Wyoming County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#19 in Pennsylvania
56.2
County Score
Schools 96.4Safety 70.1Soil Quality 67.7

County Report Card

About Wyoming County, Pennsylvania

Stable Living Above the National Average

Wyoming County earns a composite score of 56.2, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher general standard of living and better service delivery than most American counties.

Beating the Pennsylvania State Average

Wyoming County’s 56.2 score surpasses the Pennsylvania average of 51.8. It distinguishes itself within the state through a unique combination of safety and academic excellence.

Leading the Way in School Quality

The county boasts an exceptional school score of 96.4, nearly reaching the top of the national scale. Combined with a safety score of 70.1, the area provides an incredibly secure environment for raising children.

Concerns Regarding Water Quality

The water score sits at a very low 9.0, indicating significant room for improvement in local utility infrastructure. Residents also face a tax score of 19.2, driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.344%.

A Haven for Education-Focused Families

Wyoming County is a standout destination for those who value world-class public education in a safe, rural setting. It suits families who are willing to navigate higher taxes to secure a top-tier future for their children.

2040608010019.237.370.16696.467.355.2954.6Tax19.2Cost37.3Safety70.1Health66Schools96.4Income67.3Risk55.2Water9Weather54.656.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Wyoming County DNA

Foverall

How Wyoming County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wyoming County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (96.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.2-32.8
Cost
37.3-10.700000000000003
Safety
70.1+15.099999999999994
Health
66+16
Schools
96.4+42.400000000000006
Income
67.3+16.299999999999997
Risk
55.2+8.200000000000003
Water
9-49
Weather
54.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wyoming County?

Many homeowners in Wyoming 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

$205,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$897/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,268/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.8

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Wyoming County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wyoming County

via TaxByCounty

Wyoming's taxes slightly above national median

Wyoming County's effective tax rate of 1.344% edges out the national median, placing it solidly in the middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,763 runs $73 higher than the national median of $2,690.

Above-average taxes for Pennsylvania

Wyoming County's effective rate of 1.344% exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. Residents pay a median of $2,763 annually, compared to the state median of $2,657.

Higher taxes than Westmoreland County

Wyoming County has the highest effective tax rate among these three northeastern Pennsylvania counties at 1.344%, compared to Westmoreland's 1.281%. This means Wyoming residents pay roughly $290 more annually on a median home than their Westmoreland neighbors.

What you pay on a typical home

The median home in Wyoming County is valued at $205,600, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of $2,763. Whether paying with or without a mortgage, residents should budget around $2,760 for annual taxes on a typical property.

You may be paying too much

Many Wyoming County homeowners have never formally challenged their property assessments, despite potentially being overassessed. Filing a tax appeal with your county assessor could reduce your annual burden—especially valuable given Wyoming's above-average tax rate.

Cost of Living in Wyoming County

via CostByCounty

Wyoming rents outpace national affordability standards

Wyoming County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% exceeds the comfortable national threshold, though it remains manageable compared to many U.S. metros. With a median rent of $897 and median income of $70,268, renters here are paying slightly more as a percentage of earnings than the national average.

Wyoming sits middle ground in Pennsylvania affordability

At 15.3%, Wyoming's rent-to-income ratio falls below the state average of 16.5%, positioning it as a moderate-affordability county relative to its Pennsylvania peers. This ranking reflects a middle position—more affordable than some state neighbors, but tighter than top performers like Westmoreland.

Wyoming bridges the affordability gap

Wyoming's median rent of $897 sits between Westmoreland ($843) and York ($1,150), making it a compromise option for those seeking mid-range housing costs. Median home values here ($205,600) also occupy the middle ground, making Wyoming attractive to buyers unwilling to stretch as far as York County.

Housing claims 15% of Wyoming income

Renters allocate roughly $897 monthly toward rent against a $70,268 median household income, consuming about 15.3% of earnings. Homeowners commit approximately $987 monthly, creating a relatively balanced housing situation where families retain substantial income for savings and other priorities.

Wyoming offers balanced housing economics

Relocating to Wyoming County puts you at the sweet spot between affordability and amenities—cheaper than York County but with reasonable incomes to support lifestyle choices. At $897 for rent and $205,600 median home values, Wyoming delivers moderate housing costs without requiring the income sacrifice of lower-cost rural areas.

Income & Jobs in Wyoming County

via IncomeByCounty

Wyoming lags behind national income levels

Wyoming County's median household income of $70,268 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 6%. The county sits below the national benchmark, though still demonstrates meaningful earning capacity for its residents.

Just above Pennsylvania's state average

Wyoming County's $70,268 median income edges just 1% above Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, reflecting economic conditions typical of rural northeastern Pennsylvania.

Smallest earner among nearby counties

Wyoming County falls $2,200 behind Westmoreland and $11,970 behind York County, making it the lowest-income county in this regional trio. The gap reflects Wyoming's more rural character and smaller employment base.

Rent pressures are slightly higher here

Wyoming County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Westmoreland's 14% and remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. However, the higher ratio signals tighter housing affordability relative to household earnings.

Prioritize financial stability and growth

With lower median income and slightly tighter housing costs, Wyoming households should focus on high-yield savings accounts and employer retirement benefits. Strategic financial planning is essential to build wealth and weather economic shifts.

Safety in Wyoming County

via CrimeByCounty

Wyoming County ranks among the nation's safest

Wyoming County boasts an elite safety score of 98.9, far outstripping the national benchmark. Its total crime rate of 701.7 per 100K is less than one-third of the United States average.

Exceeding Pennsylvania's high safety standards

The county ranks highly in the state with a safety score that beats the Pennsylvania average of 98.5. Local crime rates sit 230 points lower than the state average of 932.4 per 100K.

Leading the region in public safety

With a rate of 701.7 incidents per 100K, Wyoming County is significantly quieter than Westmoreland at 863.7. It provides one of the most secure environments in the northeastern part of the state.

Low violent crime rates define the area

The local violent crime rate is just 122.0 per 100K, coming in below the state average of 142.2. Property crime remains the most common issue at 579.7, though it stays remarkably low by national standards.

Vigilance keeps crime rates low

Maintaining a safety score of 98.9 requires consistent community awareness and preventative measures. Simple steps like securing entry points and using smart locks help keep these property crime numbers at historic lows.

Schools in Wyoming County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education Across Two Key Districts

Wyoming County operates a compact system of 6 public schools serving a total of 3,068 students. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high schools split between the Tunkhannock Area and Lackawanna Trail districts.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Strong Investment

With a 97% graduation rate, the county far exceeds the national benchmark of 87% and the state average of 90.3%. Investment in students is high, with per-pupil spending at $12,718, nearly matching the national average of $13,000.

Tunkhannock Area SD Anchors the Community

Tunkhannock Area SD is the largest provider, educating 2,112 students across four different campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, reflecting a total reliance on traditional public school districts.

Small-Town Feel with Accessible Campus Sizes

Most students attend schools in town settings, where the average school size is 511 students. Tunkhannock High School is the largest facility in the county with 890 students, while Lackawanna Trail JSHS offers a smaller environment with 432 students.

Relocate for Premier Academic Outcomes

For those seeking high-performing schools in a tight-knit setting, Wyoming County provides some of the best graduation rates in the state. Homes near Tunkhannock or Lackawanna Trail offer families a stable and well-funded educational environment.

Disaster Risk in Wyoming County

via RiskByCounty

Wyoming enjoys lower-than-average disaster risk

Wyoming County's composite risk score of 44.78 places it in the relatively low category, well below the national average of approximately 50. This favorable positioning reflects more limited exposure to multiple hazards, though localized risks still merit attention.

Pennsylvania's safest county from disasters

At 44.78, Wyoming County scores 22.67 points below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, ranking as one of the safest counties statewide. This advantage extends across most hazard types, making the region comparatively secure for natural disaster resilience.

Wyoming County outperforms regional peers

Wyoming's score of 44.78 is less than half that of Westmoreland County (87.85) and York County (90.43), its higher-risk neighbors. This puts Wyoming residents in a significantly better position relative to surrounding areas in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Hurricane and flood risks need attention

Despite low overall risk, Wyoming's hurricane risk scores 60.70 and flood risk reaches 69.24—both respectable concerns during Atlantic storm season. Tornado (20.64) and wildfire (21.95) risks remain minimal, allowing residents to focus preparedness efforts on weather systems.

Smart coverage for Wyoming's modest hazards

While Wyoming faces lower disaster risk than most Pennsylvania counties, flood insurance remains worthwhile given the 69.24 flood risk score and potential for heavy rainfall events. Standard homeowners policies typically cover weather-related damage, but a separate flood endorsement protects against the county's primary vulnerability.

Water Quality in Wyoming County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Health Violations Impact Wyoming County

Wyoming County holds an 'F' grade for drinking water compliance, driven by 60 health violations over a five-year period. The local violation rate of 378.0 per 100,000 residents is more than four times the Pennsylvania average of 86.5. This high frequency of Safe Drinking Water Act issues signals a need for increased consumer vigilance.

Clean Watershed Status for Wyoming County

The 2022 federal assessment shows that 0.0% of the 18,477 assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired. This matches the state average for reporting water bodies that currently meet all Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No specific contaminants or impairment causes are listed for these local streams and rivers at this time.

High Density of Water Quality Readings

Monitoring efforts in Wyoming County are intensive, with 48 sites generating 12,523 measurements over the last five years. The EPA Water Quality Portal shows a focus on physical properties, inorganics, and nutrients. This consistent data collection helps track the health of the local Susquehanna River watershed.

Susquehanna River Maintaining Steady Flow

At Meshoppen, the Susquehanna River currently discharges 12,700 cubic feet per second, nearly identical to its long-term mean of 12,863 cfs. This 99% flow rate indicates very stable hydrological conditions for the massive 8,720 square mile drainage area. Steady flow helps maintain the balance of nutrients and dissolved minerals in the water supply.

Addressing Drinking Water Compliance Gaps

Because of the 'F' grade and high violation rate, residents should prioritize independent testing or certified filtration for their drinking water. While the watershed appears healthy and streamflow is stable, the 60 recorded health violations suggest systemic challenges in treated water delivery. Stay engaged with local utilities to understand their remediation plans for these compliance failures.

Soil Quality in Wyoming County

via SoilByCounty

Young Inceptisols define the Wyoming landscape

Wyoming County features Inceptisols with a pH of 5.23, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This gravelly sandy loam represents a relatively young soil profile that aligns closely with the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22.

Coarse texture ensures rapid water movement

A mix of 29.2% sand and only 11.7% clay creates a gravelly texture that is easy to work but can dry out quickly. With 36.3% silt, the soil maintains enough body to prevent total nutrient leaching during wet seasons.

High water capacity and rich nutrients

The soil offers an impressive available water capacity of 0.203 in/in, which is much higher than the state average of 0.151 in/in. Combined with a robust 22.27% organic matter content, this soil provides a fertile, moisture-retentive environment for diverse plant life.

Exceptional drainage for wet climates

Classified as somewhat excessively drained, this soil belongs to hydrologic group A, indicating high infiltration rates and low runoff risk. This makes Wyoming's land excellent for preventing standing water, though gardeners may need to water more frequently during dry spells.

Thriving in the cool Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone supports short-season vegetables and hardy fruit trees that can withstand colder winters. The excellent drainage and high organic matter offer a premium start for any home orchard or backyard garden bed.

Lawn Care in Wyoming County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Wyoming County

Wyoming County earns a lawn difficulty score of 63.1, proving more manageable than the Pennsylvania state average of 59.2. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this region favors cool-season grasses that can withstand brisk northern winters.

Cooler Summers Benefit Local Turf

With only 3 extreme heat days per year, Wyoming County lawns face far less thermal stress than the rest of the state. Annual precipitation of 45.0 inches provides a consistent natural water supply, keeping maintenance requirements lower during the summer months.

Sandy Loam Demands pH Correction

The gravelly sandy loam here is somewhat excessively drained, meaning it dries out faster than heavier clay soils. A low pH of 5.23 indicates acidic conditions, so adding lime is essential to bring the soil closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Managing a Drier Current Outlook

Drought resilience is currently tested with 100% of the county classified as abnormally dry. After experiencing 19 weeks of drought last year, residents should focus on deep, infrequent watering to help roots penetrate the sandy soil.

Strategic Seeding for Zone 6a

Fine Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass perform well in the 6a hardiness zone. While specific frost dates are locally variable, monitoring soil temperatures to ensure they reach 50°F will help your spring seeding take hold successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wyoming County's county score?
Wyoming County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Wyoming County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Wyoming County ranks #19 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 Wyoming County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Wyoming County is $2,763, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Wyoming County a tax score of 19.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wyoming County?
The median household income in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania is $70,268 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wyoming County earns an income score of 67.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wyoming County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Wyoming County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Wyoming 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 Wyoming County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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