The rate in context
On a $400,000 home, 1.26% means roughly $5,040 per year in property tax, escrowed monthly, so it lands directly in your payment and your debt-to-income ratio.
Exemptions and notes
No statewide assessment cap, and some counties still use decades-old base-year values, so similar homes can face very different bills.
Sources: Tax Foundation 2026 (2024 ACS); PA Dept. of Revenue. County-level rates vary; your county page has local detail.
Counties in Pennsylvania
FAQ
What is the average property tax rate in Pennsylvania?
The average effective property tax rate in Pennsylvania is about 1.26%, per Tax Foundation 2026 (2024 ACS); PA Dept. of Revenue. Individual counties vary above and below that average.
How do Pennsylvania property taxes affect my mortgage?
Taxes are escrowed into your monthly payment, so a higher rate directly reduces how much house you qualify for. No statewide assessment cap, and some counties still use decades-old base-year values, so similar homes can face very different bills.