Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Allegheny County's 1.52% effective property tax rate ranks 326th highest among the 3,134 US counties tracked, placing it in the top 25% highest nationally. Within Pennsylvania's 67 counties, it's the 10th highest. On the county's median home value of $227,600, the typical homeowner pays $3,451 annually in property tax, $1,822 more than the national median of $1,629. At closing, Pennsylvania's 2.00% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $4,552 on a median-priced home, split between buyer and seller. FEMA data shows 29.3% of the county's land area sits within a Special Flood Hazard Area, a high exposure level that may trigger mandatory flood insurance on mortgaged properties.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Allegheny County.
High flood risk. Flood insurance likely required by your lender. Verify the flood zone at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Allegheny County may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Reduces taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence (and farmstead buildings on 10+ acres) for school tax purposes. Exclusion amount varies by school district, funded largely by gaming revenue. Application due March 1.
View official source →Rebate up to $1,000 for Pennsylvanians 65+, widow(er)s 50+, or disabled adults 18+ with household income ≤$48,110. 2025-claim deadline June 30, 2026.
View official source →Full real estate tax exemption on the primary residence for wartime-service veterans with 100% service-connected disability (or blind/paraplegic) demonstrating financial need.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Allegheny County.
The effective property tax rate in Allegheny County is 1.52%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($3,451) divided by the median home value ($227,600), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
Pennsylvania's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 2.00% of the purchase price. On the median Allegheny County home value of $227,600, this adds roughly $4,552 at closing. State Realty Transfer Tax 1% + local (municipality + school district) 1% = 2% total most localities, split 50/50 by custom. Philadelphia local rate is 3.278%, total ~4.278% (also customarily split). Allentown increased to total 2.5% effective January 1, 2026.
Partially. 29.3% of Allegheny County's land area lies within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Whether flood insurance is required depends on your specific property. Check msc.fema.gov before making an offer.
Closing costs for a buyer in Allegheny County typically run $4,552–$11,380 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $3,451/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $227,600 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 1.52% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 1.00%, seller 1.00%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Allegheny County.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
Pennsylvania property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
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Read the guide →A buyer closed on a house and only then found out about ongoing HOA lawsuits. Six checks you can run yourself before your contingencies expire.
Read the guide →HOA special assessment not on the disclosure? One buyer got a $15,000 bill the day after closing. How to catch it before, and what to do after.
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