Somerset County
PA · Pop. 73,255 · Suburban County
Somerset County, Pennsylvania covers 1,075 square miles with a population of 73,255 and a density of 68.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $131,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.11% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 166-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.2°F and average winter lows of 17.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 43 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. UPMC Somerset is 3.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $131,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- UPMC Somerset, with an emergency room, is just 3.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low poverty rate of 11.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Somerset County, PA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 64/100
- Median home price
- $131k
- Property tax
- 1.11%
- Growing season
- 166 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 43"
- Broadband
- 84.3%
- Nearest hospital
- UPMC Somerset, 3.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Somerset County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Somerset County?
- Somerset County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 166-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.2°F, and average winter lows of 17.8°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $131,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.11%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- UPMC Somerset is 3.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals 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 Somerset 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.