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Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#14 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
57.1
County Score
Schools 85.8Safety 68.6Health 66.4

County Report Card

About Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania

Above the National Median

Susquehanna County holds a composite score of 57.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that outranks many similar rural counties nationwide.

Exceeding State Averages

The county's score of 57.1 beats the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It offers a more stable and high-performing profile than many of its immediate neighbors.

High Academic and Safety Standards

Strong institutional foundations lead the way with a school score of 85.8 and a safety score of 68.6. Residents also earn a respectable median household income of $66,930.

Water and Tax Pressures

A water score of 29.1 suggests that utility infrastructure could be modernized. The tax score of 28.3 also reflects a higher property tax burden for local homeowners.

The Stable Family Choice

This county is a perfect fit for middle-income professionals who value school quality and community safety. It offers a balanced lifestyle with strong public institutions.

Score breakdown

Tax28.3Cost44.9Safety68.6Health66.4Schools85.8Income59Risk46.4Water29.1Weather54.6
🏛28.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.4
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 →
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Compare Susquehanna County with Schley County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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56.2
Broome County
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37.3
Bradford County
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Tioga County
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Lackawanna County
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Deep Dives

Susquehanna County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Susquehanna County

via TaxByCounty

Susquehanna Below National, Above State

Susquehanna County's effective tax rate of 1.148% sits below the national median of 1.281%, though homeowners pay slightly less than the national median property tax. The county's median annual tax of $2,373 trails the U.S. median of $2,690 by roughly 12%, placing it in the lower-middle range nationwide.

Mid-Range Taxes Within Pennsylvania

Susquehanna ranks near the middle of Pennsylvania counties, with an effective rate of 1.148% slightly below the state average of 1.317%. Its median property tax of $2,373 falls 11% below the state average of $2,657, offering moderate relief compared to pricier Pennsylvania regions.

Slightly Higher Than Immediate Neighbors

Susquehanna's 1.148% rate exceeds Sullivan County's (1.051%) but trails Tioga County's (1.189%) in the immediate region. The county sits in the middle of northeastern Pennsylvania's tax landscape, with annual taxes roughly $400 lower than Union County.

Median Home Yields Moderate Tax Bill

A typical Susquehanna County home valued at $206,700 results in $2,373 in annual property taxes. With mortgage tax considerations, the bill rises to $2,505; without them, it drops to $2,264, reflecting a predictable middle-of-the-road burden.

Appeal Can Unlock Hidden Savings

Many Susquehanna County homeowners carry assessments higher than justified by recent comparable sales and market trends. A straightforward property tax appeal—free to file—could reduce your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Susquehanna County

via CostByCounty

Susquehanna Rents Track State Average

Susquehanna County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio nearly mirrors Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, placing it in the middle of the affordability spectrum nationally. At $913 monthly rent on a $66,930 median income, renters here spend a slightly higher share than the national norm.

Middle-of-the-Pack Affordability in PA

Susquehanna ranks at the state median for housing affordability, with its 16.4% rent-to-income ratio just barely beating Pennsylvania's 16.5% average. The county's $913 median rent sits between the state's extremes, offering neither the deepest discounts nor the steepest prices.

More Expensive Than Sullivan, Less Than Wayne

Susquehanna's $913 rent sits higher than neighboring Sullivan County ($781) but lower than Wayne County ($979), reflecting its moderate position in Northeast Pennsylvania's housing market. Homebuyers here also face mid-range costs at $834/month mortgage versus $957/month in Wayne.

Susquehanna: Housing Takes Its Share

With a median income of $66,930, Susquehanna residents dedicate 16.4% to rent ($913/month) or similar amounts to mortgages ($834/month). This leaves households with roughly 83% of income for non-housing expenses, slightly tighter than national averages.

Explore Susquehanna's Middle Ground

Susquehanna offers a balanced compromise between affordability and amenities, with median home values of $206,700 and rents near the state average. Relocating here makes sense if you want Pennsylvania living costs without venturing to the state's most remote corners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Susquehanna County

via IncomeByCounty

Susquehanna earns below national average

Susquehanna County's median household income of $66,930 falls 10.5% short of the national median of $74,755, ranking the county below the U.S. middle. The roughly $7,825 annual gap reflects economic conditions typical of rural northeastern Pennsylvania.

Slightly below state median for Pennsylvania

At $66,930, Susquehanna trails Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $2,684—a narrower gap than the national spread. The county's per capita income of $39,044 actually exceeds the state average of $37,407, indicating relatively balanced earning across households.

Stronger earnings than most area counties

Susquehanna's $66,930 median outpaces Tioga ($62,932), Venango ($61,626), Warren ($59,013), and Wayne ($62,182) but trails Union ($72,894) in the neighboring cluster. Among eight counties surveyed in this region, Susquehanna ranks second—a solid position in rural Pennsylvania's income hierarchy.

Housing costs stable at 16.4% of income

Susquehanna's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households financial breathing room. With a median home value of $206,700 and steady rental costs, most residents maintain secure housing without economic strain.

Modest income, solid foundation for growth

Susquehanna residents benefit from manageable housing costs that free up income for retirement accounts, education, and investment. Focus on employer-sponsored benefits, high-yield savings, and local job training to boost earning potential and long-term financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Susquehanna County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-tier national safety rankings

Susquehanna County earns an impressive safety score of 98.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 736.9 per 100k is less than one-third of the national average, which stands at 2,385.5.

Outperforming the state average

With a safety score of 98.8, the county is safer than the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. Nine reporting agencies work to keep the total crime rate at 736.9, well below the state average of 932.4.

Leading the region in safety

Susquehanna is safer than its neighbors, with a crime rate of 736.9 per 100k. This outperforms Sullivan County at 816.3 and Wayne County at 757.4.

Focus on property security

Violent crime is remarkably low at 83.0 per 100k, which is less than a quarter of the national rate. Property crime represents the main concern at 653.9 per 100k residents.

Secure your home today

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but 653.9 property crimes per 100k suggest that residents should still lock doors. Simple security cameras can help protect your home from opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Susquehanna County

via HealthByCounty

Susquehanna's Life Expectancy Edges Above U.S. Average

Susquehanna County residents live to 76.6 years, outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years by a modest margin but still slightly trailing national longevity. Just 15.4% of Susquehanna County residents report poor or fair health, one of the lowest rates in the region and well below national health satisfaction concerns. The county demonstrates solid health outcomes relative to national benchmarks.

Above Average Health, Above Average Access

Susquehanna County's 76.6-year life expectancy edges 0.2 years above Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. With a 15.4% poor/fair health rate—well below the state picture—Susquehanna residents report notably stronger health satisfaction than peers across Pennsylvania. This positive trend reflects better-than-average health management and access.

Strong Mental Health Provider Network

Susquehanna County supports 81 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, significantly more than Sullivan County's 17 but trailing Wayne County's 117 and Tioga County's 147. The county offers 37 primary care providers per 100,000, competitive with regional neighbors and supporting diverse healthcare needs. This provider capacity helps residents access preventive and behavioral health services.

One in Eleven Residents Uninsured

Susquehanna County's 8.9% uninsured rate exceeds Pennsylvania's 7.0% average, affecting roughly one in eleven residents who navigate healthcare without coverage. Despite good provider availability across primary care (37 per 100K) and mental health (81 per 100K), uninsured residents still face cost barriers to accessing these services. Affordable coverage options could unlock preventive care for thousands.

Find Affordable Coverage for Your Family

If you're among Susquehanna County's 8.9% uninsured, the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace opens windows each year to enroll in coverage that fits your budget. Community health centers throughout the county also offer sliding-scale services and enrollment assistance at no cost. Visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596 takes just minutes and could save you thousands in healthcare costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Susquehanna County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of Rural Schools

Susquehanna County operates 15 public schools across seven different districts, serving a total population of 5,793 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with seven elementary schools and seven high schools providing localized access.

Exceeding State Academic Benchmarks

Students here achieve a 93.2% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the Pennsylvania state average of 90.3%. The county's school score of 65.9 reflects strong returns on a per-pupil expenditure of $11,940.

Diverse District Options No Charters

Montrose Area SD and Elk Lake SD are the largest providers, each serving over 1,100 students across their campuses. The county currently hosts no charter schools, meaning 100% of the student population attends traditional district-run facilities.

A Predominantly Rural School Experience

Education here is largely rural, though a few schools occupy suburban and town settings. While the average school size is 386, facilities like Montrose Area JSHS serve 562 students, providing a more comprehensive secondary experience.

Invest in a Community that Values Education

With graduation rates higher than both state and national averages, Susquehanna County is an ideal choice for education-focused homebuyers. Look for properties in these rural districts to secure a high-quality academic future for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Susquehanna County

via RiskByCounty

Susquehanna faces moderate national risk

Susquehanna County scores 53.59 nationally, placing it near the middle range of U.S. disaster risk and notably below the nation's highest-risk communities. While not extreme, this score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards that residents should understand and prepare for.

Mid-range risk within Pennsylvania

Susquehanna County's composite score of 53.59 falls below Pennsylvania's average of 67.45, ranking it as relatively low-risk statewide. The county outperforms about half of Pennsylvania's other counties in disaster resilience, though some neighbors carry significantly lower exposure.

Riskier than nearby Sullivan County

Susquehanna County (53.59) faces greater hazard exposure than neighboring Sullivan County (10.72) but performs comparably to Tioga County (59.76) and Wayne County (56.33). The primary difference is Susquehanna's higher flood risk (70.99) relative to the broader region.

Flood and hurricane risks dominate

Susquehanna County's critical hazards are hurricane risk (75.34) and flood risk (70.99), both exceeding the state average substantially. Tornado risk (46.98) and earthquake risk (46.91) add secondary concerns that warrant household preparedness planning.

Prioritize flood and windstorm coverage

Susquehanna County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit flood coverage and windstorm protection, given scores of 70.99 and 75.34 respectively. These elevated risks make specialized insurance not optional but essential for financial safety.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Susquehanna County

via WeatherByCounty

Brisk Temperatures and Frequent Snow

Susquehanna County averages 45.2°F annually, falling well below the national median. Its climate is defined by cold northern air and a significant annual snowfall of 66.5 inches.

Among the State's Coldest Northern Counties

The county's 45.2°F average temperature is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It ranks as one of the colder jurisdictions in the state, with winter averages dipping to 24.1°F.

Snowier Than Neighboring Tioga County

While Susquehanna and Tioga share a similar latitude, Susquehanna receives 66.5 inches of snow compared to Tioga’s 47.7 inches. It also remains slightly colder on an annual basis by about 1.3 degrees.

Long Winters and Mild Summer Breezes

The county experiences 66.5 inches of snow and a January average of 21.8°F. Summers are very temperate, with an average of 65.9°F and only three days hitting 90°F annually.

Prepare for Persistent Winter Conditions

Heavy winter coats and reliable snow removal equipment are necessities for the 66.5 inches of annual snow. Residents rarely need heavy air conditioning, as summer temperatures average a mild 65.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Susquehanna County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols of the Northern Tier

Entisols define Susquehanna County, featuring a pH of 5.38 that is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.22. While more favorable than some neighbors, it remains well below the national median pH of 6.5.

Versatile Silt Loam Foundations

Silt loam dominates the landscape with 41.7% silt and 12.3% clay content. This balance provides excellent workability for farmers, though the soil requires careful management to avoid heavy compaction.

Exceptional Organic Richness

The county boasts an impressive 16.17% organic matter, far exceeding the Pennsylvania state average of 12.14%. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in also outpaces the state norm, signaling high productive potential.

Navigating Poorly Drained Earth

These soils are classified as poorly drained with a complex A/D hydrologic group designation. While good for holding nutrients, these conditions often require raised beds or tile drainage for many agricultural uses.

Abundant Leafy Green Potential

Gardeners in Zone 6a can leverage the high organic matter to produce abundant leafy greens and root crops. The soil's natural moisture-holding ability supports a thriving community garden culture throughout the county.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Susquehanna County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates for Susquehanna Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 64.4, Susquehanna County is one of the easier places in Pennsylvania to maintain a healthy yard. This score beats the state average of 59.2 and the national benchmark of 50.0. The 6a hardiness zone supports a variety of resilient cool-season grass species.

Stable Precipitation and Low Heat Stress

The county averages 45 inches of precipitation annually, matching the state average and falling within the ideal lawn range. Heat stress is minimal with only 3 days per year reaching above 90°F. This cool climate means your lawn spends more time growing and less time in heat-induced dormancy.

Managing Acidic and Poorly Drained Soil

Local soil is typically a silt loam with a pH of 5.38, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Because the soil is classified as poorly drained, you may need to aerate regularly and apply lime to neutralize acidity. These amendments are crucial for helping your grass roots access essential nutrients.

Recent Resilience to Dry Weather

Susquehanna County experienced only 9 weeks in drought over the past year, making it more resilient than many neighboring counties. Currently, 76% of the area is abnormally dry, suggesting a need for supplemental watering. Focus on morning irrigation to minimize evaporation and keep the soil hydrated.

Time Your Planting for May

Your best bet for a thick lawn is planting after the last frost on May 14. Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass perform well in this climate and handle the 6a winters with ease. Make sure to finish any major renovations before the first frost hits on October 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Susquehanna County's county score?
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Susquehanna County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Susquehanna County ranks #14 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 Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Susquehanna County is $2,373, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Susquehanna County a tax score of 28.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Susquehanna County?
The median household income in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania is $66,930 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Susquehanna County earns an income score of 59/100 on CountyScore.
Is Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Susquehanna County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Susquehanna 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 Susquehanna County with other counties side by side.

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