Lehigh County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania's median home values reached $254,500 in 2022, surpassing both state and national medians. Real estate taxes have significantly increased from $4,930.57 in 2012 to $7,116.80 by 2021, especially post-2017. A reduction in property crime and improved educational metrics, alongside fluctuating residential energy tax credits and stable poverty rates, may make the area... Read more
Lehigh County Market Trends
Median home values in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, reached $254,500 in 2022, outpacing both the state median of $226,200 and the national median of $179,400. The county has seen significant fluctuations in residential energy tax credits, peaking at $2356.86 in 2018 and stabilizing at $1497.30 in 2021. Average real estate taxes have also surged, rising from $4,930.57 in 2012 to $7,116.80 by 2021,... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Over the Last 8 Years
Median home values in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania have seen steady growth over the last eight years, reaching $254,500 in 2022. This increase is more pronounced than both the state median of $226,200 and the national median of $179,400, indicating a relatively stronger demand or investment attractiveness in this region. For those looking to invest, build, or move to Lehigh County, this trend could suggest a robust real estate market with potential for future appreciation, particularly compared to broader state and national figures.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 9 Years
Over the past nine years in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, the average residential energy tax credit per tax return has seen significant fluctuations. Starting from a modest $350.84 in 2013, the credit peaked dramatically at $2356.86 in 2018 before stabilizing somewhat in subsequent years, ending at $1497.30 in 2021. Such volatility might suggest changes in policy or adoption of energy-efficient improvements, making it an interesting time for investors and real estate professionals to consider the implications of energy costs and credits in the area.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has experienced a persistent increase in average real estate taxes per tax return. From approximately $4,930.57 in 2012 to about $7,116.80 by 2021, the overall upward trend highlights a noticeable jump post-2017, with significant escalations each year thereafter. Understanding these changes can be crucial for prospective homeowners, investors, and market stakeholders as it potentially affects affordability, property valuations, and investment returns. This steady rise in taxes may reflect broader economic and policy shifts within the county, offering critical insights for financial planning and real estate strategy.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, farm tax returns in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania showed a gradual decline from a peak of approximately 0.21% in 2013 to a low of about 0.16% in 2020, with a slight uptick in 2021 to 0.16%. Farm tax returns can offer insights into the economic health and agricultural activity within the area, indicating how many farms are operating successfully enough to require tax filings. Declining percentages might suggest fewer profitable farming operations, which could impact land use trends, local supply chains, and investment opportunities. Potential investors, property developers, and new residents might want to consider how these shifts could influence future growth and sustainability in the region.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 5 Years in Lehigh County
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has shown clear trends in mortgage activity over the past five years, predominantly dominated by principal residence mortgages, which saw a spike in 2021 with 23,206 mortgages. Investment property mortgages experienced a rise to 1,782 in 2021 but then tapered slightly. Second residence mortgages remained a minor segment but also saw fluctuations, with a slight peak in 2021 at 167. Changes in occupancy types can influence market dynamics, with principal residences indicating a stable or growing population, investment properties reflecting investor confidence, and second residences hinting at disposable income levels for secondary homes. For potential investors, buyers, real estate agents, and insurance agents, these shifts can signal broader economic health and demand fluctuations in the region, informing more strategic decisions.
Economic Outlook
Average taxable income in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has steadily risen from roughly $57,037.25 in 2013 to about $80,807.79 in 2021, potentially indicating a thriving local economy. However, state and local income taxes have also surged, from $5,144.71 in 2012 to $11,451.21 in 2021, which could impact financial planning and attract investor attention. Notably, the average total tax liability has climbed from $9,830.40 in 2012 to $14,116.83 in 2021. While poverty rates have varied, peaking at... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Lehigh County, PA over the last 9 years
Average taxable income per tax return in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has seen a consistent and noteworthy rise over the past nine years, climbing from approximately $57,037.25 in 2013 to around $80,807.79 in 2021. This trend may suggest a robust local economy and increasing prosperity, which can be appealing to potential investors, real estate agents, and those considering a move to the area. Property developers and insurers might also view this upward trajectory favorably when assessing future growth potential and risks.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has seen substantial increases in average state and local income taxes per tax return over the past decade. From $5,144.71 in 2012, rates have escalated to $11,451.21 by 2021. Notable jumps, such as the leap from $6,262.71 in 2017 to $8,610.49 in 2018, signal significant fiscal shifts that may impact financial planning. Investors, prospective homeowners, real estate agents, and appraisers should consider these upward trends as they reflect broader economic and regulatory changes in the area.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, the average total tax liability per tax return in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has seen a consistent increase, indicating a potential rise in income levels or tax rates. Starting at $9,830.40 in 2012, the average liability climbed to $14,116.83 by 2021. This growth trend matters for potential investors and property developers, as it suggests economic growth and increasing financial capacity among residents. Real estate agents and insurance agents may find this information useful as it could impact property values and insurance premiums. Appraisers could also leverage this data when assessing property values in the area.
Cost of Living in Lehigh County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,817 | $1,576 | $1,650 | $1,918 | $1,626 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,817 | $1,287 | $1,267 | $1,918 | $1,743 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,817 | $1,288 | $1,429 | $1,918 | $1,369 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,817 | $1,051 | $1,046 | $1,918 | $1,510 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,418 | $1,054 | $1,208 | $1,666 | $1,087 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,418 | $787 | $825 | $1,666 | $1,130 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,418 | $833 | $987 | $846 | $948 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,418 | $538 | $604 | $846 | $838 |
| 2 adults | $1,119 | $669 | $766 | $0 | $727 |
| 1 adult | $982 | $365 | $383 | $0 | $587 |
Safety trends & Data
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has experienced a considerable decrease in property crime over the past several years, with larceny-theft cases dropping from 1,123 in 2018 to 74 in 2021, before slightly rising to 430 in 2022. Burglary incidents also saw a significant reduction, falling from 62 in 2018 to just 4 in 2021, then increasing to 37 in 2022. The decline in property crime could make Lehigh County more appealing to investors, homebuyers, and businesses seeking a safer community. However,... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Lehigh County, PA Over the Last 5 Years
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has shown a notable decrease in property crime over the past five years. Larceny-theft, which was the most common crime, saw a significant drop, collapsing from 1,123 cases in 2018 to just 74 cases in 2021, before slightly rising again to 430 in 2022. Similarly, incidents of burglary plummeted from 62 in 2018 to a low of 4 in 2021, before ticking up to 37 in 2022. Fraud and vandalism also show a downtrend. This reduction in property crime could make Lehigh County increasingly attractive to potential investors, homebuyers, and businesses looking for a safe community environment. However, potential buyers and insurers should still remain vigilant and stay updated on the trends, as small variations in certain years suggest ongoing fluctuations.
Demographics
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania shows a somewhat balanced gender distribution among its adult population, with a slight majority of females. The educational attainment levels reflect a concentration in high school graduates and those with some college education, suggesting a workforce with varying skill levels. Age distribution indicates a sizable chunk of residents in the prime working age of 25 to 64 years, with a noteworthy number of younger and older individuals possibly influencing local... Read more
Race Distribution in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania (2022)
Educational Attainment in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania (2022)
Age Distribution in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Citizen Population in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, might be considered a competitive political landscape with the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election showing Democrats potentially capturing 53% of the vote and Republicans around 46%. Libertarians possibly held a small 1% share, while the Green Party and other minor parties appeared to have minimal influence. This dynamic indicates a region where political shifts could be significant, influencing local policies and real estate market... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, saw Democrats potentially edging out Republicans in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, capturing around 53% of the vote compared to the Republicans' roughly 46%. Libertarians might have had a minor presence, securing about 1% of the vote, while the Green Party and others had negligible impact. This general trend suggests a possibly competitive political landscape in this region.
45.62% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
53.21% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.17% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has seen a student-to-teacher ratio decline from 16 in 2014 to about 14 in 2023, aligning with the national average. This trend hints at educational improvements that could make the area attractive for families considering relocation. For real estate professionals, better educational metrics might signify rising property values and greater community development potential, suggesting a possibly stable or increasing... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania over the last 10 years
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has seen a notable decline in the student-to-teacher ratio over the past decade, shifting from 16 students per teacher in 2014 down to approximately 14 in 2023, which is in line with the current national average of 14 students per teacher. This trend could be indicative of efforts to improve educational quality by reducing class sizes, which may be an attractive point for families considering relocation to the area. From an investment perspective, improved education metrics could potentially boost property values and foster greater community development, making the area appealing for real estate professionals and developers. Appraisers and insurance agents might see this as a sign of a stable or rising market due to increased desirability.
