53
County Score
Schools 66.3Safety 63.7Lawn Care 63.7

County Report Card

About Tioga County, Pennsylvania

Competitive National Standings

Tioga County posts a composite score of 53.0, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a solid position in the middle tier of American counties.

Beating the Pennsylvania Average

Tioga’s score of 53.0 exceeds the statewide average of 51.8. It serves as an attractive alternative to Pennsylvania's more expensive metropolitan areas.

Affordable Housing and Safety

Housing is a major strength, evidenced by a cost score of 54.8 and a median home value of $176,000. A safety score of 63.7 also ensures a secure environment for residents.

Utility and Tax Barriers

The county faces a low water score of 22.4 and a tax score of 26.1. These numbers suggest that while housing is cheap, infrastructure and taxes require careful consideration.

Perfect for Rural Homeseekers

Tioga is an excellent match for retirees or remote workers seeking low-cost homeownership. It appeals to those who prioritize safety and scenery over high-income growth.

Score breakdown

Tax26.1Cost54.8Safety63.7Health60.7Schools66.3Income48Risk40.2Water22.4Weather54.7
🏛26.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠54.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼48
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡63.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓66.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
40.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧22.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤54.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨61.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱63.7
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
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Deep Dives

Tioga County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tioga County

via TaxByCounty

Tioga's Rate Slightly Below National Norm

Tioga County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 1.189%, below the national median of 1.281%. Despite homes being more affordable here, the county's median property tax of $2,093 remains nearly 22% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Below Average for Pennsylvania

Tioga's effective tax rate of 1.189% edges below Pennsylvania's average of 1.317%, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The median annual tax of $2,093 is 21% below the state average of $2,657, offering meaningful savings for county residents.

Mid-Range Among Northeast Pennsylvania

Tioga's 1.189% rate sits between Susquehanna (1.148%) and Union (1.196%), making it a regional middle ground. Though homes are less expensive than in some neighboring counties, tax burden remains competitive across the northeastern region.

Affordable Homes, Modest Tax Obligation

A median Tioga County home valued at $176,000 generates an annual property tax of $2,093, among the lowest in the state by dollar amount. The mortgage-inclusive bill reaches $2,178, while the non-mortgage figure sits at $2,025, keeping costs predictable and low.

Verification Could Lower Your Payment

Even in lower-tax Tioga, many homeowners receive inflated assessments that don't reflect current property values. Filing a property tax appeal is free and straightforward—a small effort that frequently yields tangible refunds or ongoing savings.

Cost of Living in Tioga County

via CostByCounty

Tioga's Rent Stays Close to State Norm

Tioga County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly below Pennsylvania's 16.5% average, making it nearly aligned with state housing affordability trends. Renters earn $62,932 annually while paying $850/month, a manageable slice of household income.

Solidly Mid-Range Pennsylvania Affordability

Tioga ranks slightly above the state median for affordability, with a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio that edges out Pennsylvania's 16.5% average by 0.3 percentage points. Its $850 monthly rent falls between Sullivan County's bargain basement and Wayne County's premium rates.

Moderately Priced in the Northeast Cluster

Tioga's $850 rent sits between Sullivan ($781) and Susquehanna ($913), positioning it as a middle option among Pennsylvania's northern tier counties. Home purchases average $176,000—the lowest of the nearby counties—making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers.

Tioga: Balanced Housing-to-Income Ratio

Tioga residents earning $62,932 median income direct 16.2% ($850/month) toward rent or comparable amounts to mortgages ($771/month). This split allows households adequate breathing room for groceries, healthcare, and savings.

Tioga Offers Rural Charm and Value

With the lowest home values ($176,000) and moderate rent ($850) in its region, Tioga County rewards relocators seeking small-town Pennsylvania living without premium price tags. Your comparison should weigh Tioga's affordability against nearby options like Sullivan and Susquehanna.

Income & Jobs in Tioga County

via IncomeByCounty

Tioga ranks below US income median

Tioga County's median household income of $62,932 lags the national median of $74,755 by 15.8%—a significant $11,823 gap. This shortfall reflects Tioga's reliance on manufacturing, energy, and agriculture, sectors facing structural economic headwinds nationally.

Among lowest-earning counties statewide

Tioga's $62,932 sits $6,682 below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing the county in the lower quarter statewide. Per capita income of $32,785 also trails the state average of $37,407, suggesting lower earning across all demographic groups.

Lowest income in regional peer group

Tioga's $62,932 median ranks it lowest among the eight surveyed counties, trailing even Warren ($59,013 in one comparison) though slightly above Wayne. Neighboring Susquehanna ($66,930) and Union ($72,894) show stronger household earnings, underscoring Tioga's economic challenges in rural north-central PA.

Housing costs modest relative to income

A 16.2% rent-to-income ratio keeps Tioga households well within affordability norms, despite lower overall earnings. With a median home value of $176,000 and manageable rents, housing remains accessible even for below-average-income families.

Stretch dollars through strategic planning

Tioga residents facing lower incomes can maximize wealth-building by leveraging low housing costs and pursuing skill-training programs in growing sectors. Prioritize employer retirement matches, community college certifications, and side income streams to close the earnings gap with state and national peers.

Safety in Tioga County

via CrimeByCounty

Tioga County's impressive safety profile

Tioga County maintains a strong safety score of 98.7, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 845.0 per 100k is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Better than state benchmarks

Tioga's safety score of 98.7 beats the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. Seventeen different reporting agencies contribute data, showing a total crime rate that remains lower than the state's 932.4 average.

Comparing regional crime rates

Tioga’s rate of 845.0 per 100k is slightly higher than Sullivan County’s 816.3. However, it maintains a much lower violent crime rate than many other rural Pennsylvania counties.

Exceptionally low violent crime

At just 68.0 per 100k, Tioga's violent crime rate is one of the lowest in the region and far below the national 369.8. Most local incidents are property-related, totaling 777.0 per 100k residents.

Keep your property safe

Since property crime is the primary local concern, residents should focus on securing valuables. Visible security systems help deter the 777.0 property crimes reported per 100k people.

Health in Tioga County

via HealthByCounty

Tioga Tracks Close to National Health Patterns

Tioga County's 76.3-year life expectancy sits below the U.S. average of 78.9 years, reflecting regional health trends that need attention. With 18.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health, Tioga outperforms some neighboring counties but still shows room for improvement in overall population wellness. These figures suggest manageable but real health challenges across the county.

Slightly Below Pennsylvania Average Life Expectancy

At 76.3 years, Tioga County's life expectancy tracks just 0.1 years below Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier. The county's 18.4% poor/fair health rate sits below state patterns, indicating residents perceive their health more positively than the broader Pennsylvania picture. Tioga demonstrates moderate health outcomes within Pennsylvania.

Exceptional Mental Health Provider Capacity

Tioga County boasts 147 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this regional group—alongside 44 primary care providers per 100,000. This robust provider network, far exceeding Sullivan County's 17 mental health providers and comparable to Union County's 193, positions Tioga residents well for behavioral and preventive healthcare. Strong provider availability supports early intervention and ongoing treatment.

Lower Uninsured Rate, Better Access Potential

Tioga County's 7.6% uninsured rate sits below Pennsylvania's 7.0% state average, meaning more residents have insurance pathways to care. Combined with strong primary care (44 per 100K) and mental health (147 per 100K) provider availability, most Tioga residents have reasonable access to healthcare services. The remaining uninsured still face barriers that quality coverage could eliminate.

Bridge the Coverage Gap in Tioga County

Even with relatively low uninsured rates, Tioga County's 7.6% without coverage represents thousands who could benefit from affordable insurance options. Taking five minutes to explore plans on healthcare.gov or connecting with Tioga County's community health programs could provide immediate access to the strong provider network available locally. Enrollment assistance is free and available year-round through federally qualified health centers.

Schools in Tioga County

via SchoolsByCounty

Tioga's Triple-District Education System

Three primary school districts manage 14 public schools for 5,117 students throughout Tioga County. The system is anchored by eight elementary schools and five high schools, ensuring a clear path from kindergarten to graduation.

Steady Growth and Strategic Spending

The county maintains an 88.8% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending remains efficient at $10,450, closely mirroring the state average while supporting a school score of 60.3.

Focus on Traditional Public Districts

Northern Tioga SD is the largest district with 1,995 students, followed closely by Southern Tioga SD. No charter schools operate in the county, focusing all regional resources into the three primary traditional districts.

Traditional Rural and Town Campuses

With 13 of 14 schools located in rural settings, the average school size is a manageable 366 students. Williamson SHS is the largest individual school at 535 students, offering a community-centric atmosphere in a rural landscape.

Relocate Near High-Performing Schools

Tioga County offers a peaceful rural lifestyle paired with solid academic results for your children. Browse homes near Wellsboro or the Northern Tioga districts to find the perfect blend of community and education.

Disaster Risk in Tioga County

via RiskByCounty

Tioga County sits at moderate national risk

Tioga County's composite risk score of 59.76 places it in the middle range of U.S. counties, higher than many American communities but not in the highest-risk category. This moderate exposure reflects the county's vulnerability to multiple hazard types concentrated in Pennsylvania's northern geography.

Below state average but still exposed

Tioga County ranks below Pennsylvania's average of 67.45 with a score of 59.76, placing it in the relatively low-risk tier statewide. However, this position still reflects meaningful hazard exposure compared to Pennsylvania's safest counties like Sullivan.

Moderate risk in northern region

Tioga County (59.76) sits between Susquehanna County (53.59) and Warren County (65.55) in the regional risk hierarchy, driven by the county's exceptionally high flood risk of 78.94. Among northern Pennsylvania neighbors, Tioga faces the most substantial water-related hazards.

Flood risk is Tioga's primary concern

Tioga County's most pressing hazard is flood risk at 78.94, significantly above the state average and the highest among neighboring counties. Secondary concerns include hurricane risk (71.84) and moderate tornado risk (23.98), creating multiple exposure vectors for residents.

Flood insurance is not optional here

Tioga County residents must prioritize flood insurance given the county's exceptionally high flood score of 78.94—among the highest in Pennsylvania. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making dedicated flood coverage a critical financial protection for this community.

Weather & Climate in Tioga County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate and Relatively Dry Climate

Tioga County averages 46.5°F annually, making it cooler than the national median. It is notably drier than many surrounding regions, with only 38.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler and Drier Than the PA Average

Tioga's 46.5°F average is below the state mark of 49.9°F. Its 38.3 inches of annual precipitation is also significantly lower than the Pennsylvania average of 45.3 inches.

Drier and Warmer Than Neighboring Potter

Tioga is nearly two degrees warmer on average than neighboring Potter County. It also receives about 6 inches less total precipitation and 19 inches less snow than its western neighbor.

Clear Seasonal Shifts With Moderate Snow

Winters are cold but manageable, with 47.7 inches of snow and a 23.0°F January average. Summer sees an average of 67.0°F, with about six days per year crossing the 90°F threshold.

Versatile Wardrobes for Varying Seasons

Residents should plan for moderate winter snow removal and consistent heating through February. Because the area is drier than its neighbors, landscaping may require more supplemental watering during the 67.0°F summers.

Soil Quality in Tioga County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Ancient Soils

Tioga County features a soil pH of 5.33, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly milder than the state average of 5.22, suggesting typical Pennsylvania forest soil characteristics.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

A balanced mix of 31.9% sand and 37.5% silt creates a versatile foundation for local land use. The 13.4% clay content helps with nutrient retention without making the ground too heavy to work by hand.

Superior Nutrient Storage

Fertility levels are exceptional, as the 17.97% organic matter content significantly beats the state average of 12.14%. With an available water capacity of 0.183 in/in, these soils store moisture efficiently for crop growth.

Monitoring Water Retention

Official records do not currently specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. Local observers should monitor for standing water, especially given the soil's high water capacity compared to the state average.

Berries Thrive in Tioga

Hardiness Zone 6a supports a variety of berries and hardy perennials that thrive in nutrient-rich earth. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the state's highest organic matter levels.

Lawn Care in Tioga County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing Conditions in Tioga

Tioga County scores 63.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to manage than the average Pennsylvania yard. This score is well above the national median of 50.0, indicating a climate that favors turf health. Homeowners in this 6a zone enjoy a natural advantage for cool-season grass growth.

Drier Air but Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation of 38.3 inches is slightly below the state average of 45.2, meaning you might need to supplement with a sprinkler more often. You only face about 6 extreme heat days a year, keeping heat stress relatively low. The 2279 growing degree days support a steady but manageable mowing schedule.

Acidic Foundations Need Treatment

The average soil pH here is 5.33, which is quite low compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. With a soil composition of roughly 32% sand and 13% clay, your ground likely drains faster than heavier clays found elsewhere. Regular lime applications are necessary to balance the pH and unlock soil nutrients.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Persist

The county has spent 17 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the land is currently abnormally dry. Since Tioga is drier than the state average, water conservation tools like rain barrels are highly effective. Keep grass height taller during dry spells to shade the soil and retain moisture.

Plan for a Mid-May Start

Cool-season mixes featuring Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Tioga's 6a zone. Aim to seed or sod after May 9 to avoid late-season frosts that can damage tender new shoots. You have until October 10 to establish your lawn before the first autumn frost arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tioga County's county score?
Tioga County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 53 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 Tioga County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Tioga County ranks #34 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 Tioga County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Tioga County is $2,093, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Tioga County a tax score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tioga County?
The median household income in Tioga County, Pennsylvania is $62,932 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tioga County earns an income score of 48/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tioga County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Tioga County scores 53/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Tioga 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 Tioga County with other counties side by side.