News that Butler County ranked fourth out of all 67 Pennsylvania counties as the best place to raise a family should invoke a sense of pride in what’s available here, but it’s not news to those who live here.

The study, conducted by financial site SmartAsset, graded counties on housing, student academic performance, child-care costs and recreation availability. Based on those metrics, Butler County beat out 63 other counties. Only Union, Montour and Somerset counties scored higher.

The category of student academics especially stood out, as the county scored an 8.7 out of 10 in the category. Average child-care costs also stood out as particularly low.

As for recreation, it’s no secret the county has much to offer. Easy access to sites like local YMCAs and parks, the latter of which the area offers an abundance of, is a valuable resource that not everyone has. Notably, the county can boast Moraine State Park offering hiking, biking and activities on Lake Arthur. Having such a site right at home is not to be taken for granted.

The area also offers a sizable number of festivals and events ranging from single-day happenings to larger undertakings such as the Butler Farm Show, most of which are geared toward providing entertainment for the entire family.

While the ranking by SmartAsset should make Butler County residents and organizations proud, it’s not telling us anything we don’t already know.

— JP