Venango County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#17 in Pennsylvania
56.8
County Score
Schools 86Cost of Living 72Health 59.4

County Report Card

About Venango County, Pennsylvania

Strong National Performance

Venango County's composite score of 56.8 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a remarkably high quality of life for its residents.

Leading Northwest Pennsylvania

Venango easily beats the state average of 51.8 with its 56.8 score. It stands out as one of the most competitive living options in the northwestern region of the state.

Unbeatable Housing Affordability

The county excels with a cost score of 72.0 and a low median home value of $114,500. Educational standards remain high as well, with an impressive school score of 86.0.

High Tax Burden

A tax score of 20.3 is the county's primary weakness, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.318%. This makes the cost of ownership higher than the low home prices suggest.

Best for Bargain Hunters

Venango is a haven for families seeking top-tier schools without a massive mortgage. It is particularly well-suited for those who can work remotely while enjoying low entry costs.

Score breakdown

Tax20.3Cost72Safety55.6Health59.4Schools86Income44Risk44.4Water26.6Weather55.4
🏛20.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼44
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡55.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
59.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓86
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
44.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧26.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨44.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱54.3
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

Venango County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Venango County

via TaxByCounty

Venango's Rate Matches Pennsylvania Average

Venango County's effective tax rate of 1.318% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.281%, placing it at the high end nationally. However, because homes here are significantly less expensive—with a median value of $114,500 versus the national median of $281,900—the actual annual tax bill of $1,509 ranks among the lowest in America.

Right at Pennsylvania's State Average

Venango's effective tax rate of 1.318% essentially matches Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, making it a textbook example of typical statewide tax burden. Yet its median property tax of $1,509 ranks among the lowest in Pennsylvania, thanks to significantly lower home values.

Highest Rate, Lowest Dollar Amount

Venango has the highest effective tax rate among all peer counties in the region (1.318%), but residents pay some of the lowest actual annual taxes because homes are far less valuable. A Venango homeowner pays just $1,509 annually, roughly $200 less than in Tioga despite a higher rate.

Affordable Homes, Lowest Dollar Taxes

A median Venango County home valued at just $114,500 generates only $1,509 in annual property taxes—the lowest dollar amount among all peer counties. The mortgage-inclusive bill reaches $1,727, while the non-mortgage figure sits at $1,362, keeping annual housing costs remarkably low.

Even Low Assessments Merit a Review

Venango homeowners should verify that their assessments accurately reflect recent comparable sales and current market conditions. A property tax appeal is free and takes minutes to file—potential savings add up even on lower-valued properties.

Cost of Living in Venango County

via CostByCounty

Venango: Pennsylvania's Most Affordable County

Venango County offers the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this county cluster at just 15.1%, well below Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and significantly better than most national markets. Monthly rent of $774 on a median income of $61,626 translates to genuine affordability for working families.

Venango Ranks Among PA's Best Values

Venango ties with Warren County for the lowest rent-to-income ratios in Pennsylvania's entire cluster, with just 15.1% of income going to rent. The county's $774 monthly rent beats the state average by $186, freeing up substantial household resources.

Cheapest Rents and Home Prices in Region

Venango's $774 rent competes directly with Warren County ($756) for regional affordability, while its $114,500 median home value is the lowest in the eight-county cluster. This combination makes Venango the go-to choice for budget-conscious Pennsylvania relocators.

Venango: Maximum Affordability Breakdown

On a median income of $61,626, Venango residents spend just 15.1% on rent ($774/month) or similar amounts on mortgages ($668/month). This leaves over 84% of household income available for food, healthcare, education, and savings—among Pennsylvania's most favorable ratios.

Venango for Maximum Savings Potential

Venango County delivers the county cluster's strongest combination of low rents ($774), affordable homes ($114,500 median), and reasonable affordability ratios (15.1%). If stretching your housing dollar matters most, Venango deserves serious consideration against slightly pricier neighbors.

Income & Jobs in Venango County

via IncomeByCounty

Venango trails national income median

Venango County's median household income of $61,626 falls 17.5% below the national median of $74,755, a gap of $13,129. This significant shortfall reflects Venango's economic structure centered on oil and gas legacy industries facing long-term decline.

Among Pennsylvania's lower-earning counties

Venango's $61,626 lags the state average of $69,614 by $7,988—one of the largest gaps in this eight-county survey. Per capita income of $33,044 also trails the state average of $37,407, indicating below-average earning across all population segments.

Second-lowest income in regional cluster

Venango's $61,626 ranks near the bottom of the eight counties, slightly ahead only of Warren ($59,013) and below all others except Tioga and Wayne. This positioning underscores Venango's economic struggles relative to neighbors like Union ($72,894) and Susquehanna ($66,930).

Low housing costs ease affordability burden

A 15.1% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable despite modest household earnings, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Venango's median home value of $114,500—lowest in the group—means homeownership and rental options remain accessible.

Build wealth on limited income foundation

Venango residents can leverage the county's exceptionally low housing costs to prioritize emergency savings, debt reduction, and retirement contributions. Focus on accessing vocational training, remote work opportunities, and value-based investments to gradually narrow the income gap with state and national benchmarks.

Safety in Venango County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe despite being above average

Venango County holds a safety score of 98.4, which is very high by national standards. Its total crime rate of 1012.4 per 100k is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Just below state averages

Venango's safety score of 98.4 is slightly below the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. Eight reporting agencies monitor a total crime rate of 1012.4, which is higher than the state average of 932.4.

Safer than northern Warren

Venango County is safer than neighboring Warren County, which has a higher rate of 1158.7. However, it experiences more crime than most other counties in this report.

Property crime drives totals

Violent crime remains low at 116.9 per 100k, which is safer than the state average of 142.2. Property crime accounts for 895.5 incidents per 100k, making up the bulk of local offenses.

Focus on home protection

With 895.5 property crimes per 100k, residents should take basic precautions like locking vehicles and installing porch lights. These steps effectively deter property-related incidents in the area.

Health in Venango County

via HealthByCounty

Venango County Lags National Life Expectancy

Venango County's 74.5-year life expectancy falls 4.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years, the lowest in this regional group and a significant health concern. With 18.1% reporting poor or fair health, Venango residents face steeper health challenges than national averages suggest. This gap reflects structural health issues that demand focused attention and intervention.

Lowest Life Expectancy in Pennsylvania

Venango County's 74.5-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years by 1.9 years, ranking among the state's lowest-longevity counties. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate sits below state concerns, suggesting Venango residents perceive their health slightly better than broader Pennsylvania patterns. Yet the stark life expectancy gap indicates deeper, systemic health disparities requiring urgent action.

Above-Average Mental Health Provider Access

Venango County punches above its weight with 235 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this regional group and nearly fourteen times Sullivan County's 17 per capita. The county also offers 60 primary care providers per 100,000, solid support for preventive care despite regional health challenges. This robust provider network suggests potential for improving population health outcomes.

Lowest Uninsured Rate, Best Coverage Access

Venango County's 6.5% uninsured rate ranks lowest among these eight counties and well below Pennsylvania's 7.0% average, meaning more residents can access the county's strong provider network. Combined with 60 primary care providers and 235 mental health providers per 100,000, most Venango residents have insurance and provider access available. Yet low life expectancy persists, suggesting healthcare quality, behavioral health, or chronic disease management need strengthening.

Maximize Your Care with Current Coverage

If you're among Venango County's insured, ensure your coverage matches your current health needs—particularly preventive and mental health services that can address chronic conditions early. Those still uninsured at 6.5% should visit healthcare.gov to explore the Pennsylvania marketplace, where local providers including Venango's 235 mental health specialists await. Regular check-ups and preventive screenings with your primary care provider build the foundation for healthier years ahead.

Schools in Venango County

via SchoolsByCounty

Venango's Diverse Five-District Network

Venango County supports 5,800 students through 15 public schools organized into five distinct districts. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools and five high schools, catering to both town and rural populations.

Exceptional Graduation Performance

The graduation rate here stands at an impressive 94.6%, which is nearly 8 points higher than the national average. Local schools achieve a score of 62.8 while spending $10,157 per student, just below the state average.

Oil City and Franklin Lead Enrollment

Oil City Area SD and Franklin Area SD are the county's largest districts, combined serving over 3,600 students. The county's education is entirely handled by traditional public schools, as there are zero charter schools present.

Balanced Rural and Town Environments

The school mix is nearly split between rural and town locales, offering families a choice of educational settings. Franklin Area JSHS is the largest campus with 834 students, providing a more varied curriculum than the smaller rural schools.

A Family-First Real Estate Market

High graduation rates and a variety of school settings make Venango County a standout for parents. Explore neighborhoods near Oil City or Franklin to take advantage of these successful and stable school systems.

Disaster Risk in Venango County

via RiskByCounty

Venango County faces moderate U.S. risk

Venango County's composite risk score of 55.60 places it in the moderate range of American counties, neither among the safest nor most vulnerable communities. This profile reflects meaningful but manageable natural hazard exposure that residents should actively prepare for.

Below state average risk in Pennsylvania

Venango County scores 55.60 compared to Pennsylvania's average of 67.45, ranking it as relatively low-risk statewide. The county performs better than most of its Pennsylvania peers on composite disaster vulnerability.

Comparable risk to nearby northwestern counties

Venango County (55.60) faces similar exposure to Warren County (65.55) but less than neighboring Washington County (83.08), Pennsylvania's second-highest-risk county. The county's 74.14 flood score reflects its vulnerability to water hazards affecting the northwestern region.

Flood and tornado risks require attention

Venango County's main hazards are flood risk (74.14) and tornado risk (34.54), both above state averages and creating significant water and weather exposure. Hurricane risk (55.24) and earthquake risk (28.50) present secondary but notable concerns for the county.

Bundle flood coverage with homeowners policy

Venango County residents should obtain flood insurance in addition to standard homeowners coverage, given the county's high flood risk of 74.14. A comprehensive insurance strategy addressing both flood and windstorm protection ensures adequate financial safeguards for this community.

Weather & Climate in Venango County

via WeatherByCounty

Venango County’s cool humid continental climate

With an annual average temperature of 49.0°F, Venango County remains notably cooler than the national median of roughly 54°F. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal shifts and reliable moisture throughout the year.

Slightly below the Pennsylvania temperature average

The county’s 49.0°F annual average sits just below the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. This makes it one of the cooler regions in the Commonwealth, often trailing the warmer southern counties by several degrees.

A middle ground between northern neighbors

Venango is warmer than its northern neighbor, Warren County, which averages a chillier 46.7°F. However, it receives 46.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly more than the state average of 45.3 inches.

Heavy lake-effect snow and mild summers

Winters are cold with a January average of 26.0°F and a significant 53.7 inches of annual snowfall. Summers remain comfortable with a July average of 71.1°F and only 10 days per year reaching 90°F or higher.

Preparing for snow and moderate summers

Residents should invest in high-capacity snow removal equipment to handle the 53-plus inches of annual powder. While summer heat is rarely extreme, efficient home insulation helps manage the frequent winter freezes.

Soil Quality in Venango County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Venango

Venango County's soil pH sits at 5.17, aligning closely with the statewide average of 5.22. These acidic conditions are far below the national median of 6.5, often necessitating soil amendments for vegetable gardening.

Silt-Driven Soil Structure

The soil consists of 43.5% silt and 24.4% sand, creating a medium-textured base. This mix provides a stable structure, though the 14.3% clay content is enough to help the ground retain moisture during dry spells.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter levels reach 12.50%, which matches the state average and dwarfs the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in is slightly lower than the state's 0.151 average.

Testing Local Drainage

Detailed drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this county's soil profile. Landowners should conduct percolation tests before planning any major drainage or construction projects to avoid runoff issues.

Fruit and Veggie Ready

Zone 6a conditions favor cool-season vegetables and hearty fruit trees that can handle acidic soils. With organic matter levels this high, your garden has a great head start for the growing season.

Lawn Care in Venango County

via LawnByCounty

Venango's Uphill Battle for Turf

Venango County scores 54.3 for lawn difficulty, making it harder to maintain a yard here than in the average Pennsylvania county. While still better than the national average, the local conditions require more effort from homeowners. This 6a hardiness zone necessitates careful planning to keep lawns healthy year-round.

Ample Rain but Sustained Growth

Annual precipitation is high at 46.3 inches, providing plenty of natural hydration for your grass. However, the 10 extreme heat days and 2697 growing degree days mean your lawn will be active and hungry for most of the summer. This combination creates a high-maintenance environment for mowing and fertilizing.

Address Acidity in Your Soil

The soil pH in Venango County averages 5.17, well below the preferred 6.5 neutral mark for turf. Your soil contains about 14.3% clay, which helps hold some moisture but can compact easily. Regular lime applications and core aeration are essential to keep your soil structure healthy and nutrient-rich.

The State Leader in Drought Weeks

Venango County endured 26 weeks in drought over the past year, more than double many other PA counties. Currently, 100% of the county is under abnormally dry conditions. You must prioritize water conservation and deep-root irrigation to protect your investment during these frequent dry periods.

Maximize the May to October Window

Start your lawn projects after the last frost on May 2 to give your grass the best chance. Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass are standard choices for this 6a climate. Ensure your lawn is well-established by October 23, when the first fall frost usually arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Venango County's county score?
Venango County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Venango County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Venango County ranks #17 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 Venango County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Venango County is $1,509, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Venango County a tax score of 20.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Venango County?
The median household income in Venango County, Pennsylvania is $61,626 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Venango County earns an income score of 44/100 on CountyScore.
Is Venango County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Venango County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Venango 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 Venango County with other counties side by side.