CountyScore

Pike County

Pennsylvania · PA

#52 in Pennsylvania
61.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Pike County, Pennsylvania

Above national median despite challenges

Pike County scores 59.5, still well above the national median of 50.0, indicating reasonable overall livability despite ranking below its state peers. The county delivers value above the national baseline.

Below Pennsylvania's livability average

Pike County's 59.5 score falls notably short of Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average. It ranks among the weaker performers statewide on the composite livability index.

Strong median incomes

Pike County's income score of 35.2 is the highest among these counties, supported by a median household income of $79,318. This strong earning power provides households meaningful economic resilience.

Expensive housing and higher taxes

Housing costs challenge residents with median home values of $250,900 and rent at $1,383 monthly—the highest in this group. The tax score of 63.0 reflects an effective rate of 1.396%, further pressuring household budgets.

Suited for high-earning remote workers

Pike County appeals to affluent professionals and retirees with substantial savings who value scenic location over affordability. For middle-income families, housing and tax burdens present significant obstacles.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63Cost62.9SafetyComing SoonHealth77SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.2Risk34.1WaterComing Soon
🏛63
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34.1
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 Pike County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alachua County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $59,659
Lake County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $69,956
Cobb County
Georgia
61.7
Median income: $98,712
Herkimer County
New York
61.7
Median income: $68,858
Lorain County
Ohio
61.7
Median income: $70,693

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County Has Highest Tax Burden

At 1.396%, Pike County's effective tax rate rises well above the national median of 1.31%, placing it among the nation's higher-tax communities. Homeowners pay $3,502 annually on a median home valued at $250,900—nearly 30% above the national median tax of $2,690.

Above Average Across Pennsylvania

Pike's 1.396% effective rate exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% by nearly one percentage point, making it one of the state's pricier counties for property taxes. The median tax of $3,502 significantly surpasses the state average of $2,657.

Highest Taxes in the Region

Pike's 1.396% rate substantially exceeds all neighboring counties, including Schuylkill (1.529%), Philadelphia (0.840%), and Perry (1.246%). The county stands as a regional tax outlier, with homeowners bearing notably higher property tax obligations than surrounding areas.

What $250,900 Home Costs Annually

On Pike's median home value of $250,900, homeowners pay approximately $3,502 per year in property taxes—the highest in the region. Those with mortgages typically see $3,578, while owners without mortgages pay around $3,353.

Appeal Your Assessment Today

Many Pike County homeowners are overassessed and could recoup hundreds through a formal appeal, especially critical given the county's high tax burden. Review your assessment notice and file a challenge if your property's valuation exceeds comparable recent sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike County's Affordability Gap Widens

Pike County renters spend 20.9% of income on housing, above Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and well above the national comfort zone. Despite median household income of $79,318—above the national median of $74,755—residents here face above-average housing cost burdens due to high rents and home values.

Among Pennsylvania's Pricier Counties

Pike County ranks near the bottom of Pennsylvania's affordability list, with a 20.9% rent-to-income ratio second only to Philadelphia's crisis-level 26.2%. The county's popularity as a second-home and exurban destination has driven up housing costs faster than local incomes.

The Price of Exurban Appeal

Pike County's $1,383 rent is the highest among surveyed Pennsylvania counties, exceeding Philadelphia's $1,323 and dwarfing rural neighbors like Potter ($767). Median home values of $250,900—the highest in this survey—reflect Pike's status as a wealthy, desirable exurban enclave.

Steep Costs for Renters and Owners

Pike renters pay $1,383 monthly (20.9% of income), while homeowners allocate $1,321—making it one of the few counties where rents exceed owner costs. The median home value of $250,900 means most residents here are affluent transplants or retirees with substantial down payments.

Pike: Beautiful but Pricey Destination

If you're relocating to Pike County, budget for premium costs: rents and home prices here rank among Pennsylvania's highest despite strong resident incomes. The scenic location attracts wealth, but affordability-conscious movers should compare Pike to neighboring rural counties offering similar natural beauty at lower cost.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike exceeds national income benchmark

Pike County's median household income of $79,318 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 6.1%, placing it in the nation's upper-income tier. The county's strong per capita income of $42,243 ranks among the state's highest.

Highest earners in Pennsylvania

At $79,318, Pike ranks in Pennsylvania's top income quintile, exceeding the state median of $69,614 by 13.8%. Per capita income of $42,243 leads the state average of $37,407, indicating broad-based prosperity.

Wealthiest county in its region

Pike's $79,318 median edges out Perry County ($78,824) and significantly exceeds all other adjacent counties including Northumberland and Potter. Pike's position as a regional income leader reflects its appeal to affluent commuters and retirees.

Higher housing costs offset by income

Pike's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio remains well-managed despite high incomes, as renters spend less than the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $250,900 align with the county's above-average household earnings.

Wealth-building strategies for high earners

Pike County's high-income households should prioritize tax-efficient investing and estate planning beyond basic retirement accounts. Consider diversified real estate investment, tax-advantaged HSAs, and strategies to maximize after-tax wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Exceptional life expectancy, well above average

Pike County residents live to 79.3 years on average, 2.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 77 years—among the best in the nation. Just 15.9% report poor or fair health, significantly lower than national and state averages, reflecting a notably healthy population.

Best health outcomes in Pennsylvania

Pike County's 79.3-year life expectancy is nearly 3 years above Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average, making it the healthiest county in the analysis. The low poor/fair health rate of 15.9% demonstrates exceptional population health.

Clear health advantage across the region

Pike County's 79.3-year life expectancy dramatically exceeds neighboring Wayne County and surrounding northeastern Pennsylvania counties. This disparity likely reflects demographic differences, including higher income and education levels in Pike's growing communities.

Low uninsured rate, limited primary care

Pike's 6.8% uninsured rate is below Pennsylvania's 7% average, indicating strong health coverage among residents. However, with only 25 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest among these counties—residents may face challenges accessing preventive and routine care despite good health.

Maintain excellent coverage in Pike County

Pike County's strong health and high insurance rate put residents in a good position, but staying covered is essential. If you lack insurance or face a change in coverage, visit healthcare.gov to renew or enroll in ACA plans—maintaining continuity protects your good health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County's wildfire risk stands out nationally

Pike County's composite risk score of 65.87 falls slightly below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, but masks a nationally significant wildfire risk of 71.91. This elevated wildfire hazard—driven by extensive forests and dry conditions—distinguishes Pike from most other counties in its risk profile.

Mid-range risk with uncommon wildfire threat

Pike County ranks in the middle of Pennsylvania's risk distribution but stands out for wildfire exposure that exceeds most state peers. Its 71.91 wildfire score is among the highest in Pennsylvania, reflecting the county's heavily forested landscape and limited water infrastructure for fire suppression.

Wildfire risk significantly higher than peers

Pike County's 71.91 wildfire risk is dramatically higher than neighboring Northumberland (31.33), Snyder (17.68), and Somerset (40.78) counties, making it the regional wildfire hotspot. Its overall composite score (65.87) remains comparable to these neighbors, but the concentration of forest fire hazard is distinctly elevated.

Wildfires and floods dominate the hazard picture

Pike County's two defining threats are wildfire risk (71.91) and flood risk (78.78), both tied to the county's natural geography and heavy vegetation. Tornado risk (27.80) and earthquake risk (56.08) are moderate, while wildfire exposure remains the county's most distinctive and urgent concern.

Wildfire and flood preparedness are essential

Pike County residents should implement wildfire defensibility measures around their properties—clearing brush, trimming tree branches, and using fire-resistant materials—and ensure their homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage. Obtain separate flood insurance to protect against the county's 78.78 flood risk from regional precipitation and river systems.

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.