CountyScore

Philadelphia County

Pennsylvania · PA

#56 in Pennsylvania
60.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Metropolitan advantage in national context

Philadelphia County scores 66.1, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by a substantial margin. As the state's urban center, it demonstrates urban-scale livability despite distinct economic tradeoffs.

Essentially at Pennsylvania's state average

Philadelphia County's 66.1 score aligns almost perfectly with Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average. The county represents the midpoint of livability for the entire state despite its urban character.

Lowest tax burden in the state

Philadelphia's tax score of 78.6 stands highest among these counties, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.840%. This exceptionally low tax burden provides significant financial relief for residents.

High housing costs and lower incomes

The cost score of 67.4 masks high absolute prices—median home values reach $232,400 and monthly rent averages $1,323, among the highest regionally. The income score of 23.0 indicates median household income of $60,698, creating affordability strain.

Best for urban professionals and singles

Philadelphia County suits career-focused professionals, young adults, and households without children who value city amenities and low taxes. Families and those prioritizing housing affordability may face budget challenges.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.6Cost67.4SafetyComing SoonHealth64.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome23Risk0.4WaterComing Soon
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡0.4
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 Philadelphia County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Madera County
California
60.1
Median income: $75,496
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
60.1
Median income: $101,117
Manatee County
Florida
60.1
Median income: $75,792
Liberty County
Georgia
60.1
Median income: $59,013
Hennepin County
Minnesota
60.1
Median income: $96,339

Deep Dives

Philadelphia County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Philadelphia County

via TaxByCounty

Philadelphia Has the Lowest Tax Rate

At just 0.840%, Philadelphia's effective property tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, significantly below the national median of 1.31%. Despite a robust median home value of $232,400, the city's homeowners pay only $1,952 annually—far below the national median of $2,690.

Pennsylvania's Tax Rate Champion

Philadelphia's 0.840% effective rate is dramatically lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, making it the most tax-friendly county in the state. The median property tax of $1,952 trails the state average of $2,657 by over $700 per household.

Exceptional Value in the Region

Philadelphia's 0.840% rate vastly undercuts neighboring Pike County (1.396%) and all other surrounding counties, reflecting the city's unique tax structure. This significant advantage makes Philadelphia an outlier in southeastern Pennsylvania's property tax landscape.

What $232,400 Home Costs Annually

On Philadelphia's median home value of $232,400, property owners pay approximately $1,952 per year in taxes—one of the lowest in the state. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,144, while those without mortgages pay around $1,660.

Still Worth Checking Your Assessment

Even in Philadelphia's favorable tax environment, some homeowners remain overassessed and could benefit from an appeal. The city reassesses properties regularly—verify your assessment online and file a challenge if your property is valued above recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Philadelphia County

via CostByCounty

Philadelphia's Affordability Crisis is Real

Renters in Philadelphia County spend 26.2% of income on housing—far above the national comfort zone and nearly 10 points higher than Pennsylvania's average of 16.5%. With a median household income of $60,698, well below the national median of $74,755, renters here face a severe affordability squeeze.

Least Affordable County in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia ranks as Pennsylvania's least affordable county for renters, with a 26.2% rent-to-income ratio that dwarfs every other county in the state. The city's $1,323 median rent reflects urban demand and limited supply, pricing out lower- and middle-income households.

Dramatically Pricier Than Rural Counties

Philadelphia's $1,323 rent towers over nearby rural counties like Northumberland ($777) and Potter ($767), making it 70% more expensive for tenants. Even compared to affluent Pike County ($1,383), Philadelphia rents strain lower-income households because Pierce County residents earn significantly more.

Housing Dominates Philadelphia Budgets

At $60,698 median household income, Philadelphia renters allocate $1,323 monthly to gross rent—consuming 26.2% of paychecks and leaving little for other expenses. Homeowners pay $1,100 monthly, but the median home value of $232,400 requires substantial down payments that many residents cannot afford.

Philadelphia: Vibrant City, High Cost

If you're considering Philadelphia, factor in the reality: housing costs here consume far more income than rural Pennsylvania alternatives like Northumberland or Potter. The urban amenities are real, but so is the affordability challenge—plan accordingly or explore surrounding counties for relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Philadelphia County

via IncomeByCounty

Philadelphia income trails US average

Philadelphia's median household income of $60,698 falls 18.9% below the national median of $74,755. Despite being home to Pennsylvania's largest city and major institutions, the county reflects significant income inequality within its urban core.

Below state median in largest city

At $60,698, Philadelphia trails Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614, placing the county in the middle range statewide. The city's per capita income of $37,669 slightly exceeds the state average, suggesting wealth concentration among fewer households.

Urban earnings lag adjacent suburbs

Philadelphia's $60,698 median falls below suburban Pike County ($79,318) and Perry County ($78,824), reflecting typical urban-to-suburb income patterns. However, the city's diversity and job density create broader economic opportunity than many smaller counties.

Housing costs strain many renters

Philadelphia's 26.2% rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% affordability threshold, signaling housing stress for many renters earning near the county median. Median home values of $232,400 exceed income-to-price ratios that prevail elsewhere in the state.

Maximize assets despite housing costs

Philadelphia households facing housing pressure should prioritize emergency savings before aggressive investing. The city's job market and public transit offer unique advantages—focus on skills development and side income to accelerate wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Philadelphia County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Philadelphia County residents live to just 73.9 years on average, 3.1 years less than the U.S. average of 77 years—one of the largest gaps among major counties. Over one in four adults (24.4%) report poor or fair health, substantially higher than national norms.

Lowest life expectancy in Pennsylvania

At 73.9 years, Philadelphia has the lowest life expectancy across Pennsylvania, nearly 2.5 years below the state average of 76.4 years. The 24.4% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state trends, indicating a population facing serious health challenges.

Significant health disadvantage vs. suburbs

Philadelphia's 73.9-year life expectancy trails neighboring Delaware County (76+ years) and Bucks County by years, reflecting stark urban-suburban health disparities. The gap suggests differences in poverty, healthcare access, and chronic disease burden across the region.

Most providers but highest uninsured rate

Philadelphia offers 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 372 mental health providers per 100,000—the densest provider network among these counties—yet 7.7% remain uninsured. High provider density masks access barriers tied to cost, transportation, and appointment availability for vulnerable populations.

Philadelphia, health coverage is essential

With the poorest health outcomes in Pennsylvania, getting covered matters urgently for Philadelphia residents. Visit healthcare.gov or call Philly's Office of Health Insurance to enroll in Medicaid, ACA plans, or emergency programs—coverage can be the difference in managing chronic disease and extending life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Philadelphia County

via RiskByCounty

Philadelphia faces very high disaster risk nationally

Philadelphia County's composite risk score of 99.59 ranks it among the highest-risk counties in the United States, vastly exceeding Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. The county faces extreme exposure across nearly every hazard category: floods (99.59), tornadoes (98.66), earthquakes (98.28), and hurricanes (94.28).

Pennsylvania's highest-risk county by far

Philadelphia County dramatically exceeds all other Pennsylvania counties in disaster risk, with a score nearly 32 points higher than the state average. No other county in Pennsylvania approaches Philadelphia's multifaceted hazard exposure, making it uniquely vulnerable on the state stage.

Vastly riskier than surrounding counties

Philadelphia's risk profile is incomparable to nearby Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties, which all score significantly lower. The urban density, river systems, and coastal storm exposure that define Philadelphia create hazard conditions fundamentally different from its suburban and rural neighbors.

Floods, tornadoes, and quakes all major threats

Philadelphia faces an unprecedented convergence of hazards: flood risk (99.59) from the Delaware River and urban stormwater vulnerability, tornado risk (98.66) from Atlantic systems, and earthquake risk (98.28) from regional fault lines. Hurricane impacts (94.28) add an additional layer of coastal and inland wind damage exposure.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Philadelphia residents must secure flood insurance immediately—it's essential given the 99.59 flood risk and not covered by standard homeowners policies. Additionally, ensure your policy includes robust wind and earthquake coverage, and consider umbrella liability insurance given the county's extreme multi-hazard exposure.

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.