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Bradford County

PA · Pop. 59,971 · Suburban County

76/100Homestead Score

Bradford County, Pennsylvania covers 1,147 square miles with a population of 59,971 and a density of 52.3 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $182,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.16%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 157-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F and average winter lows of 18.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 35.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.16%
Growing Season: 157 days
Broadband: 89.9%
Density: 52.3/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $182,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on hay, haylage, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.

Cons

  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • A 157-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.

At a glance

Bradford County, PA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
76/100
Median home price
$182k
Property tax
1.16%
Growing season
157 days (zone 6a)
Annual rainfall
35.7"
Broadband
89.9%
Nearest hospital
Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital, 2.8 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.16%
Median Household Income$62,482
Poverty Rate13.4%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$182K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6a
Growing Season157 days
Annual Rainfall35.7 inches
Avg Summer High80.3°F
Avg Winter Low18.4°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire3/10
Tornado4/10
Flood9/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalGuthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital (2.8 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities3

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage89.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.2%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Bradford County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Bradford County?
Bradford County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 157-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F, and average winter lows of 18.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $182,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.16%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 89.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Bradford County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.