countyscore
44.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 86Health 78.1Schools 70.2

County Report Card

About York County, Pennsylvania

Falling Just Short of the National Median

York County earns a composite score of 44.6, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it struggles in certain dimensions, it remains a major economic hub for the region.

Trailing the Pennsylvania Average

The county's 44.6 composite score trails the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. Despite this gap, York maintains higher income levels than many of its state counterparts.

Strong Incomes and Quality Healthcare

York County shines with an income score of 86.0 and a median household income of $82,238. Healthcare is also a major asset, supported by a strong health score of 78.1.

High Costs and Tax Burdens

The tax score is a low 7.7 due to a 1.680% effective tax rate, and the cost score of 15.4 reflects rising housing prices. Environmental risks also weigh on the profile with a risk score of 9.6.

A Destination for High-Earning Professionals

York County is best suited for established professionals who can leverage high local salaries to offset a heavy tax burden. It offers great medical care and solid income potential for those who don't mind the higher cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax7.7Cost15.4Safety51.1Health78.1Schools70.2Income86Risk9.6Water47.6Weather59.1
🏛7.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.2
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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Nearby counties

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Dauphin County
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Deep Dives

York County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in York County

via TaxByCounty

York County taxes among nation's highest

York County's effective tax rate of 1.680% places it well above the national median, making it one of the more expensive counties for property taxes across the United States. The median property tax of $3,947 towers $1,257 above the national median of $2,690.

Highest taxes in Pennsylvania

York County has the highest effective tax rate among all three counties analyzed at 1.680%—significantly above Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%. Residents pay a median of $3,947 annually, nearly $1,300 more than the state median of $2,657.

Substantially higher than Westmoreland and Wyoming

York County's 1.680% effective rate dwarfs both Westmoreland County (1.281%) and Wyoming County (1.344%), making it substantially more expensive for property owners. A median home in York pays roughly $1,474 more annually in property taxes than the same home would in Westmoreland County.

What you pay on a typical home

The median home in York County is valued at $235,000, translating to an estimated annual property tax of $3,947. For homeowners with a mortgage, the total can reach $4,102 annually when additional fees are factored in.

You may be paying too much

Given York County's high effective tax rate, many homeowners should seriously consider whether their assessments are accurate. A professional assessment appeal could save you hundreds annually—worthwhile given that York residents already pay some of the nation's steepest property taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in York County

via CostByCounty

York rents exceed national affordability thresholds

York County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% surpasses the national comfort zone, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of income to housing than typical Americans. With a median rent of $1,150 monthly against a $82,238 median household income, York represents a higher-cost county both regionally and nationally.

York slightly outpaces state average housing costs

At 16.8%, York's rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Pennsylvania's 16.5% state average, placing it among the state's pricier counties. The median rent of $1,150 significantly surpasses the state average of $960, reflecting York's stronger economy and desirability.

York commands the region's highest rents

York's median rent of $1,150 far exceeds Westmoreland ($843) and Wyoming ($897), with median home values of $235,000 also topping both neighbors. This premium reflects York's economic strength and proximity to Baltimore-Washington markets, making it the priciest option among the three counties.

York housing takes nearly 17% of income

Renters commit approximately $1,150 monthly against an $82,238 median household income, consuming 16.8% of earnings, while homeowners allocate $1,337 to mortgage costs. Despite York's higher incomes than neighboring counties, housing remains the largest household expense, leaving families with less discretionary spending than lower-cost alternatives.

York suits those prioritizing economic opportunity

Choose York County if higher incomes and urban-adjacent amenities outweigh premium housing costs—median incomes here exceed Westmoreland by nearly $10,000. With strong job markets and proximity to major metros, York justifies its price premium for career-focused households willing to allocate more income toward housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in York County

via IncomeByCounty

York County significantly outearns the nation

York County's median household income of $82,238 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $7,500, or 10%. The county ranks among higher-income regions nationally, demonstrating strong regional economic vitality.

Top earner among Pennsylvania counties

At $82,238, York County households earn 18% more than Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614—the largest advantage among our three featured counties. York consistently ranks among the top-earning counties statewide.

Clear income leader in the region

York County's $82,238 median income outpaces Westmoreland by $9,770 and Wyoming by $11,970. The county's economic strength reflects its diverse job market and proximity to major metro areas.

Higher incomes, higher housing demand

York County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is the highest among the three counties, reflecting strong housing demand and rising home values averaging $235,000. Despite higher costs, housing remains affordable by national standards.

Leverage higher earnings for wealth building

York County's $82,238 median income creates substantial opportunity for investment, homeownership, and long-term wealth accumulation. Residents should maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and capitalize on the county's economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in York County

via CrimeByCounty

York County holds a strong safety rating

York County maintains a safety score of 98.3 despite serving as a major population hub. Its total crime rate of 1,100.1 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

York vs the Pennsylvania average

The county's total crime rate of 1,100.1 sits above the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 98.3 falls just below the statewide average of 98.5.

A busy hub compared to rural neighbors

York sees more activity than Westmoreland County, which reports a lower rate of 863.7 incidents. As a regional center, York manages higher density while still offering more safety than many similar-sized U.S. counties.

Focusing on property and violent crime trends

The violent crime rate stands at 171.3 per 100K, slightly above the state's 142.2 average. Property crime accounts for 928.8 incidents per 100K, representing the primary concern for local law enforcement.

Effective security for a thriving county

With property crime making up the bulk of local reports, home security systems provide a vital layer of protection. Visible deterrents like alarm systems and doorbell cameras are effective tools for homeowners in this active region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in York County

via HealthByCounty

York leads in Pennsylvania life expectancy

At 77.5 years, York County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 16.4% reporting poor or fair health—just above the national average of 16%—York demonstrates strong population health outcomes.

The state's healthiest county

York's 77.5-year life expectancy is the highest among Pennsylvania counties, surpassing the state average of 76.4 years by more than a year. This leading position reflects sustained health investments and favorable health behaviors across the county.

Setting the regional health standard

York's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Westmoreland (76.6 years) by nearly a year and Wyoming (75.4 years) by over two years. The county's 16.4% poor/fair health rate also positions it better than both neighbors, establishing York as the region's health leader.

Good access, but coverage gaps remain

York supports 67 primary care providers and 150 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid infrastructure, though slightly below Westmoreland levels. The county's 5.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.0%, meaning roughly 1 in 17 residents still lacks insurance coverage.

Close the remaining coverage gap

York's health leadership can extend further: those 5.7% uninsured deserve access to affordable plans. Visit healthcare.gov or the Pennsylvania Health Connector to find subsidized options and ensure universal coverage in this thriving county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in York County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure for 63,000 Students

York County manages 106 public schools, making it one of the largest educational networks in the state. This includes 64 elementary, 23 middle, and 18 high schools spread across 20 diverse school districts.

Solid Academic Results and Focused Spending

The county's 90.1% graduation rate is on par with the Pennsylvania state average and surpasses the national 87% mark. Educational investment stands at $10,003 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $10,336.

West Shore and Dallastown Lead Enrollment

West Shore SD is the largest district with 13 schools and 7,513 students, followed closely by Dallastown Area SD. The county also offers school choice through three charter schools, which make up about 2.8% of the total school count.

From Urban Centers to Rural Landscapes

The county offers a mix of 62 suburban, 25 rural, and 16 city schools, catering to various lifestyle preferences. While the average school size is 596, Dallastown Area SHS serves as a major hub with over 2,000 students.

Diverse Residential Options Near Quality Schools

Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural retreat, York County provides ample housing options near well-regarded districts like Central York. School quality remains a significant factor for families and investors exploring the local real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in York County

via RiskByCounty

York County faces substantial disaster risk

York County's composite risk score of 90.43 ranks it as relatively moderate but places it well above the national average of approximately 50. This elevated score reflects notable exposure across multiple hazard categories, making comprehensive preparedness essential.

Among the highest-risk counties in Pennsylvania

With a score of 90.43, York County exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by 22.98 points, positioning it near the top of the state's at-risk county list. Only a handful of Pennsylvania counties face comparable overall disaster threat levels.

York outpaced by Westmoreland in risk profile

York County's 90.43 score closely mirrors Westmoreland County's 87.85, making both Southeast and Southwest Pennsylvania regional disaster hotspots. Both substantially exceed nearby Wyoming County's score of 44.78, reflecting geographic variation in natural hazard exposure.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding converge

York County faces an unusual triple threat: hurricane risk of 92.37, earthquake risk of 87.98, and flood risk of 93.32—all near-critical levels. This convergence of hazards reflects the county's susceptibility to Atlantic coastal storms, seismic activity along regional fault lines, and vulnerable water infrastructure.

Comprehensive insurance essential for York residents

Standard homeowners policies exclude both flood and earthquake damage, yet both pose substantial threats with scores above 87. Immediately secure separate flood insurance and explore earthquake coverage options—together, these endorsements address York County's most pressing vulnerabilities and protect against catastrophic financial loss.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in York County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and humid southern Pennsylvania climate

York County’s annual average of 53.9°F is nearly identical to the national median of 54°F. This makes it one of the more temperate and seasonally balanced counties in the northeastern United States.

One of the warmest spots in Pennsylvania

With an average temperature of 53.9°F, York is significantly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. It consistently ranks as one of the warmest counties in Pennsylvania thanks to its southern border location.

Moderate precipitation and mild winters

The county receives 44.4 inches of precipitation, staying just under the state average of 45.3 inches. It experiences much less snow than northern counties, recording only 26.5 inches annually.

Hot summers and frequent heat waves

York experiences 23 days of extreme heat above 90°F, which is much higher than the state norm. July is quite warm at 75.7°F, while January stays relatively mild for the region at 31.3°F.

Heavy cooling needs and manageable winters

Strong air conditioning is essential here to combat the 23 days of extreme summer heat. Winter maintenance is easier than in most of PA, as the 26.5 inches of snow often melt quickly between storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in York County

via SoilByCounty

York's moderately acidic soil profile

York County's soil has a pH of 5.63, making it less acidic than the state average of 5.22 but still below the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic and texture classifications are currently unavailable for the dominant soil, the pH suggests a manageable chemical environment for most local crops.

Silt-heavy composition provides a smooth foundation

The soil is dominated by 51.2% silt and 30.0% sand, creating a silty mix that offers good workability and moisture retention. The 16.6% clay content adds necessary structure for holding essential plant nutrients against leaching.

Standard organic matter with good water storage

York’s organic matter sits at 2.43%, which is close to the national average of 2.0% but well below the state average of 12.14%. However, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in slightly beats the state norm, ensuring plants have reliable access to moisture.

Navigating the county's unknown drainage

Formal records currently list the drainage class and hydrologic group for York as unavailable. Despite this data gap, the high silt and sand percentages typically suggest moderate permeability and decent drainage for most agricultural and residential uses.

Long seasons in Hardiness Zone 7a

York enjoys a warmer 7a hardiness zone, allowing for a longer growing season than much of the rest of Pennsylvania. This climate is ideal for heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes, so get outside and take advantage of the extra sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in York County

via LawnByCounty

Warm-Edge Challenges in York

York County’s lawn difficulty score of 62.2 is slightly better than the state average but faces unique zone 7a pressures. The warmer climate creates a longer growing season that requires more persistent care than northern Pennsylvania counties.

High Heat Increases Watering Needs

York endures 23 extreme heat days annually, more than double the state average of 11. Combined with 3,541 growing degree days, this means lawns grow faster and require significantly more irrigation to survive the summer heat.

Sandy Soil Needs Acid Buffering

The soil contains 30.0% sand, which helps with drainage but may struggle to retain nutrients. With a pH of 5.63, the ground is naturally acidic and benefits from regular lime treatments to hit the sweet spot for grass health.

Strict Water Management Required

Drought is a major factor here, as the county endured 31 weeks of drought over the past year. With 100% of the area abnormally dry and over 6% in severe drought, choosing drought-tolerant turf is essential for survival.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Win Here

Tall Fescue is the best recommendation for York’s zone 7a heat. Plan to seed your lawn around the last spring frost on April 26th, or wait until the early autumn to avoid the 23 days of peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is York County's county score?
York County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 44.6 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 York County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
York County ranks #56 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 York County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in York County is $3,947, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns York County a tax score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in York County?
The median household income in York County, Pennsylvania is $82,238 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. York County earns an income score of 86/100 on CountyScore.
Is York County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
York County scores 44.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate York 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 York County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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