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Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#48 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.5
County Score
Schools 66.5Weather & Climate 60.8Safety 59.6

County Report Card

About Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

Near the National Median for Livability

Schuylkill County earns a composite score of 48.5, sitting slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile with notable strengths in education and housing availability.

Below the Pennsylvania State Average

At 48.5, the county trails the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. This is primarily due to higher-than-average tax rates and environmental risk factors compared to other PA counties.

Solid Schools and Housing Value

The county performs well in education with a school score of 66.5. It also provides strong value for homeowners, with a median home price of $140,400 and a cost score of 52.7.

Significant Tax and Risk Pressures

Schuylkill faces a high tax burden, with a tax score of 11.6 and an effective property tax rate of 1.529%. Environmental risk is also a concern, with a score of only 14.7.

A Choice for First-Time Homebuyers

Schuylkill County is well-suited for families looking for affordable entry-level homes and good schools. Residents must be prepared for higher property taxes relative to the home's value.

2040608010011.652.759.651.666.558.914.741.960.8Tax11.6Cost52.7Safety59.6Health51.6Schools66.5Income58.9Risk14.7Water41.9Weather60.848.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Schuylkill County DNA

Foverall

How Schuylkill County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Schuylkill County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (11.6/100), though Schools (66.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.6-40.4
Cost
52.7
Safety
59.6
Health
51.6
Schools
66.5+12.5
Income
58.9
Risk
14.7-32.3
Water
41.9-16.1
Weather
60.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$140,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$842/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$140,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,901/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.4

per 100K

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

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Deep Dives

Schuylkill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Schuylkill County

via TaxByCounty

Schuylkill Has Highest Rate Statewide

At 1.529%, Schuylkill's effective tax rate ranks among the nation's highest, towering above the national median of 1.31%. Despite a modest median home value of $140,400, homeowners pay $2,147 annually in property taxes—matching the national median of $2,690.

Pennsylvania's Highest Tax County

Schuylkill's 1.529% effective rate far exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, making it the state's most expensive county for property taxes. The median tax of $2,147 on a $140,400 home reveals how Schuylkill's high rate compounds even on modest home values.

Significantly Higher Than Regional Peers

Schuylkill's 1.529% rate vastly exceeds all neighboring counties, including Pike (1.396%), Northumberland (1.173%), and Perry (1.246%). The county stands as the region's tax burden outlier, requiring homeowners to pay substantially more than surrounding areas.

What $140,400 Home Costs Annually

On Schuylkill's median home value of $140,400, homeowners pay approximately $2,147 per year in property taxes—the highest rate despite lower home values. Those with mortgages typically see $2,475, while owners without mortgages pay around $1,852.

File an Appeal Immediately

With Schuylkill's highest statewide tax rate, overassessed homeowners stand to save the most through formal appeals. Contact your county assessor's office to challenge your assessment—even modest reductions compound meaningfully given the county's aggressive tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Schuylkill County

via CostByCounty

Schuylkill Provides Solid Affordability

Schuylkill County renters spend 15.1% of income on housing, below Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and well below the national benchmark. With median household income of $66,901—below the national median of $74,755—residents still achieve strong housing affordability through modest rents.

Upper Tier of Pennsylvania Affordability

Schuylkill County ranks among the top performers statewide for housing affordability, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio that reflects healthy economic conditions. The county balances modest incomes with reasonable rents, making homeownership and renting both accessible.

Affordable Anthracite Region Hub

Schuylkill County's $842 rent sits between nearby Potter County ($767) and Snyder County ($890), while median home values of $140,400 are the lowest among surveyed counties. The county offers a middle ground for those seeking rural affordability with slightly more amenities than Potter.

Balanced Costs Across Housing Types

Schuylkill renters pay $842 monthly (15.1% of income), while homeowners spend nearly identical $817—among the most balanced ratios in this survey. The median home value of $140,400 is the lowest here, suggesting accessible homeownership for middle-income households.

Schuylkill Offers Balanced Housing Options

If you're seeking affordable rents with reasonable homeownership costs, Schuylkill County delivers both in a stable rural setting. The county's low home values and manageable rents make it attractive for families or retirees relocating from higher-cost urban areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Schuylkill County

via IncomeByCounty

Schuylkill income below US average

Schuylkill County's median household income of $66,901 falls 10.5% short of the national median of $74,755. The county reflects the income challenges facing post-coal Pennsylvania's interior regions.

Below state average but mid-range

At $66,901, Schuylkill falls below Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614 but remains near the state middle. Per capita income of $33,769 trails the state average of $37,407, suggesting more modest household wealth.

Moderate income for region

Schuylkill's $66,901 median ranks above Northumberland ($57,948) and Somerset ($59,378), but below Perry ($78,824) and Pike ($79,318). The county occupies a transitional income position in northeast Pennsylvania.

Excellent housing affordability

Schuylkill's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio signals strong rental affordability well below the 30% threshold. Median home values of $140,400 rank among Pennsylvania's lowest, making homeownership accessible for most households.

Leverage low costs for savings

Schuylkill residents' low housing costs create opportunity for consistent saving and long-term investing. Take full advantage of any employer retirement plans and consider aggressive early saving to compensate for below-average income growth in the county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Schuylkill County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Score Matches National Expectations

Schuylkill County reports a total crime rate of 928.1 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a safety score of 98.5, indicating a very secure environment for families and businesses. The county maintains a strong safety profile by national standards.

A Reflection of State Safety Averages

Schuylkill County's safety score of 98.5 is identical to the Pennsylvania state average. Its total crime rate of 928.1 also aligns closely with the state average of 932.4. A robust network of 41 reporting agencies monitors public safety across the county.

Higher Crime Rates Than Immediate Neighbors

The county's crime rate of 928.1 is slightly higher than Northumberland County's 856.1 and Snyder County's 814.1. While still safe, it experiences more incidents per capita than many of its rural counterparts. Residents should be aware of these local variations.

Property Incidents Define the Local Landscape

The violent crime rate is low at 127.1, while property crime accounts for 801.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This means property theft is roughly six times more common than violent crime in the area. Fortunately, violent crime remains well below the national average of 369.8.

Guarding Against Local Property Theft

Given that property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should invest in solid home security basics. Using deadbolts and keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles can prevent most local crimes. Collaborative neighborhood watch efforts further enhance community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Schuylkill County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network of Neighborhood Schools

Schuylkill County operates 35 public schools, including 17 elementary and 12 high schools, serving 18,114 students. These schools are managed by 14 different school districts, offering a high degree of local control and variety. This extensive infrastructure makes it one of the more robust educational systems in the region.

Meeting State Benchmarks with Efficiency

The county's graduation rate of 90.8% exceeds the national average and effectively matches the Pennsylvania state average. This is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,876, which is lower than both state and national spending levels. The school score of 58.0 indicates a system that is competitive but has room for growth toward state averages.

Diverse Districts and Charter Options

Blue Mountain School District is the largest in the county with 2,445 students, followed by Tamaqua Area School District with 2,099. While traditional districts dominate, there is one charter school present, representing about 3% of the county's schools. Large schools like North Schuylkill Elementary serve over 1,000 students, providing a vibrant peer environment.

A Blend of Town and Rural Locales

Schuylkill's schools are mostly situated in towns (22 schools) or rural areas (12 schools), giving families several environmental choices. The average school size is 518 students, providing a balance between intimate classrooms and diverse extracurricular opportunities. High schools like Pottsville Area maintain a traditional large-campus feel with nearly 900 students.

Discover a Community That Values Education

With 14 districts to choose from, homebuyers in Schuylkill County can find a school environment that perfectly matches their child's needs. The strong graduation rates across the county make it an attractive spot for families looking for stability and value. Consider exploring homes in the Blue Mountain or Tamaqua areas to be near the county's largest educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Schuylkill County

via RiskByCounty

Schuylkill County faces relatively moderate risk

Schuylkill County's composite risk score of 85.31 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by 18 points, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. The county experiences elevated exposure across multiple hazards, particularly floods (90.78), hurricanes (82.60), and earthquakes (71.88).

Second-highest risk in Pennsylvania

Schuylkill County ranks second only to Philadelphia County in overall disaster risk among Pennsylvania's counties, with an 85.31 score that far exceeds most regional peers. Its multifaceted hazard exposure—floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes—creates cumulative vulnerability rare in the state.

Significantly riskier than adjacent counties

Schuylkill County's 85.31 score far exceeds neighboring Northumberland (79.17), Snyder (54.29), and Somerset (64.22) counties, making it the regional risk leader. The county's position in Pennsylvania's anthracite region and river valleys drives elevated exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes converge

Schuylkill County faces a convergence of three major threats: flood risk (90.78) from regional waterways, hurricane risk (82.60) from Atlantic systems, and earthquake risk (71.88) from regional seismic activity. Tornado risk (66.19) and wildfire risk (55.63) add additional layers of exposure.

Multi-layered coverage is critical

Schuylkill County residents must prioritize flood insurance—essential given the 90.78 flood risk and not covered by standard homeowners policies. Additionally, ensure comprehensive wind coverage for hurricane protection and consider earthquake insurance to address the county's 71.88 seismic risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Schuylkill County

via WaterByCounty

Schuylkill County receives a D for compliance

The county has logged 34 health-based violations over five years, creating a rate of 28.9 per 100,000 residents. While this rate is better than the state average of 86.5, the frequency of incidents still warrants a D grade. Residents are served by systems that face intermittent regulatory challenges.

No impairments found in recent water assessments

According to 2022 ATTAINS data, 0.0% of the 39,031 assessed water bodies in Schuylkill County are listed as impaired. This matches the state's average for the reporting cycle. The county's extensive network of streams currently meets the assessed Clean Water Act benchmarks.

Diverse measurements track organics and pesticides

Fifty-five monitoring sites have recorded 2,751 measurements over the last five years. Data collection here is uniquely broad, covering inorganics, metals, organics, and pesticides. This specialized tracking is vital for identifying complex contaminants that might enter the water supply.

Schuylkill River flow is slightly suppressed

The Schuylkill River at Landingville reports a discharge of 231 cfs, which is 80% of its long-term mean. This 133 square mile drainage area is experiencing slightly lower volumes than is typical for this time of year. While not a severe drought signal, it indicates a mild decrease in regional water volume.

Monitor water quality alerts for local systems

Although the county's violation rate is below the state average, the Grade D suggests that system reliability fluctuates. Residents should stay informed about the specific contaminants measured locally, including pesticides and organics. With streamflow at 80% of normal, check for any changes in water taste or clarity.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Schuylkill County

via WeatherByCounty

Damp and Temperate Mid-Atlantic Climate

Schuylkill County averages 48.0°F annually, falling below the national median for temperature. Its high annual precipitation of 53.4 inches makes it wetter than many other counties across the United States.

Trailing the Pennsylvania Temperature Average

At 48.0°F, Schuylkill is nearly two degrees cooler than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. While it is not the coldest in the state, it maintains a consistently damp profile with rainfall exceeding the state average of 45.3 inches.

Wetter and Brisk Compared to Snyder

Schuylkill receives 53.4 inches of precipitation, which is nearly 10 inches more than Snyder County's 43.8 inches. It also stays cooler overall, with an annual average of 48.0°F compared to Snyder's 50.9°F.

Moderate Summers With Reliable Winter Snow

July brings a comfortable average of 70.4°F, and extreme heat days are rare with only two per year reaching 90°F. Winter remains active with 44.1 inches of snowfall and a January average of 25.0°F.

Manage Moisture and Moderate Winter Cold

Invest in a robust sump pump system to handle the high 53.4-inch annual precipitation. While summers are mild, residents still need reliable heating for the three months of sub-30°F winter weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Schuylkill County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Appalachian Acidic Soils

Schuylkill County has an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.09. This tracks closely with the state average of 5.22 but remains much lower than the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Silty Soil Profile

The soil mix contains 37.2% silt and 29.9% sand, creating a balanced silty texture. With 13.0% clay, the soil offers moderate structure and reasonable nutrient retention for farming.

Rich Organic Matter Reserves

Organic matter is a standout feature at 16.32%, comfortably beating the state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity of 0.155 in/in also sits slightly above the state norm.

Standard Regional Drainage Patterns

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the composition suggests a fairly standard drainage profile for the region. The high organic matter helps keep the soil sponge-like, absorbing rain efficiently.

Reliable Growing in Zone 6b

Zone 6b provides a reliable window for a variety of traditional Pennsylvania crops. From sweet corn to orchard fruits, the high-fertility soil is ready for productive use.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Schuylkill County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High Rainfall and Moderate Difficulty

Schuylkill County has a lawn difficulty score of 43.7, which indicates a more challenging environment than the national average. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, it falls well below the Pennsylvania state average score of 59.2. Success here requires careful attention to soil chemistry and managing the impacts of weather extremes.

Abundant Rain with Very Little Heat

The county receives a robust 53.4 inches of precipitation annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 45.2 inches. Despite this moisture, the area only experiences 2 extreme heat days a year, keeping the 2,499 growing degree days from becoming stressful. This high rainfall can actually lead to nutrient leaching, so regular fertilization is important.

Acidic Soil Challenges in the Uplands

With a soil pH of 5.09, local ground is quite acidic and requires lime to prevent moss and weeds from taking over. The soil contains 13.0% clay and 29.9% sand, providing a balanced texture that is generally manageable for home lawns. Focus on maintaining a healthy pH to ensure your grass can actually use the nutrients in the soil.

Recovering from Severe Drought Stress

Despite high annual rainfall, the county has struggled with 35 weeks of drought over the past year, with 58.6% of the area currently in severe drought. This paradox means you must be prepared for extreme swings between wet and dry conditions. Investing in a rain gauge can help you track whether nature is providing enough water during these volatile periods.

Leveraging the Best Seeding Windows

Cool-season perennials like Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue perform well in this 6b climate. The frost-free window runs from April 30 to October 22, giving you a generous season for maintenance and growth. For the best results, seed in the early fall when the high annual rainfall can help keep your new sprouts hydrated.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schuylkill County's county score?
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Schuylkill County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Schuylkill County ranks #48 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 Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Schuylkill County is $2,147, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Schuylkill County a tax score of 11.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schuylkill County?
The median household income in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania is $66,901 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schuylkill County earns an income score of 58.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Schuylkill County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill 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.