Best overall
Montour County
Overall score 73.4
Economy 74.2 / Affordability 62.4
State rankings
Best Counties to Live in Pennsylvania
Compare counties in Pennsylvania by affordability, schools, safety, taxes, economy, home values, and quality-of-life tradeoffs.
Use the county-size filter to compare large metro counties, mid-size counties, small counties, and rural areas separately. These modules are a starting point, then you can open the full rankings table or compare individual counties.
County size
County size helps compare places with similar scale. Large metro counties and small rural counties can rank well for very different reasons.
Showing all 67 Pennsylvania counties
Use this state ranking
Compare counties in Pennsylvania
Put Pennsylvania counties side by side.
Estimate moving costs
Compare housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, insurance, and tax-pressure estimates.
Open Pennsylvania rankings
Open the full Pennsylvania ranking table with filters.
Explore on the map
Scan county scores geographically across the country.
Pennsylvania county rankings at a glance
Compact winners for common county-search priorities.
Best for families
Clarion County
Family score 83.1
Schools 81.6 / Safety 100
Best value
Clarion County
Value score 71.0
Affordability 83.6 / Taxes 46.2
Most affordable
Cambria County
Affordability 93.3
Typical home $95,550
Best schools
Chester County
Schools 99.5
Safety 100 / Economy 82.8
Safest
Clarion County
Safety 100
Schools 81.6 / Peace 81.6
Low taxes
Bedford County
Taxes 64.7
Affordability 65.8 / Typical home $207,380
Peace & quiet
McKean County
Peace & Quiet 88.3
Density and built-environment signals
Top counties by category
Use these short lists to jump into the state rankings that match your priorities.
Best overall counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Montour County
Typical home $274,764
73.4
Overall
- 2Clarion County
Typical home $137,888
72.6
Overall
- 3Butler County
Typical home $309,403
72.4
Overall
- 4Cumberland County
Typical home $345,528
72.1
Overall
- 5Elk County
Typical home $135,582
72
Overall
Best counties for families in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Clarion County
Typical home $137,888
83.1
Family
- 2Somerset County
Typical home $173,654
81.3
Family
- 3Union County
Typical home $288,804
80.3
Family
- 4Elk County
Typical home $135,582
80.1
Family
- 5Montour County
Typical home $274,764
78.9
Family
Best value counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Clarion County
Typical home $137,888
71.0
Value
- 2Venango County
Typical home $127,374
68.9
Value
- 3Somerset County
Typical home $173,654
68.5
Value
- 4Clearfield County
Typical home $132,928
67.5
Value
- 5Elk County
Typical home $135,582
67.1
Value
Most affordable counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Cambria County
Typical home $95,550
93.3
Afford.
- 2McKean County
Typical home $106,463
92.5
Afford.
- 3Greene County
Typical home $139,552
91.4
Afford.
- 4Venango County
Typical home $127,374
88.3
Afford.
- 5Clearfield County
Typical home $132,928
88.2
Afford.
Best school counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Chester County
Typical home $571,120
99.5
Schools
- 2Montgomery County
Typical home $486,540
99.2
Schools
- 3Union County
Typical home $288,804
99.1
Schools
- 4Bucks County
Typical home $517,600
98.3
Schools
- 5Centre County
Typical home $345,529
98.1
Schools
Lowest tax-score counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Bedford County
Typical home $207,380
64.7
Taxes
- 2Somerset County
Typical home $173,654
57.4
Taxes
- 3Forest County
Typical home $124,212
55.3
Taxes
- 4Philadelphia County
Typical home $231,821
52
Taxes
- 5Huntingdon County
Typical home $179,034
51
Taxes
Quietest counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1McKean County
Typical home $106,463
88.3
Quiet
- 2Elk County
Typical home $135,582
87.8
Quiet
- 3Montour County
Typical home $274,764
87.2
Quiet
- 4Lycoming County
Typical home $228,850
86.4
Quiet
- 5Union County
Typical home $288,804
86.3
Quiet
Safest counties in Pennsylvania
View full- 1Clarion County
Typical home $137,888
100
Safety
- 2Chester County
Typical home $571,120
100
Safety
- 3Bucks County
Typical home $517,600
100
Safety
- 4Sullivan County
Typical home $206,445
93.1
Safety
- 5Wayne County
Typical home $302,904
88.6
Safety
Popular Pennsylvania county comparisons
Put two counties side by side before you narrow the search.
Read more about Pennsylvania
Best Counties to Live in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Public Data
A deeper guide to Pennsylvania county tradeoffs, including Philly suburbs, central Pennsylvania value, schools, taxes, and quiet-living factors.
Best and Worst Counties in Pennsylvania
Compare Pennsylvania counties by public-data scores for affordability, schools, safety, taxes, economy, and quality-of-life tradeoffs.
How to choose a county in Pennsylvania
The best county in Pennsylvania depends on what you need most. Families may care more about schools and safety, budget-focused movers may care more about affordability and taxes, and quiet-living households may care more about density and peace & quiet. Large counties and rural counties can rank well for very different reasons, so use the county-size filter to compare places with similar scale.
Best for different needs
Best overall counties in Pennsylvania
For best overall counties in Pennsylvania, Montour County, Clarion County, and Butler County stand out in this model because they combine several public-data signals instead of winning on only one category.
View this rankingBest counties for families in Pennsylvania
For families, Clarion County, Somerset County, and Union County score well in the family blend of schools, safety, affordability, taxes, economy, and peace & quiet.
View this rankingMost affordable counties in Pennsylvania
For affordability-focused movers, Cambria County, McKean County, and Greene County may appeal because they score well on housing and income tradeoff signals in the current model.
View this rankingBest school counties in Pennsylvania
For school-first households, Chester County, Montgomery County, and Union County lead the current school score, though families should still compare district-level details.
View this rankingBest low-tax counties in Pennsylvania
For lower tax-pressure searches, Bedford County, Somerset County, and Forest County score well on the tax model, but buyers should still check local property taxes and carrying costs.
View this rankingBest quiet counties in Pennsylvania
For quieter-living searches, McKean County, Elk County, and Montour County stand out on peace & quiet signals such as density and built-environment indicators.
View this rankingWhat to watch before moving to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is not one market: Philadelphia suburbs, Pittsburgh-area counties, central Pennsylvania, and rural counties can look very different.
Property taxes, school district variation, and commute access can matter as much as the county-level score.
Central and western Pennsylvania counties may offer stronger affordability tradeoffs than some metro suburbs, but the lifestyle and job access can differ.
Frequently asked questions about the best counties in Pennsylvania
What is the best county to live in Pennsylvania?
The best county depends on your priorities. In this ranking model, Montour County currently scores highest overall, but families, budget-focused movers, and quiet-living households may prefer different counties.
What is the best county in Pennsylvania for families?
Based on the family ranking blend of schools, safety, affordability, taxes, economy, and peace & quiet, Clarion County stands out in this model.
What is the most affordable county in Pennsylvania?
Cambria County scores highly on affordability in this model, but buyers should still compare home prices, taxes, insurance, commute costs, and local job access.
How should I compare large and small counties?
Use the county-size filter. Large metro counties and small rural counties can rank well for very different reasons, so comparing similar county sizes usually gives a more realistic shortlist.
Are these rankings based on reviews?
No. These rankings use public-data signals such as affordability, schools, safety, taxes, economy, home values, and peace & quiet. Local reviews and personal visits should still be part of a final decision.
Which Pennsylvania counties score well for schools or taxes?
Chester County currently leads the school-score view, while Bedford County stands out on the tax-score view. Use the rankings presets to compare those priorities separately.
All Pennsylvania counties
Showing all 67 Pennsylvania counties ranked by the default generated overall score.
| Rank | County | Overall | Economy | Afford. | Schools | Safety | Taxes | Peace & Quiet | Typical home | Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montour County FIPS 42093 | 73.4 | 74.2 | 62.4 | 96.9 | 70.4 | 49.6 | 87.2 | $274,764 | $76,976 |
| 2 | Clarion County FIPS 42031 | 72.6 | 46.7 | 83.6 | 81.6 | 100 | 46.2 | 81.6 | $137,888 | $62,649 |
| 3 | Butler County FIPS 42019 | 72.4 | 73.9 | 65.3 | 97.7 | 65.3 | 47.1 | 71.9 | $309,403 | $89,843 |
| 4 | Cumberland County FIPS 42041 | 72.1 | 77.5 | 55.4 | 96.2 | 81 | 45.5 | 59.4 | $345,528 | $87,494 |
| 5 | Elk County FIPS 42047 | 72 | 54 | 86.4 | 90.9 | 70.5 | 37.6 | 87.8 | $135,582 | $66,380 |
| 6 | Somerset County FIPS 42111 | 71.5 | 48 | 75.3 | 91.5 | 84 | 57.4 | 79.9 | $173,654 | $61,446 |
| 7 | Union County FIPS 42119 | 71.4 | 65.3 | 57.5 | 99.1 | 79.5 | 45.9 | 86.3 | $288,804 | $76,404 |
| 8 | Washington County FIPS 42125 | 71.3 | 66.5 | 73.6 | 90.9 | 67.6 | 43.4 | 71.9 | $234,812 | $78,958 |
| 9 | Chester County FIPS 42029 | 71 | 82.8 | 41.6 | 99.5 | 100 | 30.7 | 38.5 | $571,120 | $127,208 |
| 10 | Westmoreland County FIPS 42129 | 69.9 | 59.4 | 79.6 | 96.7 | 61 | 34 | 65.8 | $203,720 | $74,109 |
| 11 | Fulton County FIPS 42057 | 69.6 | 57.4 | 67.6 | 90.4 | 75.2 | 48.6 | 82.4 | $226,139 | $65,836 |
| 12 | Bucks County FIPS 42017 | 68.6 | 77.6 | 42.9 | 98.3 | 100 | 29 | 18.2 | $517,600 | $114,764 |
| 13 | Armstrong County FIPS 42005 | 68.1 | 54.4 | 87.8 | 80.7 | 66.7 | 24.8 | 79.5 | $151,383 | $65,008 |
| 14 | Sullivan County FIPS 42113 | 68.1 | 51.4 | 68.9 | 77.8 | 93.1 | 48.7 | 72.7 | $206,445 | $69,764 |
| 15 | Clearfield County FIPS 42033 | 67.3 | 51.2 | 88.2 | 71.3 | 63.7 | 44.3 | 83.1 | $132,928 | $62,152 |
| 16 | Adams County FIPS 42001 | 67.1 | 68.9 | 58.6 | 85.8 | 71.4 | 36.1 | 74.9 | $330,293 | $84,092 |
| 17 | Centre County FIPS 42027 | 66.8 | 62.1 | 41.5 | 98.1 | 88.4 | 38.8 | 83.3 | $345,529 | $74,291 |
| 18 | Jefferson County FIPS 42065 | 66 | 44.8 | 87.4 | 78 | 58.4 | 43.7 | 83.6 | $122,665 | $58,686 |
| 19 | McKean County FIPS 42083 | 66 | 47.1 | 92.5 | 66.3 | 74.1 | 22.7 | 88.3 | $106,463 | $62,905 |
| 20 | Columbia County FIPS 42037 | 65.8 | 50.8 | 60.6 | 93.9 | 69.5 | 45.8 | 82.5 | $238,280 | $64,644 |
| 21 | Montgomery County FIPS 42091 | 65.7 | 82.3 | 45.5 | 99.2 | 70.2 | 24.6 | 19.1 | $486,540 | $113,915 |
| 22 | Perry County FIPS 42099 | 65.7 | 68.8 | 64.4 | 57.8 | 83.1 | 44 | 79.7 | $289,440 | $79,444 |
| 23 | Blair County FIPS 42013 | 65.6 | 56.8 | 76.8 | 78.4 | 52.8 | 47.5 | 77.8 | $169,524 | $62,382 |
| 24 | Snyder County FIPS 42109 | 65.4 | 61.4 | 69.4 | 87.7 | 46.5 | 39.7 | 84 | $220,764 | $66,876 |
| 25 | Bedford County FIPS 42009 | 65.1 | 54.1 | 65.8 | 71.1 | 68.5 | 64.7 | 83 | $207,380 | $59,992 |
| 26 | Venango County FIPS 42121 | 65 | 45.6 | 88.3 | 53 | 84.5 | 40.9 | 82.7 | $127,374 | $61,522 |
| 27 | Lawrence County FIPS 42073 | 64.6 | 47.5 | 83.5 | 81.6 | 55.8 | 33.8 | 75.5 | $156,670 | $61,931 |
| 28 | Pike County FIPS 42103 | 63.8 | 60.7 | 56.4 | 92.9 | 64.6 | 30.4 | 63.5 | $299,136 | $81,323 |
| 29 | Tioga County FIPS 42117 | 63.8 | 49.1 | 65.7 | 71.7 | 78.9 | 47.6 | 82.4 | $216,307 | $64,899 |
| 30 | Susquehanna County FIPS 42115 | 62.7 | 52.2 | 61.9 | 72 | 76.9 | 43.8 | 77.6 | $234,457 | $68,487 |
| 31 | Wyoming County FIPS 42131 | 62.6 | 51.2 | 72.7 | 70.8 | 69.1 | 29.2 | 82.9 | $222,166 | $72,460 |
| 32 | Franklin County FIPS 42055 | 62.5 | 69.2 | 61.5 | 70.6 | 47.9 | 45.9 | 78.5 | $287,840 | $77,003 |
| 33 | Juniata County FIPS 42067 | 62.5 | 58.4 | 65.9 | 58.3 | 73.1 | 48.1 | 79.7 | $226,915 | $66,318 |
| 34 | Wayne County FIPS 42127 | 62.4 | 53.1 | 39.4 | 94.3 | 88.6 | 36 | 70.7 | $302,904 | $62,381 |
| 35 | Northumberland County FIPS 42097 | 62.3 | 55.6 | 78.7 | 66.6 | 49.6 | 41.7 | 75.1 | $160,850 | $60,583 |
| 36 | Beaver County FIPS 42007 | 62.2 | 53.7 | 76.3 | 82 | 50.4 | 25.8 | 63.6 | $200,222 | $71,089 |
| 37 | Schuylkill County FIPS 42107 | 61 | 52.9 | 82.9 | 52.9 | 64.9 | 30.8 | 73.7 | $161,536 | $68,313 |
| 38 | Lancaster County FIPS 42071 | 60.8 | 75 | 47.4 | 86.7 | 44.8 | 35.8 | 51.5 | $381,587 | $86,959 |
| 39 | Lycoming County FIPS 42081 | 60.7 | 51.6 | 62.7 | 92.7 | 39.9 | 32.8 | 86.4 | $228,850 | $63,917 |
| 40 | Mercer County FIPS 42085 | 60.6 | 49.4 | 77.3 | 80.4 | 32 | 39.7 | 82.2 | $172,045 | $59,976 |
| 41 | Warren County FIPS 42123 | 60.5 | 49.2 | 83.7 | 57.9 | 52.5 | 36.3 | 83.5 | $134,885 | $60,480 |
| 42 | Bradford County FIPS 42015 | 60.4 | 61 | 68.9 | 60.8 | 47.3 | 44.8 | 84.3 | $200,780 | $63,675 |
| 43 | York County FIPS 42133 | 60.4 | 68.3 | 63.6 | 85.3 | 36.2 | 22.2 | 54.9 | $305,195 | $84,829 |
| 44 | Crawford County FIPS 42039 | 60.3 | 50.1 | 76.5 | 58.1 | 66.2 | 30 | 81.5 | $157,667 | $60,476 |
| 45 | Greene County FIPS 42059 | 60.1 | 47.4 | 91.4 | 44.6 | 63.1 | 28.6 | 82.3 | $139,552 | $68,041 |
| 46 | Cambria County FIPS 42021 | 60 | 45.2 | 93.3 | 65.3 | 41.3 | 23.1 | 76.8 | $95,550 | $58,418 |
| 47 | Potter County FIPS 42105 | 59.9 | 38.6 | 73.4 | 66.5 | 72.2 | 38.3 | 78.2 | $159,338 | $59,020 |
| 48 | Lebanon County FIPS 42075 | 58.8 | 68.7 | 55.8 | 59 | 59 | 37.1 | 66.3 | $312,952 | $78,425 |
| 49 | Allegheny County FIPS 42003 | 58.2 | 61.9 | 69 | 90.1 | 31.7 | 17.7 | 18.7 | $237,963 | $78,548 |
| 50 | Cameron County FIPS 42023 | 58.2 | 27.8 | 85.1 | 65.8 | 70.5 | 21.1 | 82.5 | $83,507 | $50,573 |
| 51 | Huntingdon County FIPS 42061 | 58.2 | 48.8 | 75.5 | 41.2 | 66.4 | 51 | 76.5 | $179,034 | $65,557 |
| 52 | Mifflin County FIPS 42087 | 57.2 | 59.9 | 71 | 36.1 | 64.8 | 34.7 | 80.7 | $190,156 | $63,953 |
| 53 | Indiana County FIPS 42063 | 56.7 | 42.2 | 77.7 | 81.5 | 27.1 | 22.4 | 81.7 | $161,605 | $60,208 |
| 54 | Monroe County FIPS 42089 | 56.5 | 58.2 | 58.9 | 67.6 | 63.7 | 12.8 | 58 | $309,094 | $83,565 |
| 55 | Northampton County FIPS 42095 | 56.1 | 67.1 | 53.1 | 75.3 | 49.8 | 20.1 | 29.3 | $363,989 | $89,184 |
| 56 | Clinton County FIPS 42035 | 55.8 | 44.3 | 68.7 | 48.3 | 62.6 | 42.3 | 85.1 | $194,173 | $60,816 |
| 57 | Erie County FIPS 42049 | 55.1 | 51.3 | 65.6 | 66.4 | 43.9 | 23.9 | 71.8 | $216,190 | $63,354 |
| 58 | Forest County FIPS 42053 | 54.7 | 31.8 | 76.5 | 35.7 | 73.4 | 55.3 | 78.9 | $124,212 | $52,191 |
| 59 | Lackawanna County FIPS 42069 | 53.4 | 52.7 | 64.4 | 62.7 | 43.6 | 20.6 | 59.1 | $219,839 | $66,223 |
| 60 | Delaware County FIPS 42045 | 53.2 | 66.1 | 53.2 | 74.7 | 45.8 | 6 | 18.5 | $362,148 | $89,546 |
| 61 | Berks County FIPS 42011 | 52.1 | 61.7 | 59.1 | 59 | 38.4 | 15.6 | 56.2 | $306,726 | $79,777 |
| 62 | Luzerne County FIPS 42079 | 51.2 | 46.6 | 66.1 | 45.2 | 49.6 | 32.9 | 64.9 | $214,820 | $63,691 |
| 63 | Carbon County FIPS 42025 | 50.1 | 50.2 | 57.8 | 47.3 | 49 | 29.5 | 67.5 | $262,324 | $67,554 |
| 64 | Fayette County FIPS 42051 | 49.9 | 36.9 | 83 | 32.1 | 35.9 | 42.6 | 78 | $143,352 | $58,236 |
| 65 | Lehigh County FIPS 42077 | 49.2 | 60.4 | 46.1 | 65.4 | 43.3 | 18.9 | 21.3 | $358,001 | $80,079 |
| 66 | Dauphin County FIPS 42043 | 47.8 | 59.5 | 59.9 | 46.1 | 18.1 | 32.5 | 55.9 | $275,929 | $76,242 |
| 67 | Philadelphia County FIPS 42101 | 31 | 38.6 | 57.3 | 3.8 | 2.7 | 52 | 14.1 | $231,821 | $61,953 |