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Somerset County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#6 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
60
County Score
Schools 83.3Cost of Living 70.2Safety 65.3

County Report Card

About Somerset County, Pennsylvania

High Marks on the National Stage

Somerset County achieves an impressive composite score of 58.6, far outpacing the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top tier of US regions for overall livability.

A Top-Ranking Pennsylvania County

Somerset's 58.6 score is significantly higher than the state average of 51.8. It stands out as one of the most attractive counties for those looking to stay within the Commonwealth.

Elite Education and Low Costs

The county's school score of 83.3 is a standout strength, paired with a high cost score of 68.5. With a median home value of $130,600 and rent at $749, your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere else.

Moderate Income and Tax Challenges

While housing is cheap, the local income score is lower at 37.1. Residents also face a tax score of 30.5, though the effective rate of 1.109% remains lower than many neighbors.

Best Value for Young Families

Somerset County is an ideal destination for families seeking top-notch education without the high cost of living. It offers an unbeatable combination of safe neighborhoods and affordable housing.

2040608010037.470.265.355.583.338.435.847.558.5Tax37.4Cost70.2Safety65.3Health55.5Schools83.3Income38.4Risk35.8Water47.5Weather58.560/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Somerset County DNA

Doverall

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

Somerset County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (83.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (37.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.4-14.600000000000001
Cost
70.2+22.200000000000003
Safety
65.3+10.299999999999997
Health
55.5
Schools
83.3+29.299999999999997
Income
38.4-12.600000000000001
Risk
35.8-11.200000000000003
Water
47.5-10.5
Weather
58.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Somerset County?

Many homeowners in Somerset 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

$150,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$753/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$150,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,446/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

42.3

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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45.9
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Deep Dives

Somerset County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Somerset County

via TaxByCounty

Somerset Offers Lower Tax Burden

At 1.109%, Somerset's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.31%, placing the county among lower-tax American communities. Homeowners pay just $1,449 annually on a median home valued at $130,600—substantially below the national median of $2,690.

Pennsylvania's Most Tax-Friendly County

Somerset's 1.109% effective rate ranks as Pennsylvania's lowest, undercutting the state average of 1.317% by a substantial margin. The median property tax of $1,449 is the lowest statewide, far below the state average of $2,657.

Clear Tax Advantage Regionally

Somerset's 1.109% rate significantly beats all neighboring and regional counties, including Snyder (1.169%), Northumberland (1.173%), and Pike (1.396%). The county stands out as south-central Pennsylvania's most affordable tax environment.

What $130,600 Home Costs Annually

On Somerset's median home value of $130,600, homeowners pay approximately $1,449 per year in property taxes—the lowest in Pennsylvania. Mortgage holders typically pay $1,606, while owners without mortgages pay around $1,341.

Still Review Your Assessment

Even in Somerset's favorable tax environment, some homeowners may be overassessed and could file a successful appeal. Verify your assessment against recent comparable sales in your community and contact your township assessor if your valuation appears excessive.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Somerset County

via IncomeByCounty

Somerset income trails national average

Somerset County's median household income of $59,378 lags the national median of $74,755 by 20.5%, placing it among lower-earning US counties. The county reflects economic pressures facing rural, post-industrial Pennsylvania.

Lower-income Pennsylvania county

At $59,378, Somerset ranks below Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614, placing it in the state's lower-income tier. Per capita income of $31,736 trails the state average of $37,407, indicating limited wealth per resident.

Among region's lowest earners

Somerset's $59,378 median ranks among the lowest in its region, only slightly below Northumberland ($57,948) and far below Pike ($79,318) and Perry ($78,824). The county faces significant income disparities compared to more prosperous northeast Pennsylvania counties.

Housing costs very manageable

Somerset's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, offering excellent rental affordability. The median home value of $130,600 is highly accessible for households earning the county median, providing solid homeownership opportunity.

Build financial foundation gradually

Somerset residents benefit from exceptionally low housing costs that create room for savings despite modest incomes. Prioritize emergency fund building and any available employer retirement benefits—these foundations support long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Somerset County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid Security Standards in Somerset County

Somerset County reports a total crime rate of 814.3 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county maintains a high safety score of 98.7. It offers a level of security that is much better than the average American community.

Somerset Ranks Well Above State Average

With a safety score of 98.7, Somerset County is safer than the average Pennsylvania county (98.5). Its total crime rate of 814.3 is well below the state average of 932.4. Twenty-one different agencies contribute data to ensure local public safety.

Comparing Well to Nearby Counties

Somerset's crime rate of 814.3 is practically identical to Snyder County's 814.1. It is also considerably safer than Schuylkill County, which reports a rate of 928.1. These numbers reflect a stable and safe environment for the region.

Violent Crime Slightly Higher Than Peers

While still very low, the violent crime rate of 173.4 is higher than the Pennsylvania average of 142.2. Property crime remains the larger share of incidents at 640.9 per 100,000 people. Despite the slight bump in violent reports, the county remains highly safe overall.

Protecting Your Home and Community

Since property crime is the most frequent incident type, standard home security practices remain important. Simple acts like locking all entry points and using smart doorbell cameras can deter theft. Proactive neighbors are the best defense in keeping Somerset County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Somerset County

via WeatherByCounty

A Highland Climate With Extreme Snow

Somerset County averages 47.7°F annually, placing it among the cooler regions in the nation. Its most defining national characteristic is its massive 83.2 inches of annual snowfall, which far exceeds the national median.

Below the State Average for Temperature

The county's 47.7°F average temperature is over two degrees lower than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. It stands out in the state for its high elevation impacts, producing nearly double the average Pennsylvania snowfall.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Somerset's 83.2 inches of snow dwarfs the 44.1 inches seen in Schuylkill County. While neighbors may see similar winter temperatures, Somerset’s unique geography creates significantly more frozen precipitation.

Heavy Winters and Cool Mountain Summers

Winter is the dominant season here, with average temperatures of 27.7°F and persistent snow. Summers stay remarkably cool, averaging 66.9°F with only four days per year reaching the 90°F mark.

Prepare for Major Winter Impacts

Residents must invest in high-capacity snow blowers and structural roof maintenance to handle the 83.2-inch snow load. HVAC systems should focus on heating efficiency, as summer cooling needs remain minimal.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Somerset County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Acidic Highland Soils

Somerset County soil averages a pH of 5.14, which is very close to the Pennsylvania average of 5.22. It is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime.

Erosion-Prone Silty Mixtures

The soil contains 40.9% silt and 24.1% sand, with a 13.0% clay component. This blend creates a silty medium that is generally easy to till but can be prone to erosion on slopes.

High Carbon, Low Water Storage

Organic matter is very high at 22.79%, nearly doubling the state average. Surprisingly, the available water capacity is low at 0.111 in/in, suggesting moisture drains through faster than average.

Rapid Moisture Movement

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the low water capacity suggests water moves quickly through the profile. This can be a challenge during dry summers despite the high silt content.

Resilient Plants for Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, Somerset is well-suited for cool-weather crops and resilient perennials. The high organic matter provides a fantastic foundation for a thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Somerset County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Baseline for Somerset Lawns

Somerset County achieves a lawn difficulty score of 50.7, landing right at the national median for lawn care ease. While it trails the Pennsylvania state average of 59.2, it remains a manageable environment for most homeowners. Located in Zone 6a, the primary task here is managing the cooler temperatures and acidic soil typical of the region.

Cooler Summers and Reliable Precipitation

Lawns here benefit from 45.9 inches of annual precipitation and only 4 extreme heat days, far below the state average. The 2,367 growing degree days mean your grass will grow at a steady, moderate pace without frequent heat stress. This makes Somerset a great place for cool-season grasses that prefer milder summer temperatures.

Balancing Acidity in the Soil

The soil pH in Somerset County is 5.14, meaning it is significantly more acidic than the 6.0 to 7.0 level that turf grass prefers. The texture includes 13.0% clay and 24.1% sand, which generally provides a stable base for root systems if properly managed. Applying lime will be your most important task to ensure fertilizer is actually effective.

Adapting to Long Periods of Dryness

With 31 weeks spent in drought over the last year, 96.2% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Even with low heat, a lack of rain can quickly stress the lawn, so supplemental irrigation is a must. Watch for signs of wilting or footprinting, which indicate your grass needs a deep soak to stay healthy.

Starting Strong in the Highlands

For the best results in Zone 6a, choose cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue. Your safest planting window opens after the May 6 last frost and closes before the October 12 first frost. Early September is often the 'sweet spot' for seeding here, as the soil is warm and the autumn rains help with germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Somerset County's county score?
Somerset County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 60 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 Somerset County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Somerset County ranks #6 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 Somerset County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Somerset County is $1,477, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Somerset County a tax score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Somerset County?
The median household income in Somerset County, Pennsylvania is $61,446 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Somerset County earns an income score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Somerset County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Somerset County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Somerset 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 Somerset County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.