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Northumberland County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#39 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.9
County Score
Water Quality 63.2Safety 62.9Cost of Living 61.1

County Report Card

About Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

Northumberland Surpasses National Median Score

Northumberland County earns a composite score of 51.7, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is competitive with many rural and mid-sized counties across the United States.

Aligning With the Pennsylvania Average

The county's 51.7 score sits nearly level with the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It offers a standard Keystone State experience, balancing affordability with local infrastructure.

High Affordability and Reliable Infrastructure

The county shines in water quality and safety, posting scores of 63.2 and 62.9 respectively. Housing is a major draw, with a cost score of 62.2 and a median gross rent of only $777 per month.

Environmental Risks and High Tax Burdens

Natural disaster risk is a concern here, reflected in a low risk score of 20.8. Financial pressures exist as well, with a tax score of 26.8 driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.173%.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Renters

Northumberland is best suited for individuals or families prioritizing low monthly housing costs and safe neighborhoods. While tax rates are higher, the median home value of $151,600 makes entry into the market more accessible than in many neighboring regions.

2040608010028.461.162.960.150.835.320.863.256.2Tax28.4Cost61.1Safety62.9Health60.1Schools50.8Income35.3Risk20.8Water63.2Weather56.251.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Northumberland County DNA

Foverall

How Northumberland County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Northumberland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (61.1/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (20.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.4-23.6
Cost
61.1+13.100000000000001
Safety
62.9
Health
60.1+10.100000000000001
Schools
50.8
Income
35.3-15.700000000000003
Risk
20.8-26.2
Water
63.2
Weather
56.2
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Think property taxes are too high in Northumberland County?

Many homeowners in Northumberland 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

$162,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$806/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$162,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,583/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Compare Northumberland County with Bell County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Montour County
Pennsylvania
59.3
Union County
Pennsylvania
55.5
Snyder County
Pennsylvania
51.6
Columbia County
Pennsylvania
55.2
Schuylkill County
Pennsylvania
48.8
Lycoming County
Pennsylvania
46.6
Dauphin County
Pennsylvania
40.6
Lebanon County
Pennsylvania
50.6

Deep Dives

Northumberland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Northumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Northumberland's Tax Rate Beats National Average

At 1.173%, Northumberland's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.31%, putting the county in the lower half of American tax burdens. Homeowners here pay $1,778 annually on a median home valued at $151,600—significantly less than the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Below Average Within Pennsylvania

Northumberland ranks among the more affordable counties in Pennsylvania, with an effective rate of 1.173% versus the state average of 1.317%. The county's median property tax of $1,778 trails the state median of $2,657, offering modest savings for homeowners.

Competitive With Regional Peers

Northumberland's 1.173% rate places it below neighboring Snyder County (1.169%) and Perry County (1.246%), though slightly above Potter County's 1.278%. The county offers a middle-ground tax environment for central Pennsylvania homeowners.

What $151,600 Home Costs Annually

On Northumberland's median home value of $151,600, property owners pay approximately $1,778 per year in taxes. Those with mortgages typically see that figure rise to $1,900, while outright owners pay around $1,663.

Challenge Your Assessment

Many Northumberland homeowners are overassessed relative to recent sales data and could recoup hundreds annually through a formal appeal. County assessment offices process challenges regularly—check your county's website for filing deadlines and procedures.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Northumberland lags national income

Northumberland's median household income of $57,948 falls 22.5% below the nation's $74,755 median. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges in central Pennsylvania's post-industrial communities.

Below state average earnings

At $57,948, Northumberland ranks below Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The county's per capita income of $32,241 also trails the state average of $37,407.

County earns less than adjacent areas

Northumberland residents earn significantly less than nearby Perry County ($78,824) and Pike County ($79,318), but slightly more than Somerset County ($59,378). The $20,000+ income gap with wealthier neighbors underscores regional economic disparities.

Housing costs manageable here

A 16.1% rent-to-income ratio signals affordable housing for renters in Northumberland—well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress. The median home value of $151,600 remains accessible for many households earning near the county median.

Build financial security intentionally

With modest but stable household incomes, Northumberland residents benefit from disciplined saving and employer retirement plans. Even small monthly investments in 401(k)s or IRAs compound significantly over decades, bridging the income gap with wealthier regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Northumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Northumberland County is Significantly Safer Than National Average

The county reports a total crime rate of 856.1 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly three times lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Residents enjoy a security profile that far exceeds the national baseline.

Beating State Averages for Overall Safety

Northumberland County maintains a safety score of 98.6, slightly edging out the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 856.1 per 100,000 is notably better than the state's average of 932.4. These figures place the county in a strong position relative to its Pennsylvania peers.

Local Comparisons Favor Northumberland Residents

While Northumberland's crime rate of 856.1 is higher than Perry County's 768.4, it remains safer than Schuylkill County, which reports 928.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. The county sits in a regional pocket of high safety. It shares similar security trends with neighboring Snyder County.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for 735.7 incidents per 100,000 people, while the violent crime rate remains low at 120.4. For context, the local violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Most residents are unlikely to encounter violent crime in their daily lives.

Staying Vigilant Against Property Theft

Because property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, residents should prioritize home security measures. Simple steps like motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent awareness keeps these already low crime numbers moving in the right direction.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Northumberland County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Temperatures and Moderate Rain

Northumberland County averages 50.4°F annually, which closely tracks the national median. It experiences a classic humid continental climate with four distinct and equal seasons.

Matching the Pennsylvania Profile

The county’s average temperature is nearly identical to the state average of 49.9°F. Its 45.8 inches of annual precipitation also mirrors the statewide average of 45.3 inches almost perfectly.

A Middle Ground for Snowfall

At 31.1 inches of annual snow, Northumberland sits in the middle of the state's snowfall spectrum. It is less snowy than the Poconos to the east but more active than the southern valleys.

Consistent Summers and Crisp Winters

The county sees 13 days of extreme heat above 90°F during its 72.5°F July summers. January temperatures average 27.1°F, necessitating standard winter heating for several months.

Standard Seasonal Home Care

Residents should prepare for a balanced mix of weather, requiring both robust heating and moderate cooling systems. The 31.1 inches of snow is manageable with a standard shovel or small snowblower.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Northumberland County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam and Acidic Entisols

Northumberland's soil is dominated by Entisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.22. This acidic profile matches the state average but sits well below the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The ground consists of 46.9% silt, 30.2% sand, and 16.2% clay. This mix provides a smooth, workable texture that balances drainage with enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients.

Rich Organic Matter and Moisture

Organic matter levels reach 7.03%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in provides excellent moisture storage for local crops compared to the state average of 0.151 in/in.

Managing Poorly Drained Ground

Classified as very poorly drained and falling into hydrologic group B/D, these soils require careful water management. High water tables here can complicate construction and early spring planting schedules.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6b

In USDA hardiness zone 6b, this soil supports robust corn and soybean production. Local gardeners can expect great success with cool-season vegetables and hardy fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Northumberland County

via LawnByCounty

Slightly Better Than Average Lawn Conditions

Northumberland County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.2, placing it just above the national median of 50.0 but trailing the Pennsylvania state average of 59.2. Homeowners in this USDA Hardiness Zone 6b region face a moderate challenge compared to their neighbors. Maintaining a lush turf here requires a more hands-on approach than in easier parts of the state.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives 45.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the state average of 45.2 inches. With 13 extreme heat days per year and 2,874 growing degree days, lawns experience consistent growth throughout the summer. This climate supports a steady mowing schedule without the excessive stress of more southern climates.

Tackling Very Poor Drainage and Acidity

Local silt loam soils have a pH of 5.22, significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, necessitating regular lime applications. The soil is classified as very poorly drained despite a 30.2% sand content, meaning water may pool after heavy rains. You should prioritize aeration and pH balancing to keep root systems healthy in these conditions.

Managing Stress After Long Dry Spells

The county has spent 33 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is considered abnormally dry. To preserve your lawn during these stretches, water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid mowing during peak heat to prevent further stress on thirsty grass.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue are the best picks for this climate. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on April 30 or before the first fall frost on October 20. With the right grass type and soil prep, your lawn can thrive despite the region's drainage challenges.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northumberland County's county score?
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Northumberland County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Northumberland County ranks #39 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 Northumberland County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Northumberland County is $1,794, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Northumberland County a tax score of 28.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northumberland County?
The median household income in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania is $60,583 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northumberland County earns an income score of 35.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northumberland County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Northumberland County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Northumberland 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 Northumberland County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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