countyscore
35.4
County Score
Health 92.4Income & Jobs 87Lawn Care 69.3

County Report Card

About Albany County, New York

Albany Trails the National Median

Albany County earns a composite score of 35.4, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a lower overall livability ranking compared to the typical American county.

Below the New York State Average

The county's score of 35.4 sits significantly lower than the New York state average of 47.0. It struggles to keep pace with higher-performing regions in the Empire State.

Strong Health Outcomes and High Incomes

The county excels with a Health Score of 92.4 and an Income Score of 87.0. Residents earn a robust median household income of $83,149, among the highest in the region.

High Tax Burdens and Safety Concerns

The Tax Score is just 4.2 due to a high 1.894% effective tax rate. Safety also remains a major challenge with a low score of 7.7 and a Cost Score of 11.3.

Ideal for High-Earning Healthcare Professionals

This county suits professionals who prioritize high salaries and elite medical access. It is best for those who can manage higher taxes in exchange for career growth.

204060801004.211.37.792.462.78714.137.456.6Tax4.2Cost11.3Safety7.7Health92.4Schools62.7Income87Risk14.1Water37.4Weather56.635.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Albany County DNA

Foverall

How Albany County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Albany County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (92.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (4.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.2-47.8
Cost
11.3-36.7
Safety
7.7-47.3
Health
92.4+42.400000000000006
Schools
62.7+8.700000000000003
Income
87+36
Risk
14.1-32.9
Water
37.4-20.6
Weather
56.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Albany County?

Many homeowners in Albany County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$277,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,252/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$277,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,149/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Schenectady County
New York
34.1
Rensselaer County
New York
39.9
Schoharie County
New York
53.8
Greene County
New York
51.9
Montgomery County
New York
40.1
Saratoga County
New York
50.6
Columbia County
New York
49
Berkshire County
Massachusetts
44.1

Deep Dives

Albany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Albany County

via TaxByCounty

Albany taxes slightly below national median

Albany County's effective tax rate of 1.894% sits below the New York state average of 2.046%, putting homeowners in a moderate position nationally. The county's median property tax of $5,253 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though this reflects Albany's higher median home value of $277,400 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Middle of the pack in New York

Among New York's 62 counties, Albany ranks in the middle tier for effective tax rates, neither among the highest nor lowest. The county collects $5,253 in median annual property taxes, about $544 more than the state average of $4,709.

Competitive with nearby upstate counties

Albany's 1.894% effective rate is lower than Broome County's 2.635% and Cayuga County's 2.282%, making it relatively competitive for the region. However, Albany's median home values ($277,400) are substantially higher than rural neighbors like Allegany County ($97,900), driving up absolute tax bills.

Expect roughly $5,253 annually

On a median-valued Albany home of $277,400, you'll pay approximately $5,253 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $5,608; without one, it drops to $4,604.

Many Albany homeowners overpay annually

Studies show 15–25% of homeowners statewide are overassessed on their properties, meaning you could owe thousands less. Filing a formal assessment appeal costs nothing and takes roughly 30 days—worth exploring if your home has lost value or been inflated by the assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Albany County

via CostByCounty

Albany rents outpace national norms

Renters in Albany County spend 18.1% of their household income on rent, slightly above the national average of 17.0%. With a median household income of $83,149—well above the national median of $74,755—most Albany households can manage housing costs, though they're paying more than their national peers for the privilege.

Middle of the pack in New York

Albany County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% sits just above New York's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability across the state's 62 counties. The median rent of $1,252 exceeds the state average of $1,133 by $119 monthly, reflecting the county's status as a regional hub.

Pricier than upstate peers

Albany renters pay significantly more than those in neighboring Schenectady or nearby Saratoga County, with rents running $350–400 higher than rural western New York counties like Allegany or Cattaraugus. Home values here also climb steep: a median of $277,400 compared to under $120,000 in many rural counties, reflecting Albany's status as the state capital region.

Income cushions housing burden

Renters dedicate 18.1% of income to rent ($1,252/month), while homeowners spend 21.4% on monthly costs ($1,483). With a median household income of $83,149, Albany residents shoulder a heavier percentage load than the state average, yet maintain stronger absolute dollars than most New York counties.

Capital region draws in transplants

If you're earning above $83,000 annually and seek a vibrant mid-sized metro, Albany balances professional opportunity against manageable housing costs—though expect to pay a premium over rural alternatives. Homebuyers should expect a median price of $277,400; renters will find the market reasonable if your income matches the county median.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Albany County

via IncomeByCounty

Albany earns well above the national average

Albany County's median household income of $83,149 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $8,400, placing it in the upper tier nationally. This 11% advantage reflects the county's strong professional and education sectors anchored by the state capital and regional institutions.

Among New York's strongest income counties

Albany ranks near the top of New York State's 62 counties, with its $83,149 median household income substantially outpacing the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $46,231 also surpasses the state average of $41,133, signaling broad-based economic prosperity.

Albany pulls ahead of regional peers

Compared to neighboring upstate counties like Cayuga ($66,583) and Broome ($61,059), Albany residents enjoy roughly $17,000 to $22,000 more in median household income. This income advantage reflects Albany's denser urban core and concentration of government and professional employment.

Strong incomes support housing costs

Albany's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% sits comfortably below the widely cited 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing is genuinely affordable for most households. With a median home value of $277,400, the county's above-average income translates into real purchasing power for homeownership.

Position your earnings for long-term growth

With incomes exceeding both state and national medians, Albany households are well-positioned to invest beyond basic housing. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts, diversified investment portfolios, and property appreciation to build generational wealth in a region with solid economic fundamentals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Albany County

via CrimeByCounty

Albany's Crime Rate Exceeds National Benchmarks

Albany County reports a total crime rate of 3,026.6 per 100K residents, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.2 out of 100.

Regional Safety Trails New York Averages

With a safety score of 95.2, Albany falls below the New York state average of 98.3. The county's total crime rate is nearly triple the state average of 1,074.4 per 100K.

Albany Faces Higher Activity Than Neighbors

Albany County sees more crime per capita than nearby Broome County, which reports 2,372.9 incidents per 100K. The 13 reporting agencies in Albany manage a busier caseload than many surrounding upstate counties.

Property Crime Drives Albany’s Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 2,644.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 381.9 per 100K. Most residents are statistically more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical violence.

Secure Your Property in Albany County

Since property crime represents the vast majority of local reports, home security remains a vital priority. Simple measures like motion-activated lighting and smart cameras provide essential layers of defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Albany County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Infrastructure for Albany Students

Albany County maintains a diverse educational network of 73 public schools serving 39,302 total students. This infrastructure spans 21 districts and includes 46 elementary, 10 middle, and 14 high schools.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Smart Spending

The county reports an 86.1% graduation rate, which outperforms the New York state average of 85.3%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $13,066, slightly exceeding the national average of $13,000 while maintaining a school score of 64.6.

Albany City Schools Lead Regional Enrollment

Albany City School District is the county's largest, educating 7,965 students across 16 different schools. The region also features seven charter schools, representing nearly 10% of the total public school options.

Suburban Focus with Large High Schools

Education here is primarily suburban, with 40 schools in suburban locales and 23 in city settings. While the average school size is 538 students, Albany High School is the largest, serving 2,676 students.

Secure Your Future Near Top Districts

Families looking for strong academic performance often focus their home search in high-achieving areas like North Colonie or Guilderland. Local school quality continues to be a primary driver for regional property values.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Albany County

via RiskByCounty

Albany faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 85.88, Albany County ranks as relatively moderate—outpacing the national average and putting it among higher-risk counties nationwide. This score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, from flooding to earthquakes to tornadoes.

Higher risk than most New York counties

Albany's 85.88 score sits well above New York's average of 69.42, making it one of the state's more vulnerable counties. Only a handful of New York counties face comparable or greater composite risk.

Riskier than similar upstate regions

Albany County's risk profile exceeds that of nearby Cayuga County (61.51) and Chemung County (54.77), though it's somewhat less exposed than Broome County (87.47) to the south. The Capital Region's location at the convergence of water systems and seismic zones drives higher risk across the board.

Floods and tornadoes top your list

Flood risk stands at 90.27—among the highest in the state—followed by tornado risk at 88.04 and earthquake risk at 83.65. Albany's position along the Hudson River valley and proximity to active fault lines create overlapping hazards that compound year-round vulnerability.

Flood insurance is essential

Given flood risk near 90, flood insurance should be a priority even if you're not in a mapped floodplain—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Consider earthquake coverage as well, since seismic risk in Albany exceeds 83, and review your tornado preparedness plan annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Albany County

via WaterByCounty

Albany Drinking Water Earns a Grade F

Albany County recorded 117 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a low Grade F for compliance. While its violation rate of 38.9 per 100K is lower than the New York average of 81.8, the raw volume of violations remains significant.

Watershed Assessments Pending Federal Review

Federal records currently show no assessed water bodies for Albany County under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This means local watershed health data is not yet integrated into the ATTAINS reporting cycle.

Targeted Monitoring at Eight Local Sites

Eight monitoring sites track water quality across the county, generating 1,908 measurements over the past five years. These efforts focus primarily on physical properties, organics, and pesticides.

Hudson River Flow Below Historical Average

The Hudson River at Green Island currently flows at 11,800 cfs, which is 81% of its long-term mean. This indicates slightly lower-than-normal water volume for this major drainage area.

Priority Actions for Albany Residents

Given the 117 health violations, residents should check their water utility's annual report for specific contaminant flags. Current low river flows may also lead to higher concentrations of monitored organics and pesticides.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Albany County

via WeatherByCounty

Albany's Climate in the National Landscape

With an average annual temperature of 47.9°F, Albany County sits notably cooler than the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal shifts that define the Capital Region's weather cycle.

Slightly Warmer Than the New York Average

Albany’s 47.9°F annual average is just above the New York state average of 47.4°F. While it isn't the warmest in the state, it maintains a temperate baseline compared to the more frigid northern counties.

A Middle Ground Among Regional Neighbors

Albany is slightly warmer than Broome County to the southwest, which averages 47.3°F. However, it experiences significantly less snowfall than neighbors like Cayuga, receiving 53.7 inches compared to their 82.8 inches.

From Snowy Winters to Mild Summers

Winters are cold with a January average of 23.3°F and 53.7 inches of annual snow. Summers are pleasant, averaging 71.2°F in July with only 7 days per year reaching 90°F or higher.

Preparing for the Capital District Climate

Residents should invest in reliable snow removal equipment for the 50-plus inches of annual accumulation. While summers are mild, having energy-efficient cooling is helpful for the week of extreme heat typically seen in July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Albany County

via SoilByCounty

Albany's Variable and Acidic Soil Base

Albany County soil features a variable texture and an average pH of 5.16. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it slightly exceeds the New York state average of 5.11.

A Silty Mix with Low Clay

The mix consists of 35.7% sand, 43.1% silt, and 11.9% clay. This high silt content makes the soil workable, but the relatively low clay percentage may limit its ability to hold onto key nutrients over time.

Rich Organic Matter and Moisture Needs

Organic matter levels sit at 8.93%, which dwarfs the 2.0% national average but falls below the 17.01% state average. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in suggests plants might need more frequent watering than in other parts of the state.

Managing Water in Variable Terrain

Local classification data for drainage and hydrology is currently limited for this region. Growers and builders should perform site-specific tests to determine how water moves through this variable terrain before starting projects.

Growing Success in Zone 6a

This region sits in hardiness zone 6a, offering a generous window for cool-weather crops and hardy perennials. With an overall soil score of 47.1, the ground is ready for berries and leafy greens if you manage the acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Albany County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Growing in the State Capital

Albany County earns a 69.3 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, the region offers a hospitable climate for cool-season grasses compared to more volatile parts of New York.

Balanced Precipitation and Mild Heat

With 41.0 inches of annual precipitation, Albany stays near the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy growth. The county sees just 7 extreme heat days per year, matching the state average and minimizing summer stress for most yards.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Balancing

Local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.16, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the sand content of 35.7% helps with drainage, homeowners likely need lime applications to balance the acidity for better nutrient uptake.

Consistent Moisture for Greener Lawns

The county experienced 5 weeks in drought over the past year, and current conditions show 0.0% of the area in abnormally dry status. This relative moisture stability means local lawns generally require less supplemental irrigation than the state average.

Spring Seeding for Peak Results

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this Zone 6a climate. Aim to seed after the last frost on May 3 to ensure your lawn establishes before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Albany County's county score?
Albany County, New York has a composite county score of 35.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Albany County rank among counties in New York?
Albany County ranks #61 among all counties in New York on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Albany County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Albany County is $5,253, with an effective tax rate of 1.89%. This earns Albany County a tax score of 4.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Albany County?
The median household income in Albany County, New York is $83,149 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Albany County earns an income score of 87/100 on CountyScore.
Is Albany County, New York a good place to live?
Albany County scores 35.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in New York. The best way to evaluate Albany County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Albany County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.