countyscore
51.6
County Score
Health 69.4Safety 65.3Lawn Care 56.4

County Report Card

About Snyder County, Pennsylvania

Snyder County Matches National Trends

Snyder County's composite score of 51.7 puts it slightly above the national median of 50.0. Its profile suggests a standard of living that meets or exceeds that of most Americans.

On Par with Pennsylvania Average

The county's score of 51.7 is almost identical to the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It offers a quintessential Keystone State experience, blending rural character with stable social services.

Superior Health and Safety Ratings

Health and safety are the county's primary assets, scoring 69.4 and 65.3 respectively. An income score of 62.7 also reflects a healthy local economy with a median household income of $68,435.

Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

Water quality is the lowest-rated dimension with a score of 23.4. Taxes are also a factor for residents, as the county carries a tax score of 27.0 based on a 1.169% effective rate.

Great for Health-Conscious Families

Snyder County is a strong option for families who prioritize safety and access to quality healthcare. It provides a middle-ground lifestyle with moderate housing costs and reliable income potential.

2040608010028.143.165.369.4565445.723.455.1Tax28.1Cost43.1Safety65.3Health69.4Schools56Income54Risk45.7Water23.4Weather55.151.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Snyder County DNA

Foverall

How Snyder County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Snyder County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (69.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (23.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.1-23.9
Cost
43.1
Safety
65.3+10.299999999999997
Health
69.4+19.400000000000006
Schools
56
Income
54
Risk
45.7
Water
23.4-34.6
Weather
55.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Snyder County?

Many homeowners in Snyder County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$215,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$929/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$215,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,876/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Snyder County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Snyder County

via TaxByCounty

Snyder's Rate Sits Below National Median

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.

Income & Jobs in Snyder County

via IncomeByCounty

Snyder near national income standard

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.

Safety in Snyder County

via CrimeByCounty

Snyder County Offers Exceptional Public Safety

Snyder County has a total crime rate of 814.1 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low rate earns the county a safety score of 98.7. It is one of the more secure places to live in the United States.

Beating the State Average for Crime

The county's safety score of 98.7 is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 814.1 is about 13% lower than the state average of 932.4. Seven reporting agencies manage law enforcement for the county's population.

In Line with Regional Safety Trends

Snyder County's crime rate of 814.1 is almost identical to Somerset County's 814.3. It is slightly safer than Northumberland County (856.1) and notably more secure than Schuylkill County (928.1). This makes it a very safe choice within the local region.

A Low Risk of Violent Crime

Violent crime in Snyder County is just 105.5 per 100,000, roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime stands at 708.6, which is also quite low compared to national figures. Most residents will never personally experience a major crime incident.

Simple Habits for a Safer Home

While rates are low, property theft remains the most likely crime a resident might face. Installing basic security cameras and maintaining good outdoor lighting can further reduce the risk of burglary. Community awareness is the key to keeping Snyder County secure.

Weather & Climate in Snyder County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Warmth Near the National Average

Snyder County averages 50.9°F annually, aligning closely with the typical climate found across the central United States. It experiences more frequent heat than many northern counties, averaging 16 extreme heat days per year.

Warmer Than the Pennsylvania Average

Snyder's average temperature of 50.9°F exceeds the state average of 49.9°F by a full degree. It is also drier than the state typical, receiving 43.8 inches of precipitation compared to the 45.3-inch Pennsylvania average.

Comparable to Neighboring Union County

Snyder and Union counties share very similar climates, with Snyder being just a fraction of a degree cooler at 50.9°F. Both counties see significantly less snow than northern neighbors, with Snyder averaging 31.4 inches.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

July is warm with an average of 73.4°F and over two weeks of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are less severe than the PA mountains, featuring a January average of 27.8°F and moderate snowfall.

Balance Cooling Costs and Winter Maintenance

With 16 days of extreme heat, central air conditioning is a high priority for local residents. Snow removal is still necessary for the 31.4-inch average, but winter gear needs are less extreme than in the northern tiers.

Soil Quality in Snyder County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam Entisol Profile

Snyder County soil is characterized by Entisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.14. This acidity is typical for the state but considerably lower than the national median of 6.5.

Fine Texture and Clay Hold

The soil is 46.1% silt and 30.2% sand, providing a fine feel when dry. A clay content of 16.3% helps the soil maintain its shape and hold onto necessary minerals for plants.

Healthy Organic Foundation

At 6.28%, organic matter is lower than the 12.14% state average but remains high compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. The water capacity of 0.147 in/in is just under the state average.

Managing Saturated Silt Loams

These soils are very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. This indicates a high risk of saturated roots, making drainage tile or raised beds a smart investment.

Productive Soils for Zone 6b

Zone 6b offers a solid environment for mid-season vegetables and grains. With the right drainage, Snyder’s silt loams are highly productive for backyard gardens.

Lawn Care in Snyder County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Lawn Performance in Snyder County

Snyder County earns a lawn difficulty score of 56.4, making it one of the better places in the state to grow a lawn. This score is comfortably above the national average of 50.0, though slightly below the Pennsylvania state average. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region can expect a relatively predictable growing season with proper care.

Moderate Growth Cycles and Typical Heat

The county averages 43.8 inches of precipitation and 16 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average of 11. With 3,006 growing degree days, the climate supports active turf growth from late spring through early autumn. This heat requires a more vigilant watering schedule during the peak of July to prevent browning.

Silt Loams with Challenging Drainage

Snyder County features silt loam soils that are classified as very poorly drained, which can lead to standing water. The pH of 5.14 is acidic, so regular lime applications are necessary to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. Core aeration is highly recommended for these soils to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Managing Water During Abnormal Dryness

The county has faced 27 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, the entire area is considered abnormally dry. Because the soil drains poorly, you must be careful not to overwater even during dry spells, as this can lead to fungal issues. Aim for deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption.

Planning Your Planting by the Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescues are the recommended choices for Snyder County’s climate. Aim to complete your spring seeding after the April 27 frost and your fall projects before the October 22 frost. These dates provide a stable window to establish a hardy, resilient lawn that can handle the local silt soils.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snyder County's county score?
Snyder County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Snyder County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Snyder County ranks #41 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 Snyder County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Snyder County is $2,388, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Snyder County a tax score of 28.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Snyder County?
The median household income in Snyder County, Pennsylvania is $66,876 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Snyder County earns an income score of 54/100 on CountyScore.
Is Snyder County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Snyder County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Snyder 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 Snyder County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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