CountyScore

Somerset County

Pennsylvania · PA

#16 in Pennsylvania
68
County Score

County Report Card

About Somerset County, Pennsylvania

Top livability score in the group

Somerset County scores 71.2, the highest among these eight counties and well above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance reflects superior overall livability conditions.

Clear leader among Pennsylvania counties

Somerset County's 71.2 score comfortably exceeds Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average, ranking it among the state's best-performing counties. It represents a top-tier livability option statewide.

Best combination of affordability and taxes

Somerset County's cost score of 83.6 and tax score of 71.1 create exceptional value, with median home values at $130,600, rent at $749 monthly, and an effective tax rate of 1.109%. This combination is unmatched in this group.

Lower income levels offset strong affordability

The income score of 22.2 reflects median household income of $59,378, notably below state benchmarks. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent comprehensive assessment.

Unbeatable for value-seeking households

Somerset County suits retirees, families on modest incomes, and remote workers seeking maximum affordability and lowest taxes. It delivers the strongest value proposition in this group for cost-conscious residents.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.1Cost83.6SafetyComing SoonHealth70.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.2Risk35.8WaterComing Soon
🏛71.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡35.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Somerset County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $100,318
Jackson County
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Calhoun County
Georgia
68
Median income: $55,714
Early County
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Median income: $53,750

Deep Dives

Somerset County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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