countyscore
51.1
County Score
Schools 85Income & Jobs 83.1Health 80.5

County Report Card

About Pike County, Pennsylvania

Pike County Edges Above National Median

Pike County records a composite score of 51.1, keeping it just ahead of the national median of 50.0. It offers a high-quality lifestyle that balances specialized strengths against high local costs.

Consistent with Pennsylvania Standards

The county's 51.1 score is nearly identical to the state average of 51.8. It provides a lifestyle that is representative of Pennsylvania's more affluent residential corridors.

Elite Schools and High Health Outcomes

Pike County boasts impressive scores in education at 85.0 and income at 83.1. Health is another major win, with a score of 80.5 supported by strong regional demographics.

High Costs and Tax Burden

Affordability is the main drawback, as seen in a cost score of 11.4 and a tax score of 17.4. The median home value of $250,900 and a 1.396% tax rate make it one of the more expensive areas in the state.

Premium Choice for Established Families

Pike County is tailor-made for families who can afford higher housing prices in exchange for superior schools and health outcomes. It offers a high-end residential experience for those with a median household income near $79,318.

Score breakdown

Tax17.4Cost11.4Safety68.6Health80.5Schools85Income83.1Risk34.1Water18.4Weather54.8
🏛17.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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53.5
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Wayne County
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Lackawanna County
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Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County Among the Nation's Safest

Pike County features a total crime rate of 737.3 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.8 reflects an environment where residents face very few threats. The data confirms this is one of the more secure regions in the United States.

Outperforming the Pennsylvania Safety Average

Pike County's safety score of 98.8 is higher than the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 737.3 is roughly 20% lower than the Pennsylvania average of 932.4. Eight reporting agencies work together to keep these rates consistently low.

A Safety Leader in the Poconos Area

Pike County is safer than neighboring Schuylkill County, which has a higher crime rate of 928.1. It also holds a safer profile than Northumberland County at 856.1. Residents here enjoy a higher degree of security than many of their regional neighbors.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate in Pike County is just 91.5 per 100,000, which is roughly four times lower than the national average. Property crime makes up the majority of incidents at 645.8, though this is still exceptionally low. Violent incidents are rare occurrences in this community.

Simple Measures Protect Your Peace

Since property crime is the primary concern, ensuring windows and doors are secured remains the best practice. Residents can also benefit from basic outdoor lighting to discourage the small number of thefts that do occur. Maintaining these habits helps Pike County stay among the state's safest.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Quality Schools in a Natural Setting

Pike County offers 14 public schools, including seven elementary and three high schools, serving 8,755 students. These facilities are organized into just two primary school districts, creating a streamlined and cohesive educational system. This layout supports a tight-knit community feel despite the county's large geographic area.

Strong Investment and Academic Excellence

Pike County invests heavily in its students, spending $13,711 per pupil, which exceeds both the state and national averages. This investment yields results, with a graduation rate of 92.5% and an impressive school score of 69.3. These metrics place Pike County well ahead of most Pennsylvania districts in overall quality.

Delaware Valley and Wallenpaupack Districts

The Delaware Valley School District is the larger of the two, educating 4,313 students across seven schools. Wallenpaupack Area School District serves 2,788 students and provides a robust academic and athletic program. The county maintains a traditional model with no charter schools present in the directory.

Larger Schools in a Rural Landscape

While 11 of the 14 schools are in rural settings, the average school size is relatively high at 625 students. Delaware Valley High School is the largest campus, housing 1,418 students in a comprehensive secondary environment. This combination offers students a traditional campus experience surrounded by the county's natural beauty.

Investing in Your Family's Future

With per-pupil spending and graduation rates that outperform state benchmarks, Pike County is a top tier choice for families. Homes here offer the benefit of high-performing districts like Delaware Valley while providing a serene, rural lifestyle. School quality is a major driver of property value in this desirable region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Snowy Mountain Climate

Pike County averages 47.5°F annually, making it one of the cooler counties in the United States. Its rugged continental climate is defined by long, cold winters and high snowfall.

One of Pennsylvania's Coldest Spots

The county is 2.4 degrees cooler than the state average of 49.9°F. While its 46.2 inches of precipitation is close to the state average, a large portion of that falls as snow.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

Pike is a regional outlier for winter weather, receiving a substantial 44.0 inches of snow each year. This is significantly higher than its neighbors to the south in the Lehigh Valley.

Deep Winters and Cool Summers

January temperatures average a chilly 24.1°F, leading to persistent snow cover. Summers are very mild, with only 8 days of extreme heat and July averages remaining below 70°F.

Prepare for Long Winters

Residents need heavy-duty winter equipment to handle the 44 inches of snow and sub-freezing January nights. Central air conditioning is less of a priority given the rare occurrence of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Northern Soils

Pike County's soil is very acidic, measuring 4.76 on the pH scale. This is more acidic than the Pennsylvania average of 5.22 and much lower than the national median of 6.5.

Coarse and Gritty Sandy Mix

With 40.1% sand and only 8.4% clay, this soil is exceptionally coarse and gritty. The high sand content suggests rapid drainage but limited ability to hold onto chemical fertilizers.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

This soil is incredibly rich in organic matter at 21.95%, far exceeding the state average of 12.14%. This high carbon content drives a superior available water capacity of 0.180 in/in.

Quick-Drying Forest Ground

No formal drainage class is recorded, but the sandy nature points toward quick-drying conditions. This makes the land well-suited for forest growth and specific deep-rooted crops.

Cool-Hardy Potential in Zone 6a

Pike County falls into zone 6a, where cold-hardy berries and root vegetables perform well. The high organic content makes it a powerhouse for organic gardening once pH is addressed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Chilly Conditions and Low Lawn Scores

Pike County's lawn difficulty score of 45.9 is below the national average and significantly trails the Pennsylvania state average. As a Hardiness Zone 6a region, the cooler climate dictates a shorter, more intense maintenance window. Homeowners here must contend with more frequent environmental stressors than their counterparts in warmer parts of the state.

Cool Summers with Plenty of Moisture

The county enjoys 46.2 inches of annual precipitation and only 8 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 11. With just 2,371 growing degree days, the pace of lawn growth is slower and more manageable. These cooler temperatures help cool-season grasses thrive without the constant threat of heat-related dormancy.

Sandy Ground and Acidic Foundations

Pike County soil is notable for its high 40.1% sand content, which provides better drainage than many other PA counties but holds fewer nutrients. The pH of 4.76 is very acidic, meaning your grass will likely struggle to grow without regular lime treatments. You should focus on building organic matter to help the sandy soil retain both moisture and fertilizer.

Facing Recent Severe Drought Conditions

Recent weather has been tough, with 34 weeks of drought in the past year and 31.2% of the county currently in severe drought. Sandy soils dry out faster than clay, making these drought periods particularly dangerous for local turf. It is essential to use drought-tolerant seed mixes and monitor soil moisture levels daily during the summer.

Maximizing a Shorter Growing Season

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent matches for Pike County’s cool 6a climate. Your primary growing window sits between the May 10 last frost and the October 12 first frost. Early autumn is the most reliable time to seed, giving your grass enough time to establish before the cold mountain winter sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Pike County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Pike County ranks #44 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 Pike County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $3,502, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 17.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Pennsylvania is $79,318 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Pike County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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