Northumberland County scores 69.8 out of 100, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability, driven primarily by exceptional housing affordability.
2 / 5
Top performer in Pennsylvania
Northumberland ranks above Pennsylvania's state average composite score of 66.0, solidifying its position as one of the state's stronger counties for livability. The county's 69.8 score demonstrates consistent quality across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Affordability and taxes shine
The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 82.4, supported by a median home value of just $151,600 and monthly rent averaging $777. Its tax score of 69.3 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.173%, keeping the overall cost of living competitive.
4 / 5
Income levels need attention
The income score of 21.2 stands out as a concern, with median household income at $57,948—notably below state and regional benchmarks. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Northumberland suits retirees, young families, and remote workers prioritizing low housing costs and moderate taxes over higher wages. The county offers genuine affordability without sacrificing livability compared to the national baseline.
Northumberland County scores 69.8 out of 100, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability, driven primarily by exceptional housing affordability.
Top performer in Pennsylvania
Northumberland ranks above Pennsylvania's state average composite score of 66.0, solidifying its position as one of the state's stronger counties for livability. The county's 69.8 score demonstrates consistent quality across measured dimensions.
Affordability and taxes shine
The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 82.4, supported by a median home value of just $151,600 and monthly rent averaging $777. Its tax score of 69.3 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.173%, keeping the overall cost of living competitive.
Income levels need attention
The income score of 21.2 stands out as a concern, with median household income at $57,948—notably below state and regional benchmarks. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Northumberland suits retirees, young families, and remote workers prioritizing low housing costs and moderate taxes over higher wages. The county offers genuine affordability without sacrificing livability compared to the national baseline.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Renters here spend just 16.1% of income on housing, better than the national average and below Pennsylvania's 16.5% state average. With a median household income of $57,948—trailing the national median of $74,755—Northumberland residents are still managing housing costs more efficiently than many peers across the country.
Middle of the Pack Statewide
Northumberland ranks mid-tier among Pennsylvania counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio near the state average. The county's $777 monthly median rent is substantially below the state median of $960, helping offset slightly lower household incomes.
Affordable Compared to Rural Peers
Northumberland's $777 rent aligns closely with nearby Potter County ($767) and Schuylkill County ($842), making it a reliable option in rural Pennsylvania. Median home values here ($151,600) fall between Potter County ($146,200) and nearby counties, reflecting stable rural housing markets.
Housing Takes 16% of Paychecks
At $57,948 median household income, renters allocate $777 monthly to gross rent, while homeowners pay $792 in ownership costs. Together, these figures show housing consumes roughly 16% of household income—a manageable burden compared to national standards where 30% is considered affordable.
Consider Northumberland for Stability
If you're relocating to Pennsylvania and seeking affordable rentals with stable incomes, Northumberland offers lower rents than the state average without the affordability crisis facing urban centers. Compare it to Philadelphia's 26.2% rent-to-income ratio and you'll see the significant cost-of-living advantage rural areas provide.
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.
Northumberland County residents live to an average age of 75.6 years, about 1.4 years less than the U.S. average of 77 years. One in five adults report poor or fair health, slightly higher than national rates, suggesting underlying health challenges across the population.
Ranking near middle of Pennsylvania
At 75.6 years, Northumberland's life expectancy trails the state average of 76.4 years by about eight months. The county's 19.1% poor/fair health rate is close to state norms, reflecting typical health conditions for rural Pennsylvania.
Health profile mirrors nearby counties
Northumberland tracks closely with neighboring Schuylkill County (74.5 years) and Montour County in overall health trends. The county outperforms Pike County's exceptional 79.3-year average but aligns with similar-sized counties in the region.
Good provider access, low uninsured rate
Just 6.7% of Northumberland residents lack health insurance—better than the state average of 7%—indicating strong coverage relative to Pennsylvania. The county offers 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 63 mental health providers per 100,000, providing reasonable access to care.
Already well-covered, but check for gaps
Northumberland's 6.7% uninsured rate is one of the best in the state, but that still means thousands of residents without coverage. If you're among the uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health office to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and local health programs.
Northumberland's risk sits above the national baseline
With a composite risk score of 79.17, Northumberland County faces relatively low overall disaster risk but scores notably higher than the national average in several hazard categories. The county's hurricane risk of 79.81 and flood risk of 88.30 are particularly elevated, reflecting its exposure to Atlantic-influenced weather systems and river valley geography.
Mid-range risk among Pennsylvania counties
Northumberland's score of 79.17 places it above Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, making it moderately exposed by state standards. The county ranks higher in flood and hurricane risk than most of its peer counties across central Pennsylvania, primarily due to Susquehanna River proximity.
Riskier than Snyder, safer than Schuylkill
Among its neighbors, Northumberland sits in the middle: it's significantly riskier than nearby Snyder County (54.29) and Perry County (53.12), but less exposed than Schuylkill County (85.31). The key difference is Northumberland's elevated flood and hurricane risk, which neighbors to the west experience less severely.
Floods and hurricanes pose greatest hazards
Northumberland's two dominant threats are flooding (88.30) and hurricane impacts (79.81), both driven by the county's position along the Susquehanna River valley and its susceptibility to Atlantic weather systems. Tornado risk (46.88) and earthquake risk (63.68) are moderate but secondary concerns compared to water-related events.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage now
Residents should ensure comprehensive flood insurance is in place, as standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage—particularly critical given the county's 88.30 flood risk rating. Verify that your policy includes adequate wind and hail coverage to protect against severe storms and hurricane-force winds.