countyscore

Somerset County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#9 in Pennsylvania

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
58.6
County Score
Schools 83.3Cost of Living 68.5Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax30.5Cost68.5Safety65.3Health55.5Schools83.3Income37.1Risk35.8Water47.5Weather58.5
🏛30.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Somerset County with Stewart County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Stewart County
Georgia
Median income: $35,000
58.6
Hancock County
Illinois
Median income: $65,044
58.6
Bremer County
Iowa
Median income: $83,343
58.6
Madison County
Iowa
Median income: $89,542
58.6
Monroe County
Missouri
Median income: $48,299
58.6
De Baca County
New Mexico
Median income: $40,804
58.6
Wyoming County
New York
Median income: $68,913
58.6
Bristol County
Rhode Island
Median income: $110,926
58.6

Nearby counties

Fayette County
Pennsylvania
45.7
Bedford County
Pennsylvania
58.4
Allegany County
Maryland
49.8
Mineral County
West Virginia
63.6
Westmoreland County
Pennsylvania
57
Garrett County
Maryland
62.7
Cambria County
Pennsylvania
57
Indiana County
Pennsylvania
53

Deep Dives

Somerset County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Somerset County

via CostByCounty

Somerset Achieves Excellent Affordability

Somerset County renters spend just 15.1% of income on housing, matching Pennsylvania's best performers and beating the national standard. Median household income of $59,378 falls below the national median of $74,755, yet residents here maintain superior housing affordability through remarkably low rents.

Top-Tier Pennsylvania Affordability

Somerset County ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio tied with Schuylkill County. The county demonstrates that lower incomes don't prevent affordability when housing costs remain reasonable.

Among the Most Affordable Rents

Somerset's $749 median rent is the second-lowest in this survey, trailing only Potter County's $767, while median home values of $130,600 are the lowest here. The county rivals Potter for rural affordability while offering slightly different amenities and regional positioning.

Nearly Identical Renting and Owning

Somerset renters pay $749 monthly (15.1% of income), while homeowners spend nearly identical $751—one of the most balanced markets in the survey. The median home value of $130,600 is the lowest here, providing exceptional homeownership access for middle-income buyers.

Somerset: Rural Affordability, Strong Value

If you're prioritizing affordability and considering rural Pennsylvania, Somerset County delivers among the lowest rents and home values in the state. For families relocating on tight budgets, Somerset's combination of low costs and balanced housing markets offers genuine economic relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Somerset County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below U.S. average

Somerset County residents live to 75.7 years on average, 1.3 years less than the U.S. average of 77 years, indicating modest health challenges. About 19.5% report poor or fair health, somewhat higher than national rates, reflecting underlying population health concerns.

Slightly below Pennsylvania median

Somerset's 75.7-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average by seven months, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The 19.5% poor/fair health rate is consistent with state patterns.

Health profile typical for southwestern PA

Somerset's 75.7-year life expectancy aligns closely with neighboring Fayette and Washington counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. The county reflects regional patterns of aging populations and economic transitions affecting health outcomes.

Good mental health care, moderate access gaps

Somerset's 7.6% uninsured rate is slightly above Pennsylvania's 7% average, indicating modest coverage gaps. The county offers 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents but notably strong mental health infrastructure with 159 providers per 100,000—well above state norms.

Somerset, strengthen your health coverage

About one in thirteen Somerset residents lack health insurance, and with lower-than-average life expectancy, strong coverage is essential. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Somerset County's health office to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and local health programs—coverage helps prevent disease and extend healthy life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Somerset County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Reach in Somerset

Somerset County features 29 public schools serving a total of 8,388 students across 12 different school districts. The infrastructure includes 12 elementary and 12 high schools, providing a symmetric path from primary to secondary education. This high number of districts relative to enrollment ensures that schools remain very local.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Performance

Somerset County boasts a 94.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the state average of 90.3%. The county spends $9,757 per pupil and maintains a school score of 61.6, which outperforms the state average of 60.9. These figures suggest that the county's decentralized district model is delivering strong student outcomes.

A Spotlight on Local District Success

Districts like North Star and Meyersdale Area lead the way, each managing three schools for their respective communities. Somerset Area School District houses the largest individual school, the Somerset Area Junior-Senior High, with 1,088 students. The county does not utilize charter schools, relying instead on its 12 traditional public districts.

Small Schools in a Primarily Rural Setting

Twenty-three of the county's 29 schools are in rural locales, with only a handful in suburban or town settings. The average school size is quite small at 289 students, though Somerset Area High is a significant outlier with over 1,000 students. This small-school environment allows for close teacher-student relationships across most of the county.

Great Schools and Rural Charm

With some of the best graduation rates in Pennsylvania, Somerset County is an ideal destination for family-oriented homebuyers. You can find homes in various small towns that each boast their own local school identity and strong community support. Consider the high academic performance of districts like Somerset Area when choosing your next neighborhood.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Somerset County

via RiskByCounty

Somerset County faces below-average disaster risk

Somerset County's composite risk score of 64.22 falls slightly below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it in the relatively low-risk category. The county experiences moderate flood risk (79.99) and hurricane exposure (73.17), but remains well-protected from wildfires (40.78) and tornadoes (35.46).

Lower-middle risk among state counties

Somerset County ranks in the lower half of Pennsylvania's risk distribution, scoring below the state average in most hazard categories. Its flood risk (79.99) is elevated, but wildfire (40.78), tornado (35.46), and earthquake (54.17) risks all remain below state averages.

Safer than Northumberland and Schuylkill

Somerset County's 64.22 score places it comfortably below Northumberland (79.17) and Schuylkill (85.31), though slightly riskier than Snyder (54.29) and Perry (53.12). Its elevated flood risk reflects its location in southwestern Pennsylvania's river valleys and mountainous terrain.

Floods are the dominant threat

Somerset County's primary hazard is flood risk (79.99), driven by regional waterways and precipitation patterns in the county's mountainous and valley topography. Secondary concerns include hurricane risk (73.17), earthquake risk (54.17), and moderate wildfire risk (40.78); tornadoes remain relatively uncommon (35.46).

Prioritize flood coverage for peace of mind

Somerset County residents should secure flood insurance to protect against the county's 79.99 flood risk, as standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage. Additionally, ensure your policy includes wind coverage for hurricane protection, and verify earthquake coverage if your property is in a seismic zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 58.6 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 Somerset County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Somerset County ranks #9 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 $1,449, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Somerset County a tax score of 30.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Somerset County?
The median household income in Somerset County, Pennsylvania is $59,378 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Somerset County earns an income score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Somerset County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Somerset County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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