which can impact digging and tillage. This mix provides moderate structural stability while remaining relatively light and manageable.

High Organic Matter and Water Retention

Monroe features a robust organic matter content of 18.35%, significantly higher than the state average of 12.14%. This is paired with an impressive available water capacity of 0.182 in/in, which is among the highest in the region. These qualities make the soil exceptionally resilient during short droughts.

Well Drained and Rapidly Absorbing

The county's soils are primarily well drained and belong to hydrologic group A. This means the ground absorbs rainfall quickly, minimizing surface runoff and making it ideal for residential development and gardening. You won't often find standing water here, but you may need to water more frequently in sandy patches.

Thriving in the Zone 6b Uplands

The 6b climate and high water retention make Monroe a fantastic place for moisture-loving perennials and forest-edge crops. Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries thrive naturally in these Poconos soils. It is a perfect setting for a lush, woodland-style garden that embraces the local terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Slopes in the Poconos

Maintaining a lawn in Monroe County is difficult, with a score of just 40.5 compared to the state average of 59.2. This Zone 6b region presents significantly more obstacles than the national median of 50.0.

High Rainfall and Limited Heat

Intense rainfall marks this climate, with 51.9 inches of annual precipitation surpassing the state average of 45.2. However, the 2,471 growing degree days and 9 heat days create a narrower window for optimal growth.

Overcoming Acidic Channery Soil

The channery silt loam soil is well-drained but very acidic, testing at a pH of 4.87. With 12.7% clay and 29.5% sand, heavy lime applications are essential to bring the soil toward the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Fighting Severe Drought Conditions

Severe drought affects 60.2% of the county, part of a challenging 36-week drought period over the last year. Focus on evening watering to minimize evaporation while the area continues to face abnormally dry conditions.

Best Starts for Zone 6b

Hard Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass handle the acidic, well-drained soils of Zone 6b best. Start your seeding projects after the May 6 frost date to ensure the roots take hold before summer stress begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Monroe County ranks #62 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 Monroe County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $4,435, with an effective tax rate of 1.84%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 4.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Pennsylvania is $82,374 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 86.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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