countyscore
51.7
County Score
Health 69.4Safety 65.3Income & Jobs 62.7

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.

204060801002742.365.369.45662.745.723.455.1Tax27Cost42.3Safety65.3Health69.4Schools56Income62.7Risk45.7Water23.4Weather55.151.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Snyder County DNA

Foverall

How Snyder County compares to the national average across 9 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
27-25
Cost
42.3
Safety
65.3+10.299999999999997
Health
69.4+19.400000000000006
Schools
56
Income
62.7+11.700000000000003
Risk
45.7
Water
23.4-34.6
Weather
55.1
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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.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$205,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$890/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,435/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.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Union County
Pennsylvania
55
Northumberland County
Pennsylvania
51.7
Juniata County
Pennsylvania
56.7
Montour County
Pennsylvania
60.1
Dauphin County
Pennsylvania
40.7
Perry County
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53.2
Mifflin County
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46.2
Lycoming County
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46.9

Deep Dives

Snyder County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Snyder County

via CostByCounty

Snyder County Beats National Standards

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Snyder County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Snyder County

Snyder County utilizes a lean system of eight public schools, split evenly between four elementary and four secondary (middle/high) facilities. These schools serve 4,354 students and are managed by only two school districts. This consolidated approach allows for focused resource management and clear district goals.

Academic Outcomes and Local Funding

The graduation rate in Snyder County is 85.9%, slightly below the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $9,723, which is roughly $600 below the Pennsylvania state average of $10,336. A composite school score of 57.2 places the county's performance near the national median but slightly below state levels.

The Selinsgrove and Midd-West Districts

Selinsgrove Area School District is the larger entity, with 2,382 students and four schools including the county's largest high school. Midd-West School District manages the remaining 1,972 students across its own four facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing all public resources on these two core districts.

A Perfect Split of Town and Country

Schools are divided equally between rural settings and town locales, offering a mix of educational atmospheres. The average school size is 544 students, with Selinsgrove Area High School serving the largest population at 802. This consistency in size across the eight schools ensures a predictable and stable experience for most students.

Find Stability for Your Family

Families looking for a simple and effective school system will appreciate the two-district structure of Snyder County. Whether you prefer the busier town of Selinsgrove or the rural charm of Middleburg, the schools are central to community life. Look for homes in these areas to join a school system that is highly integrated with the local landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Snyder County

via RiskByCounty

Snyder County enjoys low disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Snyder County

via WaterByCounty

Snyder County water receives a failing grade

The county has seen 19 health-based violations over the past five years, resulting in a rate of 98.8 per 100,000 residents. This rate exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 86.5, leading to an F grade. These numbers point toward a need for improved treatment and monitoring infrastructure.

Local water bodies show zero impairment

In the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle, 0.0% of the 12,869 assessed water bodies in Snyder County are classified as impaired. This is in line with the current Pennsylvania state average. Despite healthy surface water assessments, drinking water delivery remains a localized challenge.

Focused monitoring across seventeen county sites

Agencies have gathered 3,341 measurements from 17 sites within the county over the last five years. The monitoring focus primarily includes physical properties, inorganics, and nutrients. While the site count is lower than neighbors, it provides a consistent snapshot of the county's water chemistry.

Susquehanna River flows at 125% of mean

The Susquehanna River at Sunbury currently flows at 34,400 cfs, which is 125% of its long-term typical mean. For a drainage area of 18,300 square miles, this indicates a high volume of water moving through the basin. Increased flows often correlate with higher levels of agricultural runoff in this region.

Use extra caution with high river discharge

Snyder County's higher-than-average violation rate suggests residents should consider using additional water filtration at home. Since the Susquehanna is flowing at 125% of its mean, be mindful of potential runoff-related spikes in nutrients and sediment. Regular testing is recommended for those on private wells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snyder County's county score?
Snyder County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 51.7 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 $2,402, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Snyder County a tax score of 27/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Snyder County?
The median household income in Snyder County, Pennsylvania is $68,435 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Snyder County earns an income score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Snyder County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Snyder County scores 51.7/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.