CountyScore

Allegany County

New York · NY

#45 in New York
56.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Allegany County, New York

Allegany keeps pace with the nation

Allegany County's composite score of 51.9 slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the moderate range of American counties. This rural western New York county achieves basic livability without standing out as a top performer nationally.

Slightly below average for New York

Allegany's score of 51.9 falls below New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The county trails most of its upstate and downstate neighbors in overall livability metrics.

Exceptional housing affordability stands out

Allegany's cost score of 83.3 is among the highest in New York, with a median home value of just $97,900 and rent at $754/month—the lowest in this county set. This extreme affordability makes Allegany attractive to budget-conscious movers seeking rural living on a shoestring.

Taxes and income growth need work

Allegany's tax score of 19.5 and income score of 23.4 reveal significant pressure points: an effective tax rate of 2.943% is the highest in this group, while median household income of $61,233 ranks among the lowest. Safety, health, and school quality data remain unavailable, preventing a fuller livability assessment.

Rural refuge for the cost-conscious

Allegany County best suits retirees and remote workers willing to trade income growth and higher taxes for rock-bottom housing costs in a quiet, rural setting. The county's extreme affordability overcomes its fiscal and income challenges for those seeking an inexpensive upstate foothold.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax19.5Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.4Risk30.3WaterComing Soon
🏛19.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Allegany County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Riverside County
California
56.3
Median income: $89,672
Guadalupe County
Texas
56.3
Median income: $93,776
Prince William County
Virginia
56.3
Median income: $128,873
Sonoma County
California
56.2
Median income: $102,840
Cheshire County
New Hampshire
56.2
Median income: $81,001

Deep Dives

Allegany County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Allegany County

via TaxByCounty

Allegany's high rate, modest homes

Allegany County's effective tax rate of 2.943% sits well above the New York state average of 2.046% and the national trend. Though median home values are just $97,900—less than one-third the national median—the county's aggressive rate drives median annual taxes to $2,881, right at the national median.

Among New York's highest tax counties

Allegany ranks in the top tier of New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates at 2.943%, significantly higher than the state average. This makes the county a costly place to own property relative to home values.

Higher than rural neighbors

Allegany's 2.943% rate exceeds Cattaraugus County's 2.693% and Chautauqua County's 2.386%, making it the priciest tax burden in this corner of southwestern New York. Rural home values ($97,900) are comparable to neighbors, but the tax bite is noticeably sharper.

Pay roughly $2,881 on median home

On Allegany's median home value of $97,900, you'll owe approximately $2,881 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes see bills rise to $3,277; outright ownership drops the tab to $2,616.

Assessment appeals could cut costs

With tax rates this high, even modest overassessments add up quickly—potentially hundreds of dollars annually. If your home has declined in value or the assessed amount seems inflated, a free appeal could deliver real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allegany County

via CostByCounty

Allegany offers rare affordability

Allegany County residents spend just 14.8% of income on rent—significantly below the national average of 17.0% and among the most affordable in the nation. Despite a median household income of $61,233, which trails the national median of $74,755 by $13,522, residents here enjoy housing costs that consume far less of their paychecks.

Most affordable county in New York

Allegany County ranks as one of New York's most affordable places, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.8%—well below the state average of 17.6%. At just $754 monthly, median rent is $379 cheaper than the state average, making it a rare gem for budget-conscious New Yorkers.

Rural affordability champion

Allegany's $754 rent undercuts neighboring Cattaraugus County by just $5, but both drastically beat the state average and compete favorably with the most affordable rural counties nationwide. Home values of $97,900 represent some of the lowest in the state, offering genuine entry-level homeownership options.

Housing takes minimal income bite

Renters spend 14.8% of the $61,233 median income on a $754 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 15.0% to ownership costs ($762/month). Both figures leave substantially more disposable income for other expenses compared to state and national averages.

Seek authentic small-town living

If affordability is your north star and you don't require urban amenities, Allegany County delivers exceptional housing economics—rent and home prices that won't drain your budget. With a median home value under $100,000, first-time homebuyers can build equity without the crushing debt loads of metro areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allegany County

via IncomeByCounty

Allegany's income trails the national benchmark

Allegany County's median household income of $61,233 falls $13,522 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing an 18% gap. This below-average income reflects the county's rural character and reliance on agriculture, manufacturing, and smaller-scale employment.

Among New York's lower-income counties

Allegany ranks in the lower half of New York State's 62 counties, with a median household income roughly $15,200 below the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $30,016 lags the state average by $11,117, reflecting limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Allegany faces income headwinds in the region

Allegany's $61,233 median household income sits below most neighboring counties, including Cattaraugus ($58,248) and Chautauqua ($56,507), though it outpaces Bronx significantly. The income gap reflects Allegany's distance from major urban centers and limited access to high-paying professional sectors.

Affordability supports housing stability

Allegany's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is among the most favorable in the state, well below the 30% threshold, thanks to low median home values of $97,900. For renters and homebuyers, housing costs remain manageable relative to household earnings.

Build wealth despite income constraints

Even with below-average incomes, Allegany's low housing costs create an opportunity to save and invest surplus earnings. Focus on employer retirement plans, local investment in community assets, and skill development that could unlock higher-wage employment pathways.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Allegany County

via HealthByCounty

Allegany lags behind national health trends

At 76.8 years, Allegany County's life expectancy falls about 1.3 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 15.5% of residents reporting poor or fair health—above the national 18% average—the county faces meaningful health challenges.

Below New York's health benchmarks

Allegany County's 76.8-year life expectancy trails New York State's 77.9-year average by 1.1 years. Its 5.1% uninsured rate closely mirrors the state average of 5.3%, indicating moderate insurance coverage.

Struggling with provider shortages

Allegany's 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ranks it among the least well-served counties in upstate New York, well below the regional average of 60. Mental health access is also limited at 262 providers per 100,000.

Provider shortage creates access gap

With just 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Allegany County residents often face long waits and limited appointment availability. The 5.1% uninsured rate compounds this challenge, as those without insurance delay or skip preventive care.

Make insurance a priority today

In a county with limited primary care availability, having health insurance is critical to getting timely care. Check your coverage now at healthcare.gov or contact New York's health marketplace to ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allegany County

via RiskByCounty

Allegany's risk sits near the middle

With a composite risk score of 69.75 and a relatively low rating, Allegany County tracks close to the national average and is among the safer counties in its state. This moderate exposure means targeted insurance and preparedness can effectively manage your risk.

One of New York's calmer counties

At 69.75, Allegany sits right at New York's state average of 69.42, placing it in the middle tier of risk across the state. Several neighboring counties face notably higher exposure, making Allegany a relatively stable part of the region.

Lower risk than southern neighbors

Allegany County's score of 69.75 is considerably lower than Broome County (87.47) to the east and Chautauqua County (84.64) to the west. It's comparable to Cayuga County (61.51) and less risky than nearby Cattaraugus County (81.58).

Floods present the clearest concern

Flood risk dominates at 84.57, while tornado risk (41.51) and earthquake risk (26.97) remain well below state averages. Your primary focus should be understanding local flood maps and ensuring proper drainage around your home.

Prioritize flood coverage above all

With flood risk at 84.57, flood insurance is your essential protection—check FEMA's flood maps and consider coverage even outside high-risk zones. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado and other hazards adequately, so your budget can focus on the flood gap.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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