CountyScore

Northampton County

Pennsylvania · PA

#60 in Pennsylvania
58.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Northampton County, Pennsylvania

Northampton Exceeds National Median

Northampton County scores 57.1, topping the national median of 50.0 by 7 points. At the 56th percentile nationally, the county ranks in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties.

Below Pennsylvania Average

Northampton's 57.1 score falls 8.9 points below Pennsylvania's statewide average of 66.0, placing it in the lower-middle range of state counties. It underperforms relative to most other Pennsylvania communities.

Above-Average Income for Group

Northampton leads with an income score of 40.0 and median household income of $86,687—substantially higher than most peer counties. This income level supports better access to housing and services.

High Housing and Tax Costs

Housing affordability remains constrained with a cost score of 62.4 and median home values of $285,000, while renters pay $1,335 monthly. The effective tax rate of 1.653% and tax score of 55.8 indicate a heavier tax burden.

For Moderate to Upper-Income Households

Northampton suits middle-class to upper-middle-income households willing to accept higher housing and tax costs for better earning potential. It appeals to commuter families seeking proximity to job centers despite premium living expenses.

Score breakdown

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

Tax55.8Cost62.4SafetyComing SoonHealth77.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome40Risk10WaterComing Soon
🏛55.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Northampton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
58.2
Median income: $90,625
Sullivan County
New Hampshire
58.2
Median income: $75,929
Chenango County
New York
58.2
Median income: $62,093
Niagara County
New York
58.2
Median income: $67,809
Richmond County
New York
58.2
Median income: $98,290

Deep Dives

Northampton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Northampton County

via TaxByCounty

Northampton's rate is well above U.S. median

Northampton County's effective tax rate of 1.653% exceeds the national median of 1.2% by a substantial margin, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $4,710 is 75% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both above-average home values and an aggressive tax rate. Northampton imposes one of the nation's heavier property tax burdens.

Second-highest tax rate in Pennsylvania

At 1.653%, Northampton's effective rate significantly exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, ranking it second only to Monroe County (1.839%) among the state's 67 counties. The county demonstrates heavy reliance on property taxation for local revenue.

Steep rates among regional competitors

Northampton's 1.653% rate surpasses Mercer (1.265%), Lycoming (1.353%), Montour (1.030%), and Mifflin (1.558%), but trails only Monroe (1.839%) and McKean (1.636%) in the region. The county ranks among the highest-taxed jurisdictions in its peer group.

Median annual tax bill exceeds $4,700

On Northampton's median home value of $285,000, the effective tax rate generates a median property tax of approximately $4,710 per year. With mortgage-related assessments, the bill rises to $4,913; without them, it drops to $4,384, placing Northampton homeowners among the heaviest-taxed in these eight counties.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

With an effective tax rate among the state's two highest, Northampton homeowners should scrutinize whether their assessments reflect fair market value. If comparable properties in your neighborhood have sold for less than your assessed value, filing a formal tax appeal with the county assessor could recover thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Northampton County

via CostByCounty

Northampton's ratio reflects Lehigh Valley demand

Northampton County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms, though a solid $86,687 median income helps offset costs. The $1,335 monthly rent reflects the Lehigh Valley's position as a secondary metro destination driving housing prices upward.

Among Pennsylvania's most expensive

Northampton ranks third in state housing burden at 18.5%, trailing only Monroe (19.6%) and tying with Montgomery at the upper tier. The county's $1,335 median rent is 39% above Pennsylvania's state average, reflecting regional growth pressures.

Lehigh Valley premium over rural options

Northampton's $1,335 rent exceeds all comparison counties except Monroe, while its $285,000 median home value reflects metro-adjacent pricing. The Lehigh Valley location commands a significant premium over central Pennsylvania and northwestern counties.

Both pathways carry substantial burden

Renters spend $1,335 monthly (18.5% of $86,687 income) while homeowners pay $1,418 monthly (19.6%), pushing both groups toward the affordability ceiling. This represents the state's second-highest overall housing pressure after Monroe.

Northampton balances access and cost

If Lehigh Valley proximity matters, Northampton offers moderate savings versus Montgomery while significantly undercutting Monroe's 19.6% burden. Weigh the 18.5% ratio against central Pennsylvania alternatives to confirm the metro access justifies the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northampton County

via IncomeByCounty

Northampton significantly outearns nation

Northampton County's median household income of $86,687 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $12,000, a 16% premium. This strong showing reflects Northampton's position in the Lehigh Valley, a region benefiting from proximity to both New York and Philadelphia.

Well above Pennsylvania's average

At $86,687, Northampton's median household income outpaces Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by about $17,000 per household. The per capita income of $44,837 also exceeds the state average of $37,407 by roughly 20%, indicating strong individual earning power.

Second-highest earner in cohort

Northampton's $86,687 trails only Montgomery County's $111,521 but substantially outearns Monroe County ($82,374) and all western Pennsylvania counties. The Lehigh Valley's diversified economy and regional importance drive earnings above state and national norms.

Higher housing costs reflect demand

Northampton's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% is elevated, reflecting strong demand for the county's homes and communities. The median home value of $285,000 signals a robust housing market where above-average earners compete for properties in a growing region.

Leverage strong earnings for growth

With median household income at $86,687, Northampton residents earn well above state and national averages, supporting aggressive wealth building. Strategic investments in retirement accounts, real estate equity, and diversified portfolios can help households transform strong earnings into lasting financial advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Northampton County

via HealthByCounty

Northampton approaches national life expectancy benchmark

Northampton County's 78.9-year life expectancy is within a decade of the U.S. average of 79 years, placing it solidly in the healthy range for an American county. The 16.5% poor or fair health rate is below national averages, indicating better-than-typical chronic disease management. At 5.8% uninsured, Northampton achieves above-average coverage, ensuring most residents can access preventive and acute care.

Among Pennsylvania's healthiest counties

Northampton's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks in the top third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, exceeding the state average of 76.4 years by 2.5 years. The 5.8% uninsured rate is well below Pennsylvania's state average of 7.0%, reflecting economic strength and coverage stability. Primary care providers at 81 per 100K exceed state norms, while mental health providers at 303 per 100K are substantially above average.

Strong health outcomes and provider capacity

Northampton's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks second among its peer group, trailing only Montgomery (80.0) and well ahead of Lycoming (76.1) and Mercer (74.6). The 16.5% poor/fair health rate is among the best regionally, reflecting fewer chronic conditions and better management. With 81 primary care and 303 mental health providers per 100K, Northampton has robust capacity to support its healthier population.

Solid access, broad coverage, healthy population

Northampton's 81 primary care providers per 100K enable residents to access routine care, screenings, and disease management without excessive delays or geographic barriers. The 303 mental health providers per 100K provide meaningful behavioral health access for residents managing depression, anxiety, or other conditions. At 5.8% uninsured, nearly all residents can afford these services, creating a healthcare system that delivers both access and affordability.

Join Northampton's covered majority

With 5.8% of residents uninsured and strong provider networks supporting healthy outcomes, if you lack coverage, securing it is quick and impactful. Visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment or call 211 for local enrollment support and subsidy estimates. Getting covered connects you to the preventive care and provider access that contribute to Northampton's strong health outcomes and nearly 79-year average lifespan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Northampton County

via RiskByCounty

Northampton faces very high risk

With a composite risk score of 90.01, Northampton County experiences significantly above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties overall. The county's "Relatively Moderate" risk rating indicates serious and multifaceted hazards that require substantial preparation. Northampton ranks among America's more vulnerable counties.

Second-highest risk in Pennsylvania

Northampton County's risk score of 90.01 substantially exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it second only to Montgomery County (96.82) in state risk rankings. The county's extreme scores in flooding (93.61), tornadoes (80.92), earthquakes (84.41), and hurricanes (87.07) reflect exposure to multiple major hazard types. This "Relatively Moderate" rating underscores the county's serious vulnerabilities.

Riskier than most Pennsylvania counties

Northampton County's score of 90.01 exceeds Monroe County (85.08), Mifflin (69.27), Lycoming (79.58), and Mercer (77.74) significantly. Only Montgomery County (96.82) poses greater disaster risk in Pennsylvania. Northampton's location in the northeastern corner, near the Atlantic coast and geologically sensitive areas, drives its vulnerability.

Flooding and earthquakes dominate

Northampton County's flood risk of 93.61 ranks as the county's highest exposure and among Pennsylvania's most extreme. Earthquake risk at 84.41 is exceptionally high for Pennsylvania, reflecting the county's proximity to regional seismic zones. Tornadoes (80.92) and hurricanes (87.07) add layers of additional hazard exposure.

Multi-hazard protection is critical

Flood insurance is absolutely essential with a 93.61 risk score; standard homeowners policies provide no protection against this grave threat. Brace your home's foundation and cripple walls against earthquake damage, install hurricane-rated roofing and reinforced garage doors, and identify tornado shelter locations. Invest in professional structural assessment to identify specific vulnerabilities unique to your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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