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Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#15 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
57.7
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.

2040608010029.347.268.666.485.858.646.429.154.6Tax29.3Cost47.2Safety68.6Health66.4Schools85.8Income58.6Risk46.4Water29.1Weather54.657.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Susquehanna County DNA

Foverall

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

Susquehanna County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (85.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (29.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29.3-22.7
Cost
47.2
Safety
68.6+13.599999999999994
Health
66.4+16.400000000000006
Schools
85.8+31.799999999999997
Income
58.6
Risk
46.4
Water
29.1-28.9
Weather
54.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Susquehanna County?

Many homeowners in Susquehanna 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

$216,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$933/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,487/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.3

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Wyoming County
Pennsylvania
55.8
Broome County
New York
37.3
Bradford County
Pennsylvania
53.9
Tioga County
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Lackawanna County
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Wayne County
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Sullivan County
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Luzerne County
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Deep Dives

Susquehanna County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 57.7 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 Susquehanna County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Susquehanna County ranks #15 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 $2,365, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Susquehanna County a tax score of 29.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Susquehanna County?
The median household income in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania is $68,487 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Susquehanna County earns an income score of 58.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Susquehanna County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 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.
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.