countyscore
52.8
County Score
Cost of Living 78.2Schools 69Lawn Care 64.5

County Report Card

About Warren County, Pennsylvania

Above the National Baseline

Warren County posts a composite score of 52.3, which is slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a stable, consistent quality of life on the national stage.

Tracking with the State

Warren’s score of 52.3 narrowly exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. Its performance closely mirrors the overall trends of the Commonwealth.

Low Cost of Living

Affordability is the county's hallmark, reflected in a cost score of 75.6 and median rents of just $756. Health services also perform well with a score of 63.0.

Infrastructure and Taxes

The county struggles with a water score of 9.4 and a tax score of 17.6. A high effective tax rate of 1.391% can be a burden for those on a fixed budget.

Suits Fixed-Income Residents

Warren is a solid choice for those seeking the lowest possible monthly expenses. It suits individuals who prioritize savings over modern infrastructure and amenities.

2040608010017.778.248.363693534.59.455.9Tax17.7Cost78.2Safety48.3Health63Schools69Income35Risk34.5Water9.4Weather55.952.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Warren County DNA

Foverall

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

Warren County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (78.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.7-34.3
Cost
78.2+30.200000000000003
Safety
48.3
Health
63+13
Schools
69+15
Income
35-16
Risk
34.5-12.5
Water
9.4-48.6
Weather
55.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Warren County?

Many homeowners in Warren County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$755/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,480/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren's Rate Among Nation's Highest

Warren County's effective tax rate of 1.391% ranks above the national median of 1.281% and in the top tier nationally. However, with a median home value of just $121,800, the resulting annual property tax of $1,694 remains well below the national median of $2,690, offsetting the high rate.

Highest Rate in Pennsylvania

Warren County has the highest effective tax rate of any Pennsylvania county at 1.391%, exceeding the state average of 1.317% by nearly 1 percentage point. Despite this burden, the median property tax of $1,694 ranks among the lowest in the state because home values are particularly low.

Most Aggressive Tax Rate in Region

Warren's 1.391% effective rate significantly exceeds every neighboring county, including Venango (1.318%), Tioga (1.189%), and Sullivan (1.051%). Homeowners face one of Pennsylvania's steepest tax rates, though low property values help moderate the actual dollar burden.

High Rate, Lower Bracket Home Value

A median Warren County home valued at $121,800 generates $1,694 in annual property taxes despite the county's highest rate. With mortgage considerations, the bill reaches $1,865; without them, it sits at $1,564, reflecting how lower property values cushion the impact of an aggressive tax rate.

Assessment Challenge Could Yield Relief

Warren County residents often benefit from property tax appeals, as assessments sometimes fail to reflect the county's notably lower home values. Filing a free appeal can reduce your tax bill and ensure your assessment aligns with current market reality.

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren significantly below national income

Warren County's median household income of $59,013 trails the national median of $74,755 by 21.1%—the largest gap in this survey. This $15,742 shortfall reflects Warren's reliance on declining forestry, agriculture, and small manufacturing sectors.

Lowest-earning county in Pennsylvania sample

Warren's $59,013 lags the state average of $69,614 by $10,601, the deepest shortfall among the eight surveyed counties. Per capita income of $33,333 also ranks among the state's lowest, indicating systemic earning challenges across the population.

Lowest income among regional peers

Warren's $59,013 ranks last among the eight counties, substantially behind Venango ($61,626) and Tioga ($62,932). Even compared to struggling rural neighbors, Warren faces the steepest income headwinds in this region.

Lowest housing costs aid affordability

Warren's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% remains below the 30% threshold, providing housing affordability despite the county's lowest median income. At $121,800 median home value, Warren offers the region's most affordable homeownership, critical for lower-earning households.

Transform affordable housing into wealth

Warren residents should maximize the county's ultra-low housing costs by directing savings toward retirement accounts, skill-building, and entrepreneurial ventures. Consider remote work opportunities, small business support, and grant-funded training to increase earning potential and break free from below-average income cycles.

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County remains nationally safe

Warren County reports a total crime rate of 1158.7 per 100k, which is about half the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 98.2.

Below the state safety average

The county's safety score of 98.2 falls below the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. Ten agencies report a total crime rate of 1158.7, which is higher than the state average of 932.4.

Highest crime rate among neighbors

Warren County’s crime rate of 1158.7 is the highest in this peer group. It is significantly more active than neighboring Venango County, which reports a rate of 1012.4.

Violent crime exceeds state average

Violent crime in Warren sits at 161.1 per 100k, which is higher than the state average of 142.2. Property crime is also elevated for the region at 997.6 incidents per 100k.

Take property security seriously

Because property crime nears 1,000 incidents per 100k, home security is vital. Residents should consider smart doorbells and reinforced locks to protect their households.

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the cooler climates in the nation

Warren County averages a brisk 46.7°F annually, placing it more than seven degrees below the national median temperature. Its climate is defined by long, snowy winters and short, refreshing summers.

Colder than the Pennsylvania average

The county is significantly cooler than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. Its location in the northern tier makes it one of the state's chillier jurisdictions year-round.

The snow capital of the region

Warren County’s 93.7 inches of annual snow dwarfs the 53.7 inches seen in neighboring Venango County. It also receives 47.9 inches of total precipitation, exceeding the state average of 45.3 inches.

Deep winters and rare summer heat

Winter dominates the calendar with a December-to-February average of 25.9°F and massive snow totals. Extreme heat is rare here, as the county only sees about 5 days a year hit the 90°F mark.

Prioritizing winter gear and vehicle safety

The 93.7 inches of snow make winter tires and reliable shovels absolute essentials for every household. Fortunately, the mild 68.4°F July average means many residents can get by with minimal air conditioning use.

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

The Plateau's Acidic Base

Warren County lacks specific taxonomic data in current records, though the region generally shares the acidic traits of the Allegheny Plateau. Growers should expect conditions more acidic than the national 6.5 median based on regional trends.

Shale and Sandstone Origins

Specific data on sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this area. Most local soils reflect the weathered sandstone and shale parent materials common in Pennsylvania's northern tier.

Building Healthy Humus

While local organic matter percentages are not recorded, the county sits in a state with a high 12.14% average. Without specific water capacity data, gardeners should focus on building humus to ensure consistent moisture levels.

Observing Land Hydrology

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for Warren County's soil survey. It is essential for residents to observe their land's water runoff patterns during heavy spring rains.

Hardy Northern Harvests

In Zone 6a, Warren County is ideal for growing apples, cherries, and a variety of hardy greens. The region's natural environment provides a beautiful backdrop for starting a productive home garden.

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Warren County Leads in Lawn Ease

Warren County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 64.5, making it one of the most lawn-friendly regions in the state. This score is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 59.2. Homeowners in this 6a zone benefit from a climate that naturally supports turf health.

Cooler Summers and Plenty of Rain

At 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, your lawn gets more rain than the state average. With only 5 days of extreme heat over 90°F, your grass is less likely to brown out in the middle of summer. These conditions are nearly perfect for maintaining a lush, green carpet with minimal irrigation.

Test for Local Soil Success

Specific soil data for Warren County is currently unavailable, so a personal soil test is your best first step. Most Pennsylvania soils lean toward acidity, so you may need to apply lime periodically. Understanding your specific drainage and nutrient levels will make your high lawn score work for you.

Mild Drought Impacted Most Areas

The county saw 18 weeks of drought in the past year, and 87.5% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This is less severe than some neighbors, but it still requires a smart watering strategy. Focus on watering in the early morning to ensure moisture reaches the roots before it evaporates.

Seeding Season Starts in Late May

Wait until after the last frost on May 22 before you begin heavy seeding or sodding. The 6a zone is ideal for Fine Fescue blends, which thrive in cooler temperatures and moderate rain. You have a long autumn window to prepare for winter, with the first frost not typically arriving until October 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Warren County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Warren County ranks #35 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 Warren County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $1,687, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 17.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, Pennsylvania is $60,480 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 35/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Warren County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Warren 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 Warren County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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