countyscore
58.9
County Score
Safety 75.2Disaster Risk 71.9Cost of Living 69.1

County Report Card

About Potter County, Pennsylvania

Leading the Way in Rural Quality

Potter County delivers a strong composite score of 58.9, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking reflects its status as one of the most livable rural counties in the country.

A Top Performer in Pennsylvania

Potter County's 58.9 score comfortably beats the state average of 51.8. It offers a significantly higher livability index than many of its regional neighbors.

Safety, Low Risk, and Affordability

This county excels in safety with a score of 75.2 and environmental stability with a risk score of 71.9. Housing is highly affordable, featuring a median home value of $146,200 and a cost score of 69.1.

Income and Infrastructure Hurdles

The local economy presents challenges, with an income score of 38.6 and a median household income of $59,840. Water infrastructure also trails other dimensions with a score of 24.1.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Potter County is an ideal fit for those who value peace, safety, and extremely low housing costs. It is particularly attractive for people who aren't reliant on the local job market to sustain their lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax22Cost69.1Safety75.2Health64.5Schools66.3Income38.6Risk71.9Water24.1Weather54.6
🏛22
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.3
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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61.1
Allegany County
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59.1
McKean County
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48.3
Tioga County
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Deep Dives

Potter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Potter County

via TaxByCounty

Potter's Tax Rate Below National Median

At 1.278%, Potter County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.31%, placing the county near the American average. The median property tax of $1,868 on a $146,200 home remains substantially below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly Below Pennsylvania Average

Potter's 1.278% effective rate edges just below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, offering modest savings compared to the state. The county's median tax of $1,868 trails the state average of $2,657, making it a relatively affordable option in Pennsylvania.

Middle Range Among Regional Peers

Potter's 1.278% rate places it between Northumberland (1.173%) and Snyder (1.169%) to the south, and above them modestly. The county occupies a middle tier in north-central Pennsylvania's tax landscape, neither the highest nor lowest in the region.

Annual Tax on $146,200 Home

On Potter's median home value of $146,200, homeowners pay approximately $1,868 per year in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay $1,971, while owners without mortgages pay around $1,779.

Verify Your Assessment Value

Many Potter County homeowners are overassessed and could benefit from filing a property assessment appeal. Contact your local township assessor or the county tax office to request a reassessment if your home's valuation seems out of line with recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Potter County

via CostByCounty

Potter County Beats National Affordability

Potter County renters spend just 15.4% of income on housing, outperforming both the national average and Pennsylvania's 16.5% state average. Though median household income of $59,840 trails the national median of $74,755, residents here benefit from among the lowest rents in the surveyed counties.

Top Tier for Pennsylvania Affordability

Potter County ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties, with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio that reflects robust affordability for renters. The county's rural character keeps housing costs remarkably low while maintaining stable household incomes.

Pennsylvania's Most Affordable Rents

Potter County's $767 median rent is the lowest among all surveyed Pennsylvania counties, matching Northumberland's affordability while supporting slightly lower incomes. The county competes favorably even with rural peers like Somerset ($749) and Schuylkill ($842), making it a clear affordability leader.

Minimal Housing Cost Burden

At $59,840 median household income, Potter renters allocate just $767 monthly to gross rent, consuming only 15.4% of paychecks. Homeowners pay similarly modest $720 monthly, with a median home value of $146,200 that remains accessible to middle-income buyers.

Potter: Rural Affordability at Its Best

If affordability is your top priority and you're willing to embrace rural Pennsylvania, Potter County delivers the lowest rents in this survey alongside reasonable home values. Compare Potter's 15.4% rent burden to Philadelphia's 26.2% and you'll see the dramatic savings rural relocation can provide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Potter County

via IncomeByCounty

Potter income falls short nationally

Potter County's median household income of $59,840 trails the national median of $74,755 by 19.9%, placing it well below the US average. This income gap reflects Potter's rural character and limited employment density.

Lower-income rural county

At $59,840, Potter ranks below Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $31,841 falls short of the state average of $37,407, indicating limited wealth accumulation.

Less prosperous than surrounding areas

Potter's $59,840 median significantly lags Pike County ($79,318) and Perry County ($78,824), though it slightly outpaces Somerset County ($59,378). The county faces economic headwinds compared to wealthier northeast Pennsylvania neighbors.

Affordable housing supports households

Potter's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio offers excellent rental affordability, one of the state's best. The median home value of $146,200 remains highly accessible for households earning the county median.

Build wealth on modest incomes

Potter County residents benefit from low housing costs that free income for savings and investing. Prioritize employer retirement match programs and automatic savings plans—even modest monthly contributions grow substantially over time in Potter's lower cost-of-living environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Potter County

via CrimeByCounty

Potter County Boasts Elite Safety Scores

Potter County is one of the safest counties in the nation, with a total crime rate of only 591.8 per 100,000 people. This is roughly one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5. These impressive statistics result in a near-perfect safety score of 99.1.

One of Pennsylvania's Safest Destinations

With a safety score of 99.1, Potter County far exceeds the state average of 98.5. Its crime rate of 591.8 is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania average of 932.4. Nine local agencies provide coverage, maintaining a highly secure environment for the population.

The Regional Benchmark for Safety

Potter County is substantially safer than neighbors like Snyder County (814.1) or Somerset County (814.3). Its crime rate is also lower than Pike County, which sits at 737.3. It effectively serves as a regional leader in crime prevention.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is very low at 103.7 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 488.1. In comparison, the national violent crime rate is 369.8 and property crime is 2,015.7. Residents are roughly four times less likely to experience a property crime than the average American.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Lifestyle

While crime is exceptionally low, basic security awareness helps prevent opportunistic property theft. Locking sheds and vehicles is often enough to deter the few incidents that occur in this quiet county. Vigilance ensures Potter County remains a top-tier safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Potter County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy at state average, near U.S.

Potter County residents live to 76.4 years on average, matching Pennsylvania's state average and nearly equaling the U.S. average of 77 years. About 18.1% report poor or fair health, close to national norms, indicating typical health conditions.

Right at Pennsylvania's state median

At 76.4 years, Potter County matches Pennsylvania's average life expectancy exactly, placing it squarely in the state middle. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate is consistent with statewide patterns.

Health profile typical for north-central PA

Potter's 76.4-year life expectancy aligns closely with nearby Tioga and Bradford counties, reflecting similar health conditions across north-central Pennsylvania. The county represents a middle ground between Pike County's exceptional health and Schuylkill's lower outcomes.

Insurance coverage at state level, adequate access

Potter's 7% uninsured rate exactly matches Pennsylvania's state average, indicating typical coverage levels. With 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 38 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers modest but accessible healthcare infrastructure.

Potter County, check your coverage status

One in 14 Potter County residents lack health insurance, in line with state trends but still preventable. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact Potter County's health department to explore Medicaid expansion, ACA plans, and rural health programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Potter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in the Northern Tier

Potter County has a small but dedicated educational network of 10 public schools serving 1,864 students. The system is distributed across five school districts, ensuring that even remote areas have local access to elementary and high schools. This decentralized model prioritizes community access in a vast rural landscape.

Solid Performance and Personalized Spending

The county maintains a graduation rate of 88.3%, slightly above the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is $10,960, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average, reflecting a commitment to resource allocation in smaller districts. A school score of 61.2 indicates that the county performs slightly better than the state average overall.

Spotlight on Small, Local Districts

The Coudersport Area School District is a primary hub, serving 558 students across its two campuses. Other small districts like Oswayo Valley and Austin Area ensure that students receive highly personalized attention. There are no charter schools in Potter County, keeping all educational focus on the five traditional districts.

The Definition of a Rural School

All 10 schools in Potter County are classified as rural, reflecting the county's deep connection to its natural environment. The average school size is exceptionally small at just 186 students, with Galeton Area School being the largest at 325 students. This creates a classroom environment where every student is known by name.

Quiet Living and Personal Education

For families who value small class sizes and a close-knit community, Potter County offers a unique lifestyle. Buying a home here means your children will likely attend schools where the student-to-teacher ratio is a major advantage. Explore properties in Coudersport or Galeton to experience this personalized approach to education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Potter County

via RiskByCounty

Potter County is Pennsylvania's safest county

Potter County's composite risk score of 28.15 is the lowest in Pennsylvania and well below the state average of 67.45, placing it in the very low-risk category nationally. The county experiences minimal exposure to wildfires (3.31), tornadoes (15.04), earthquakes (21.12), and most other hazards.

Exceptional resilience across all hazard types

Potter County stands alone in Pennsylvania for comprehensive low risk, ranking safest among all 67 state counties across nearly every hazard category. Its wildfire risk of just 3.31 is the lowest in the state, and tornado, earthquake, and hurricane risks all remain well below state averages.

Far safer than all regional peers

Potter County's 28.15 score is roughly half that of Snyder County (54.29), its closest peer, and dramatically lower than Northumberland (79.17), Schuylkill (85.31), and Pike (65.87). The county's rural, less-developed character and inland position create a uniquely protected hazard profile.

Floods are the only moderate concern

Potter County's sole area of elevated risk is flooding (55.25), which remains below state average but reflects the county's river valleys and precipitation patterns. All other hazards—wildfire (3.31), tornado (15.04), earthquake (21.12), and hurricane (58.16)—score exceptionally low.

Basic flood insurance provides ample protection

Potter County's low overall risk means residents can focus narrowly on flood preparedness: those in flood-prone areas should secure flood insurance, while others may face minimal need for catastrophe coverage. Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for the county's minimal wildfire, tornado, and earthquake exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Potter County

via WeatherByCounty

A Truly Cold Climate in Northern Pennsylvania

Potter County averages just 44.7°F annually, significantly cooler than the national median temperature. This humid continental climate experiences long, biting winters that define its local ecosystem.

One of Pennsylvania's Coldest Regions

The county's average temperature of 44.7°F sits far below the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This makes it one of the most temperate-to-cold counties in the Commonwealth, often lagging behind its southern counterparts.

Cooler and Snowier Than Neighboring Tioga

With an annual average of 44.7°F, Potter stays cooler than neighboring Tioga County at 46.5°F. It also receives 66.7 inches of snow annually, nearly 20 inches more than Tioga's average accumulation.

Intense Winters and Very Mild Summers

Winters are harsh with a January average of 21.5°F and over 66 inches of snow. Conversely, extreme heat is rare here, with the county recording only one day per year reaching 90°F.

Prioritize Winter Gear and Reliable Heating

Residents must maintain high-efficiency heating systems to handle the 24.0°F winter average. Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and winter tires are essential given the massive 66.7-inch annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Potter County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic High-Altitude Soils

Potter County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.13, nearly matching the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. This is significantly more acidic than the 6.5 national median commonly found in the Midwest.

Light and Silty Texture

The soil is composed of 33.5% silt and 21.7% sand, with a low clay fraction of 10.8%. This light texture generally allows for easy digging and root expansion in forested plots.

Massive Organic Carbon Reservoir

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 28.58%, more than double the state average of 12.14%. This richness contributes to an available water capacity of 0.163 in/in, which is higher than the state average.

High Nutrient Holding Capacity

Although specific drainage records are absent, the high organic content helps regulate moisture naturally. Farmers should monitor for high acidity while enjoying the benefits of such high nutrient retention.

Short, Cool Season Success

Located in hardiness zone 5b, Potter County is one of the state's coolest regions. It is an ideal climate for potatoes, brassicas, and other crops that thrive in shorter summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Potter County

via LawnByCounty

Friendly Growing Conditions in a Cold Zone

Potter County offers a relatively favorable lawn difficulty score of 55.3, beating the national average. While the score is good, the USDA Hardiness Zone 5b rating means your primary challenge is the short, cold growing season. This is one of the coolest regions in Pennsylvania, requiring specific grass types that can survive harsh winters.

Low Heat and Moderate Annual Rain

Lawns in Potter County rarely suffer from heat exhaustion, as the area sees only 1 extreme heat day per year. The 44.3 inches of annual precipitation provides a solid watering base for the 1,929 growing degree days. This low-heat environment is ideal for maintaining the emerald green color of cool-season grasses all summer long.

Correcting Acidity in Northern Soils

The soil pH in Potter County averages 5.13, which is considerably more acidic than the preferred 6.0 range for healthy turf. With a 21.7% sand content, the soil provides a decent texture, though the lack of specific drainage data suggests you should monitor for soggy spots. Adding lime in the fall is the best way to slowly raise the pH for better spring growth.

Resilience During Abnormally Dry Cycles

Though the county has faced 22 weeks in drought over the last year, it currently has no area in severe drought status. The entire county is classified as abnormally dry, so supplemental watering is still necessary during rainless weeks. Fortunately, the lack of extreme heat means your lawn won't lose moisture as rapidly as in the southern counties.

Timing Your Growth for a Late Spring

In Zone 5b, you must wait until late May for the last frost before starting major spring projects. Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard here for its excellent cold hardiness and ability to recover from winter. Be sure to finish any fall seeding by mid-September, as the first frost typically arrives by October 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potter County's county score?
Potter County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 58.9 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 Potter County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Potter County ranks #8 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 Potter County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Potter County is $1,868, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Potter County a tax score of 22/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Potter County?
The median household income in Potter County, Pennsylvania is $59,840 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Potter County earns an income score of 38.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Potter County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Potter County scores 58.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Potter 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 Potter County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.