10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in Pennsylvania
If you are comparing property taxes across Pennsylvania, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, Bedford County, comes in at 0.81% — 0.54% lower than the Pennsylvania average (1.35%). The statewide effective rate is 1.35%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedford County | 0.81% | $1,403 | $172,900 |
| 2 | Philadelphia County | 0.84% | $1,952 | $232,400 |
| 3 | Huntingdon County | 0.91% | $1,648 | $180,300 |
| 4 | Clarion County | 0.97% | $1,477 | $152,100 |
| 5 | Fulton County | 1.03% | $2,118 | $206,000 |
| 6 | Montour County | 1.03% | $2,475 | $240,300 |
| 7 | Forest County | 1.04% | $1,162 | $111,900 |
| 8 | Juniata County | 1.05% | $2,167 | $206,300 |
| 9 | Sullivan County | 1.05% | $1,959 | $186,400 |
| 10 | Centre County | 1.07% | $3,282 | $308,100 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the lowest rates in Pennsylvania often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
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