Venango County

Pennsylvania · PA

#17 in Pennsylvania
67.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Venango County, Pennsylvania

Venango ranks solidly national

Venango County's composite score of 69.6 runs 39% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's more livable counties. This strength emerges primarily from exceptional housing affordability.

Above Pennsylvania average

Venango's score of 69.6 surpasses the state average of 66.0 by 3.6 points, confirming its ranking among Pennsylvania's better-performing counties. The advantage reflects particular strength in housing costs.

Housing affordability is exceptional

Venango delivers a remarkable cost score of 84.4 with median home values of just $114,500 and rents at $774/month—the most affordable on this list. These prices make homeownership and renting attainable for modest-income households.

Income and taxes need work

The income score of 23.6 with median household income of $61,626 shows limited earning potential, and the tax score of 65.2 reflects the highest effective rate (1.318%) among these eight counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environment is not yet available.

Ideal for affordability seekers

Venango County is best suited for retirees, single-income families, and workers in lower-wage industries seeking maximum housing affordability. The exceptional home prices offset modest tax rates and incomes for budget-conscious residents.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.2Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.6Risk44.4WaterComing Soon
🏛65.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
44.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Venango County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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