McKean County
PA · Pop. 40,149 · Suburban County
McKean County sits in Pennsylvania across 980 square miles, home to 40,149 people at 41 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $99,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 115-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.5°F and average winter lows of 15.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Bradford Regional Medical Center is 11.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $99,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Bradford Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 11.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 44.5 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 115-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.64% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
McKean County, PA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 60/100
- Median home price
- $99k
- Property tax
- 1.64%
- Growing season
- 115 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.5"
- Broadband
- 85.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Bradford Regional Medical Center, 11.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in McKean County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in McKean County?
- McKean County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 115-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.5°F, and average winter lows of 15.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $99,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.64%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bradford Regional Medical Center is 11.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Pennsylvania Resources
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More counties in Pennsylvania
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The closest counties to McKean 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.
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