Snyder County scores 68.9, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0. This reflects a county delivering strong livability conditions across economic dimensions.
2 / 5
Top-tier performer statewide
Snyder County's 68.9 score ranks among Pennsylvania's best, notably surpassing the state average of 66.0. The county positions itself as a strong livability choice within Pennsylvania.
3 / 5
Balanced affordability and reasonable taxes
Snyder County's cost score of 78.8 supports a median home value of $205,500 and monthly rent of $890. The tax score of 69.4 reflects a competitive effective rate of 1.169%, creating good overall value.
4 / 5
Moderate income levels
The income score of 28.1 corresponds to a median household income of $68,435, respectable but not exceptional. Gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental data limit complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for middle-class families seeking balance
Snyder County appeals to working families and professionals seeking equilibrium between reasonable housing costs, moderate taxes, and solid income potential. It delivers genuine livability without extremes.
Snyder County scores 68.9, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0. This reflects a county delivering strong livability conditions across economic dimensions.
Top-tier performer statewide
Snyder County's 68.9 score ranks among Pennsylvania's best, notably surpassing the state average of 66.0. The county positions itself as a strong livability choice within Pennsylvania.
Balanced affordability and reasonable taxes
Snyder County's cost score of 78.8 supports a median home value of $205,500 and monthly rent of $890. The tax score of 69.4 reflects a competitive effective rate of 1.169%, creating good overall value.
Moderate income levels
The income score of 28.1 corresponds to a median household income of $68,435, respectable but not exceptional. Gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental data limit complete livability assessment.
Ideal for middle-class families seeking balance
Snyder County appeals to working families and professionals seeking equilibrium between reasonable housing costs, moderate taxes, and solid income potential. It delivers genuine livability without extremes.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.169%, Snyder's effective tax rate falls comfortably below the national median of 1.31%, placing the county among more affordable tax jurisdictions. Homeowners pay $2,402 annually on a median home valued at $205,500—still below the national median of $2,690.
Below Pennsylvania State Average
Snyder's 1.169% effective rate sits below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, offering tax relief compared to most Pennsylvania counties. The median property tax of $2,402 trails the state average of $2,657, making Snyder a relatively affordable option statewide.
Among the Region's Most Affordable
Snyder's 1.169% rate ranks among the lowest in central Pennsylvania, slightly edging Northumberland (1.173%) and well below Pike (1.396%) and Perry (1.246%). The county offers competitive tax rates for homeowners in the region.
Annual Tax on $205,500 Home
On Snyder's median home value of $205,500, homeowners pay approximately $2,402 per year in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay $2,473, while owners without mortgages pay around $2,329.
Challenge Your Assessment If Warranted
Many Snyder County homeowners are overassessed and could reduce their tax bills through a property assessment appeal. Check your assessment notice against recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, and file a challenge with your township if your valuation seems inflated.
Snyder County renters spend 15.6% of income on housing, below Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and comfortably within national affordability guidelines. Median household income of $68,435 approaches the national median of $74,755, supporting moderate rents and strong housing access.
Solid Mid-Tier Pennsylvania Affordability
Snyder County ranks in the upper half of Pennsylvania counties for housing affordability, with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio reflecting stable economic fundamentals. The county balances slightly above-average incomes with moderate rents, creating predictable housing costs.
Moderate Rents, Moderate Incomes
Snyder County's $890 rent sits between Potter County ($767) and Pike County ($1,383), while median home values of $205,500 position it as a step up from rural peers. The county offers a bridge between rural affordability and exurban appeal.
Near-Equal Renting and Homeowning Costs
Snyder renters allocate $890 monthly (15.6% of income), while homeowners pay nearly identical $893, suggesting a balanced housing market. The median home value of $205,500 requires substantial down payments but remains accessible to solid middle-income households earning $68,435.
Snyder: Rural Comfort with Growing Appeal
If you want to escape urban housing costs without sacrificing income growth, Snyder County offers reasonable rents and climbing home values in a stable rural community. The county sits strategically between ultra-affordable Potter and pricier Pike, providing balanced housing options.
Snyder County's median household income of $68,435 falls 8.4% below the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly behind the US average. The county represents stable, if modest, earning power for Pennsylvania's rural areas.
Slightly below state median income
At $68,435, Snyder ranks just below Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614, placing it near the state average. Per capita income of $32,361 falls below the state average of $37,407, reflecting less concentrated wealth.
Mid-tier county in region
Snyder's $68,435 median positions it between lower-income counties like Northumberland ($57,948) and higher-income Perry ($78,824) and Pike ($79,318). The county holds solid middle ground in central Pennsylvania's income spectrum.
Very affordable for renters
Snyder's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio offers excellent housing affordability, well below the 30% stress threshold. Median home value of $205,500 aligns reasonably with household incomes in this rural-suburban county.
Steady saving builds security
Snyder County households earning near the state average should focus on consistent retirement contributions and emergency savings. The county's moderate cost of living creates opportunity for disciplined savers to build meaningful long-term wealth.
Snyder County residents live to 79.7 years on average, the highest among these eight counties and 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 77 years. Just 16.4% report poor or fair health, significantly lower than national norms, indicating very strong population health.
Second-best life expectancy in analysis
Snyder's 79.7-year life expectancy exceeds Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average by 3.3 years, placing it among the healthiest counties in the state. The low poor/fair health rate of 16.4% demonstrates excellent population health outcomes.
Health advantage across central PA
Snyder's 79.7-year life expectancy rivals Pike County's exceptional health (79.3 years) and significantly outpaces nearby Union and Juniata counties. The county represents one of Pennsylvania's healthiest regions overall.
Highest uninsured rate despite excellent health
Snyder's 10% uninsured rate is the highest among all eight counties and 43% above Pennsylvania's 7% state average—a puzzling gap given the county's exceptional health outcomes. With 40 primary care and 91 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers good access despite coverage challenges.
Snyder County, bridge the coverage gap
One in ten Snyder residents lack health insurance—the highest rate in this analysis—despite the county's excellent health. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, subsidized ACA plans, and local health programs; maintaining coverage protects your long-term health advantages.
Snyder County's composite risk score of 54.29 falls well below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it solidly in the relatively low-risk category. The county experiences below-average exposure across most hazard categories, with only flood risk (71.25) and hurricane risk (77.26) rising above state averages.
Among Pennsylvania's safer counties
Snyder County ranks in the lower third of Pennsylvania's risk distribution, with exceptional performance in wildfire (17.68), tornado (36.86), and earthquake (48.66) categories. Only flood and hurricane risks approach state averages, making it one of the state's more naturally resilient areas.
Comparable to Perry, much safer than Schuylkill
Snyder County's 54.29 score closely parallels Perry County (53.12), making them the safest pair in central Pennsylvania. Both counties are substantially less risky than neighboring Northumberland (79.17), Schuylkill (85.31), and Somerset (64.22).
Floods and hurricanes warrant attention
Snyder County's primary hazards are flood risk (71.25) and hurricane risk (77.26), both driven by Atlantic weather systems and regional precipitation patterns. Wildfire (17.68), tornado (36.86), and earthquake (48.66) risks remain notably low, requiring minimal specialized preparation.
Flood insurance provides essential protection
Snyder County residents should obtain flood insurance to address the county's 71.25 flood risk, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage for hurricane and severe storm protection, and review coverage limits annually.