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Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#67 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
28.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 63.7Property Tax 49.7

County Report Card

About Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Urban Challenges Impact National Ranking

Philadelphia County carries a composite score of 28.8, falling significantly below the national median of 50.0. Dense urban challenges regarding safety and environmental risk drive this lower ranking.

A Unique Profile in Pennsylvania

The county's score of 28.8 is well below the state average of 51.8, reflecting the stark difference between a major metropolitan core and rural PA. It remains the most distinct lifestyle profile in the Commonwealth.

Exceptional Water Quality and Lower Taxes

Philadelphia excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and offers a surprisingly competitive tax score of 49.7. Its effective tax rate of 0.840% is lower than many of its suburban neighbors.

Critical Safety and Risk Concerns

The county faces extreme challenges in safety and risk, scoring 1.6 and 0.4 respectively. Cost of living also remains a hurdle, with a cost score of 17.4 and median rent reaching $1,323.

A Fit for True Urbanites

This county is best for residents who value metropolitan amenities and lower property tax rates over traditional safety and risk metrics. It serves those who prioritize city life despite the high cost of housing relative to income.

2040608010049.717.41.639.133.941.30.48663.7Tax49.7Cost17.4Safety1.6Health39.1Schools33.9Income41.3Risk0.4Water86Weather63.728.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Philadelphia County DNA

Foverall

How Philadelphia County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Philadelphia County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (1.6/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.7
Cost
17.4-30.6
Safety
1.6-53.4
Health
39.1-10.899999999999999
Schools
33.9-20.1
Income
41.3-9.700000000000003
Risk
0.4-46.6
Water
86+28
Weather
63.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$232,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,323/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$232,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,698/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Philadelphia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Philadelphia County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges Reflected in Crime Rates

Philadelphia County reports a total crime rate of 5,373.4 per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a safety score of 91.5. While lower than rural peers, this score still reflects a robust level of reporting across the metropolitan area.

Philadelphia vs. the Pennsylvania Average

The county's crime rate of 5,373.4 is significantly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. Its safety score of 91.5 sits below the state average of 98.5, highlighting the disparity between urban and rural safety metrics. Eight major reporting agencies manage the high volume of incidents in this dense population center.

Highest Incident Rates in the Region

Philadelphia's crime rate far exceeds those of surrounding counties like Schuylkill, which sits at 928.1. While other counties enjoy rates under 1,000 per 100,000, Philadelphia deals with the complex safety issues common to large American cities. The scale of activity here is unique compared to its neighbors.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Totals

Violent crime is a concern at 1,037.7 per 100,000, which is nearly triple the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high at 4,335.7, indicating that theft and burglary are frequent occurrences. These numbers mean residents must exercise higher levels of situational awareness than elsewhere in the state.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Given the property crime rate of 4,335.7, high-quality locks and alarm systems are essential for Philadelphia residents. Joining community watch groups and installing video doorbells can provide significant layers of protection. Proactive security habits are the best defense against urban property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Philadelphia County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Scale of Urban Public Education

Philadelphia County manages a massive infrastructure of 304 public schools serving over 180,000 students. The landscape includes 194 elementary, 18 middle, and 70 high schools, along with 22 specialized facilities. It is the most complex educational environment in the state, with 86 different district entities operating within its borders.

Navigating Challenges in Student Outcomes

The county faces significant hurdles, with a graduation rate of 74.8% and a school score of 47.8, both below state and national averages. Spending per pupil is $8,061, which is notably lower than the Pennsylvania average of $10,336 and the national median of $13,000. These metrics highlight the resource gaps present in this densely populated urban center.

Diversity of Choice and Large Campuses

The Philadelphia City School District is the primary provider, educating 114,779 students across 219 schools. Charter schools play a massive role here, accounting for 85 schools or 28% of the total public offering. Massive institutions like Northeast High School serve as many as 3,352 students on a single campus.

100% Urban Learning Experience

Every school in the county is classified as a city locale, offering students an immersive urban experience. The average school size is 595 students, but the range is vast, from small specialized academies to the 2,364 students at Central High. Students here have access to a wider variety of magnet and charter options than anywhere else in the state.

Urban Living Near Diverse School Options

In Philadelphia, the right home search often involves looking for specific neighborhood catchments or proximity to premier charter schools. With 85 charter options and various magnet programs, families have more educational choices than in any other Pennsylvania county. Researching local school performance is an essential step for any city homebuyer.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Philadelphia County

via WaterByCounty

Philadelphia earns top grade for water compliance

The county holds a perfect A grade with zero health-based violations recorded over the last five years. While the state average sits at 86.5 violations per 100,000 people, Philadelphia maintains a 0.0 rate. This indicates exceptional management and reliable treated water for the metropolitan population.

Zero impairments found in assessed urban waters

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that 0.0% of the 10,266 assessed water bodies in Philadelphia are listed as impaired. This data matches the statewide average for assessed reaches during this period. Ongoing surveillance is required to maintain these standards within the dense urban environment.

Heavy monitoring focus on PFAS and nutrients

Philadelphia supports 115 monitoring sites that have generated 23,904 measurements in the last five years. Notably, data collection includes specialized tracking of PFAS and perfluorinated substances alongside physical characteristics. This proactive approach ensures emerging contaminants are identified quickly in the water supply.

Schuylkill River flow is critically low

The Schuylkill River at Philadelphia is currently flowing at 1,230 cfs, representing just 43% of its long-term mean. For a drainage area of 1,893 square miles, this suggests a significant hydrological deficit. Low flows in urban rivers often increase the relative concentration of treated discharge and runoff.

Monitor low flows despite excellent tap quality

While Philadelphia's tap water compliance is exemplary, the Schuylkill's low flow levels may affect the taste or mineral content of source water. Residents should remain aware of city-wide conservation notices during these dry periods. Because monitoring already tracks PFAS, checking the latest local reports can provide extra peace of mind.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Philadelphia County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Urban Subtropical Hub

Philadelphia's 57.0°F average annual temperature is well above the national median. The city is classified as humid subtropical, influenced by both its low elevation and urban heat island effect.

The Warmest County in the State

Philadelphia is the warmest county in Pennsylvania, averaging over 7 degrees higher than the state average of 49.9°F. It is also one of the least snowy areas in the Commonwealth.

Significantly Milder Than Surrounding Areas

The city experiences much less snow than its suburban neighbors, with just 16.1 inches annually. Temperatures remain consistently higher than in Montgomery or Bucks counties.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

Philadelphia endures 35 days of extreme heat over 90°F, the highest in this region. Winters are the mildest in the state, with a January average of 34.5°F and minimal heavy snow events.

Focus on Heat Mitigation

Effective air conditioning and urban cooling strategies are vital for the 35 days of extreme heat. Winter preparations can be modest, as the 16.1 inches of snow often melts quickly.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Philadelphia County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Urban Ground

Philadelphia County possesses highly acidic soil with a pH of 4.43, significantly lower than the 5.22 state average. This urban environment lacks specific taxonomic data but displays intense acidity compared to the 6.5 national median.

Compaction-Prone Silty Mix

The mix is relatively light on clay at 13.5%, while silt dominates at 42.0%. This composition suggests soil that is prone to compaction but easy to manipulate when properly moist.

Moderate Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter is lower here at 3.43%, though it still exceeds the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.142 in/in means the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state average.

Drainage Strategies for City Growers

While specific hydrologic data is missing, the high silt content often requires drainage improvements in urban settings. Gardeners should prioritize raised beds to bypass potential compaction and acidity issues.

Extended Season in Zone 7b

Zone 7b offers the state's longest, warmest growing season for city gardeners. Fig trees and heat-loving herbs thrive here if the soil acidity is managed with lime.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Philadelphia County

via LawnByCounty

Urban Challenges in the City of Lawns

Philadelphia County scores a 43.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it tougher to grow grass here than in the average American county. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 7b, the city environment presents unique stressors that differ from the surrounding suburbs. You will need to manage higher heat and more acidic soil to keep your green space healthy.

Extreme Urban Heat and High Energy

Philadelphia endures 35 extreme heat days annually, more than triple the state average of 11 days. With a high count of 4,246 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but faces significant heat stress in July and August. The 47.8 inches of annual rain helps, but the intense city heat often evaporates moisture quickly.

The Battle Against High Soil Acidity

The soil pH here is a very low 4.43, which is far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawn grasses. This high acidity can lock away essential nutrients, making even well-fertilized lawns look yellow or thin. Heavy applications of lime are almost always required to bring the soil foundation back into a productive state.

Staying Green Through Six Months of Drought

Philadelphia has experienced 26 weeks of drought over the past year, with the entire county currently classified as abnormally dry. In an urban environment, concrete holds heat and worsens these dry spells, making evening watering critical. Focus on soaking the soil deeply once or twice a week rather than light daily sprinkling.

Planting for a Long Growing Season

Thanks to its 7b zone, Philadelphia has a long growing season with a late first frost on November 17. Tall Fescue is the best recommendation for handling the local heat and acidic soil conditions. Start your fall seeding around the first week of September to take full advantage of the warm soil and cooling air.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philadelphia County's county score?
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 28.8 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 Philadelphia County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia County ranks #67 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 Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Philadelphia County is $1,952, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Philadelphia County a tax score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Philadelphia County?
The median household income in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania is $60,698 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Philadelphia County earns an income score of 41.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Philadelphia County scores 28.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.