Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania

County Distress Index: Normal · 40.7 | 38,109 people · 43rd most distressed in Pennsylvania
American Default Research

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Susquehanna County, PA falls within the normal range for household financial distress at 40.7 — 2152nd nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing remains relatively affordable compared to local incomes. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks 43rd of 67 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 4 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Susquehanna County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 43.8 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 43.8
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 42
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 56
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 32
Homeownership Rate 27
Structural Poverty 42.4
Unemployment Rate 61
Poverty Rate 38
Income vs. State Median 26
Child Poverty Rate 41
Disability Rate 54
Transfer Income Dependency 44
Economic Vitality 41.6
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 48
Rent-to-Income Ratio 19
Business Formation Rate 79
House Price Change (YoY) 7
Consumer Credit Distress 40.6
Debt in Collections 39
Medical Debt 41
Auto Loan Delinquency 50
Credit Card Delinquency 32
Uninsured Rate 38
Subprime Credit Population 41
Legal Distress 27.7
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 28

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County, PA 40.7 Normal —
Lackawanna County, PA 59.7 Elevated +19.1
Broome County, NY 51.1 Elevated +10.4
Tioga County, NY 44.2 Normal +3.5
Wayne County, PA 43.4 Normal +2.7
Bradford County, PA 39.6 Normal -1.1
Wyoming County, PA 39.3 Normal -1.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Susquehanna County
Fayette County, IL 40.7 Normal 0.0
Gaines County, TX 40.7 Normal 0.0
Bedford County, PA 40.7 Normal +0.0
Edgar County, IL 40.7 Normal +0.0
Pacific County, WA 40.8 Normal +0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Susquehanna County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Susquehanna County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Susquehanna County.

TREHAB
Montrose
570-265-2072 Website
Foreclosure PreventionPost-PurchasePre-Purchase

See all counselors in Pennsylvania →

Find an Attorney

Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-932-0311

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Susquehanna County residents at no cost.

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia 215-981-3700
MidPenn Legal Services 1-800-326-9177
Neighborhood Legal Services Association 412-255-6700
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN)
Laurel Legal Services, Inc. (800) 253-9558
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (877) 429-5994
North Penn Legal Services, Inc. (877) 953-4250
Northwestern Legal Services (814) 452-6957
Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center (215) 981-3800
Summit Legal Aid (800) 846-0871

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania?

    Susquehanna County has a County Distress Index score of 40.7 out of 100, placing it in the Normal zone. It ranks 2,152nd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 43rd in Pennsylvania out of 67 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Susquehanna County?

    The primary driver of distress in Susquehanna County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 43.8 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Susquehanna County compare to neighboring counties?

    Susquehanna County (40.7) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Lackawanna County, PA (59.7); Broome County, NY (51.1); Tioga County, NY (44.2).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Normal zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Susquehanna County's score of 40.7 sits in the Normal zone (46–55).

  • What data sources power Susquehanna County's CDI score?

    Susquehanna County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Susquehanna County?

    Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania has a population of approximately 38,109 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.