Allegheny counties ranked among the top counties to live in, nationwide
By Sarah Taylor
Pennsylvania’s perfect blend of world-class events mixed with affordability and the opportunity to escape to nature makes it the perfect place to live, and recent studies agree.
WalletHub’s “Best States to Live In 2024” report places Pennsylvania at No. 7. The rankings are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the FBI, the CDC and the EPA. The personal finance site assessed all 50 states based on numerous “indicators of livability,” such as housing costs, income growth, education quality and healthcare.
The report notes that personal preferences play a role, with each state offering unique attractions, recreational options and weather. Pennsylvania’s temperate climate and endless recreational opportunities make it one of the top choices. The state is also praised for its high quality of life (ranked 3rd) and safety (ranked 9th).
However, Pennsylvania is a large state, with 67 counties, ranging from the iconic hustling and bustling of Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, to the calmer farmlands of Mifflin County’s Belleville. Which counties rank in the top?
According to U.S. News, the Alleghenies’ Centre County and Blair County ranked in the top Pennsylvania counties. The U.S. News report focuses on a county’s population health, equity, economy, education, housing and safety, ranked against the rest of the state and the rest of the country. (To learn more about the methodology, click here.)
Centre County was ranked 12th out of Pennsylvania’s counties, surpassing the state and nation’s average health scores by over 10%. Its education, public safety and infrastructure were highly rated.
Ranking 30th nationwide is Blair County, with a population health slightly above the national average. Blair’s public safety and infrastructure were also ranked higher than the national average.
The PA Alleghenies’ neighboring counties also rank relatively well, with Cumberland County and Westmoreland County ranking in the top counties nationwide.
Here are the top twelve counties in Pennsylvania as ranked by U.S. News 2024’s Top 500 Healthiest Counties report:
- Montgomery County (1st)
- Chester County (2nd)
- Cumberland County (3rd)
- Bucks County (4th)
- Butler County (5th)
- Allegheny County (6th)
- Montour County (7th)
- Washington County (8th)
- Delaware County (9th)
- Westmoreland County (10th)
- Adams County (11th)
- Centre County (12th)
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Sarah Taylor is a communications professional studying telecommunications at Penn State University. She can be reached at sarah.st.taylor@gmail.com.
