Forest County, PA Property Tax: $1,162/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Forest County is 1.04% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $111,900, that works out to about $1,164 per year, or $97 per month. Forest County is located in northwestern Pennsylvania, and is home to approximately 6,785 residents.
About Forest County
Forest County covers approximately 427.3 square miles in Pennsylvania. The county is home to about 6,785 residents living in roughly 6,969 housing units, of which 21.5% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $50,061, and the median home was built in 1971.
Forest County borders Clarion County, Elk County, Jefferson County, Venango County, Warren County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Pennsylvania offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Forest County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Forest County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest County, PA | 1.04% | $111,900 | $1,164 |
| Pennsylvania state average | 1.32% | — | $1,477* |
| Clarion County | 0.97% | $152,100 | $1,477 |
| Elk County | 1.31% | $128,600 | $1,686 |
| Jefferson County | 1.11% | $126,700 | $1,411 |
| Venango County | 1.32% | $114,500 | $1,509 |
| Warren County | 1.39% | $121,800 | $1,694 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Forest County's median home value of $111,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Forest County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
At 1.04%, Forest County is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 1.32%. On a home at the county median of $111,900, that means about $1,164 per year — versus $1,477 at the state average rate, a difference of $313 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Forest County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Forest County?
For a home at the county median value of $111,900, the annual property tax in Forest County is approximately $1,164 — or about $97 per month. For a home worth $167,850, expect around $1,746 per year. For a $223,800 home, approximately $2,328 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Forest County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Forest County are handled by the Forest County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Forest County?
Pennsylvania counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.04% shown here. Contact the Forest County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File