Potter County
PA · Pop. 16,276 · Rural County
Potter County, Pennsylvania covers 1,081 square miles with a population of 16,276 and a density of 15.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, corn. A median home price of $146,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.28% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 153-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.1°F and average winter lows of 14.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. UPMC Cole is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $146,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.5% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- UPMC Cole, with an emergency room, is just 4.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 15.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 42.1 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- A 153-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 14.8°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Potter County, PA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 87/100
- Median home price
- $146k
- Property tax
- 1.28%
- Growing season
- 153 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.1"
- Broadband
- 96.5%
- Nearest hospital
- UPMC Cole, 4.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Potter County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Potter County?
- Potter County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 153-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.1°F, and average winter lows of 14.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $146,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.28%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.5% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- UPMC Cole is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Pennsylvania Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Pennsylvania
All Pennsylvania countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Potter 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.