countyscore
42.6
County Score
Safety 94.9Weather & Climate 66.5Lawn Care 47.4

County Report Card

About Bronx County, New York

The Bronx Lags the National Median

The Bronx scores 42.6 on the composite index, falling short of the national 50.0 median. It faces urban livability challenges common in high-density metropolitan areas.

Just Below the New York Average

The county's 42.6 score is slightly lower than the statewide average of 47.0. It maintains a competitive position compared to other urban centers despite various pressures.

High Safety and Lower Relative Taxes

The county achieves a strong Safety Score of 94.9. Its Tax Score of 36.2 is also better than many neighbors, thanks to a 1.027% effective tax rate.

Severe Cost and Environmental Risks

Cost Scores are very low at 6.3, and the Risk Score sits at 1.7. While water data is currently unavailable, low income levels of $49,036 further strain the local economy.

A Choice for City-Reliant Residents

The Bronx suits those who value public safety and city access over spacious housing. It is a viable option for residents navigating New York's complex urban landscape.

2040608010036.26.394.947.238.912.61.766.5Tax36.2Cost6.3Safety94.9Health47.2Schools38.9Income12.6Risk1.7Water—Weather66.542.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Bronx County DNA

Foverall

How Bronx County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bronx County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (94.9/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (1.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.2-15.799999999999997
Cost
6.3-41.7
Safety
94.9+39.900000000000006
Health
47.2
Schools
38.9-15.100000000000001
Income
12.6-38.4
Risk
1.7-45.3
Weather
66.5+10.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$517,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,436/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$517,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum10.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,036/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.8

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

New York County
New York
56.5
Queens County
New York
41.6
Bergen County
New Jersey
48
Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
Nassau County
New York
46.3
Westchester County
New York
45.6
Kings County
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55.2
Essex County
New Jersey
33.3

Deep Dives

Bronx County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bronx County

via TaxByCounty

Bronx offers the lowest tax rate statewide

Bronx County's effective tax rate of 1.027% is the lowest in New York and roughly half the state average of 2.046%, making it exceptionally competitive nationally. Despite this favorability, the median property tax bill of $5,310 exceeds the national median of $2,690 because Bronx homes are valued far higher—$517,000 compared to the $281,900 national median.

New York's most tax-friendly county

Among all 62 New York counties, Bronx County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.027%. This reflects the borough's urban density and NYC's centralized tax structure, which differs fundamentally from suburban and rural counties.

Dramatically lower than surrounding counties

Bronx's 1.027% rate is less than half of Albany County's 1.894%, making it far more favorable than any nearby region. The county's high-value real estate ($517,000 median) and low rate create a unique urban advantage.

Annual tax on $517k median home

On Bronx's median home value of $517,000, you'll pay approximately $5,310 in annual property taxes—among the highest dollar amounts statewide, but a bargain rate-wise. With a mortgage, expect $5,484; without, $4,916.

Even low-tax Bronx homeowners should appeal

Assessment errors occur in all markets, including Bronx, potentially costing you hundreds or thousands over time. A free, straightforward appeal process makes it worth verifying your home's assessed value against recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bronx County

via CostByCounty

Bronx rents consume wages entirely

Bronx County residents spend 35.1% of their income on rent—more than double the national average of 17.0%—with a median household income of just $49,036, trailing the national median by $25,719. This creates a severe affordability crisis where housing costs dominate household budgets.

New York's least affordable county

Bronx County ranks as the least affordable county in New York, with a rent-to-income ratio of 35.1% versus the state average of 17.6%. The median rent of $1,436 exceeds the state average by $303, compounded by the lowest median household income in this profile at just $49,036.

New York City's affordability trap

Bronx renters pay $1,436 monthly, nearly matching Manhattan rents and far exceeding outer boroughs like Staten Island while earning significantly less than Brooklyn or Queens residents. Home values at $517,000 represent the highest in this analysis, yet remain inaccessible to the majority earning less than $50,000 annually.

Housing squeezes every household

Renters dedicate a punishing 35.1% of the $49,036 median income to $1,436 monthly rent, while homeowners face even steeper costs at 43.5% ($1,777/month). This forces residents to choose between housing and food, childcare, healthcare, and transportation.

Consider outer boroughs or suburbs

If you're earning under $50,000 and seeking New York City proximity, Bronx County may force housing insecurity—explore Queens, Brooklyn, or Westchester alternatives where affordability ratios drop toward 25–30%. Remote workers might find genuine relief by relocating to Upstate counties where your income stretches three to five times further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bronx County

via IncomeByCounty

Bronx income stands far below national average

Bronx County's median household income of $49,036 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $25,719, or 34%, marking it as one of the nation's lowest-income urban counties. This significant gap reflects persistent poverty, income inequality, and limited access to high-wage employment in the borough.

The state's most economically challenged county

Bronx ranks last among New York State's 62 counties with a median household income $27,397 below the state average of $76,433. Its per capita income of $26,956 falls $14,177 short of the state average, reflecting systemic barriers to wealth accumulation.

Bronx lags all neighboring New York counties

At $49,036, Bronx's median household income falls dramatically short of every neighboring county, including lower-income Allegany ($61,233) and Chautauqua ($56,507). This income disparity, despite Bronx's dense urban location, underscores concentrated economic inequality in the borough.

Housing costs consume nearly all earnings

Bronx's rent-to-income ratio of 35.1% far exceeds the 30% affordability threshold, creating acute housing stress for most households. Despite having the highest median home values ($517,000), the income base cannot support homeownership, forcing residents into overextended rental arrangements.

Navigate financial barriers to build security

Bronx residents face real constraints, but financial planning focused on emergency savings, micro-investing, and accessing employer benefits remains essential. Seek out community development financial institutions, workforce development programs, and employer retirement matching to incrementally build financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bronx County

via CrimeByCounty

Bronx Data Reflects Unique Reporting Snapshot

Official data for the Bronx shows a total crime rate of just 0.6 per 100K, though this represents only a single reporting agency. This limited data results in a safety score of 100.0, which should be interpreted with caution.

A Statistical Outlier in New York

The Bronx's reported score of 100.0 sits above the state average of 98.3, but reflects data gaps compared to fully reporting counties. The reported crime rate of 0.6 is significantly lower than the state's 1,074.4 average.

Data Collection Varies by Reporting Agency

Unlike neighboring counties with multiple reporting agencies, the Bronx's current dataset is highly specialized. Residents should look at city-wide trends for a more complete picture of local safety.

Understanding the Bronx Crime Breakdown

Current data reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.6 property crimes per 100K from the single agency listed. This represents a partial snapshot rather than the total daily experience of the borough.

Stay Vigilant Despite Statistical Gaps

Regardless of data reporting variations, urban home security remains a critical investment for all residents. Implementing reliable locks and alarm systems provides peace of mind in high-density areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bronx County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Massive Scale of Bronx Education

Bronx County manages a vast network of 460 public schools, providing education to nearly 200,000 students. This massive system includes 223 elementary schools and 140 high schools operating within 100 different districts.

Navigating Performance and Funding Challenges

The county faces hurdles with a 71.1% graduation rate and a $8,811 per-pupil expenditure, both falling below national and state averages. The resulting composite school score of 47.5 reflects the unique urban challenges of the borough.

A Hub for Charter School Innovation

Geographic District #10 is the largest in the county, serving 42,282 students across 84 schools. Charter schools play a major role here, with 93 institutions representing over 20% of the county's total school inventory.

Large-Scale Urban Learning Environments

Every school in the Bronx is located in a city locale, with the prestigious Bronx High School of Science leading the way with 2,951 students. Despite the density, the average school size remains manageable at 434 students.

Find Your Home Near Specialized Schools

Prospective residents often target neighborhoods near high-performing specialized schools or successful charter networks. Access to quality education remains a top priority for families moving into the Bronx.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bronx County

via RiskByCounty

Bronx faces New York's highest risk

With a composite risk score of 98.35 and a relatively high rating, Bronx County ranks among the most disaster-exposed counties in the nation. This urban county's density, waterfront geography, and seismic proximity create compounding vulnerabilities that demand serious preparation.

Most vulnerable county in New York

Bronx County's 98.35 score dramatically exceeds New York's 69.42 state average, making it the state's highest-risk county by a significant margin. Its position in the metro New York area amplifies exposure to multiple overlapping hazards.

Exponentially higher risk than surrounding areas

Bronx County's 98.35 score far exceeds all neighboring counties, including nearby Albany (85.88) and Broome (87.47). The Bronx's urban density, coastal exposure, and seismic setting create a unique and elevated risk profile.

Floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes threaten

Flood risk reaches 98.54, earthquake risk stands at 96.69, and hurricane risk hits 95.29—three major hazards operating at critical levels simultaneously. The Bronx's waterfront location and aging infrastructure compound these natural exposures into significant community risk.

Multi-layered insurance is non-negotiable

Flood insurance is essential given the 98.54 flood score, and earthquake coverage deserves serious consideration at 96.69 risk. Verify your homeowners or renters policy includes wind/hurricane protection, and consult a local insurance agent about bundling strategies for maximum coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bronx County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Data Missing

Specific health violation records for Bronx County are currently unavailable in the federal SDWIS database. This lack of data makes it difficult to compare the county against the state violation rate of 81.8 per 100K.

Urban Watershed Assessments Not Yet Available

Federal ATTAINS records do not currently include §303(d) assessment data for Bronx County water bodies. This means there is no federal signal regarding impaired water shares or primary contaminants.

Dense Monitoring Network in the Bronx

The Bronx boasts a robust network of 74 monitoring sites with 11,582 measurements recorded over five years. Microbiological and physical characteristics are the most frequently measured groups in this urban area.

Bronx River Flows at Half Capacity

The Bronx River at the New York Botanical Garden is flowing at 38 cfs, just 50% of its long-term mean. This suggests unseasonably low water levels for this urban stream.

Navigating Limited Data in Urban Areas

Because compliance data is missing, residents should rely on New York City's citywide annual water quality reports. During low flow periods on the Bronx River, be mindful of potential stagnation and microbiological shifts noted in monitoring records.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bronx County

via WeatherByCounty

An Urban Heat Island in the Bronx

The Bronx is warmer than the national average, posting an annual mean temperature of 55.8°F. This urban environment creates a microclimate that is much milder than the rural Northeast.

Far Warmer Than the Empire State Average

The Bronx is significantly warmer than the state average of 47.4°F, a difference of over eight degrees. It represents the warmer, coastal tail of New York's diverse climate spectrum.

Warmer and Wetter Than Upstate Peers

With 49.9 inches of annual precipitation, the Bronx is much wetter than Chemung County’s 35.3 inches. Its 23 extreme heat days far outpace any of the other counties in this regional analysis.

Intense Summer Heat and Mild Winters

July averages a warm 78.3°F, with 23 days a year hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are relatively mild for New York, with a January average of 33.5°F, though specific snowfall data is currently unavailable.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Prep

High-efficiency air conditioning is a must for the frequent 90°F summer days. Residents should also prepare for heavy rainfall, as the county receives nearly 50 inches of precipitation annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bronx County

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soils with Unique Acidity

The Bronx features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.03, the lowest in this group. This sits far below both the national median of 6.5 and the New York state average of 5.11.

Sandy Mix for Rapid Drainage

The composition is 38.4% sand, 22.2% silt, and only 6.7% clay. This sandy mix leads to fast drainage, which can be a challenge for maintaining consistent moisture in an urban environment.

Surprising Organic Matter in the City

Organic matter measures a surprising 10.62%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.120 in/in is quite low compared to the state average of 0.182, meaning the soil dries out quickly.

Water Management in the Urban Landscape

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this urban landscape. Gardeners should watch for rapid runoff and consider raised beds to better manage water flow and soil health.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b

Located in hardiness zone 7b, the Bronx enjoys a long growing season suitable for heat-loving tomatoes and peppers. Despite a lower soil score of 32.0, the warm climate and high organic matter offer a great start for urban growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bronx County

via LawnByCounty

Urban Heat Challenges Growth

Bronx County presents a challenge for lawn enthusiasts with a difficulty score of 47.4, falling below the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, the urban environment contributes to more environmental stress than in upstate counties.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

The borough experiences 23 extreme heat days annually, more than triple the New York state average of 7. While 49.9 inches of annual precipitation provides plenty of water, the high heat increases evaporation rates and turf stress.

Remediating High Soil Acidity

Soil conditions are tough, featuring a very acidic pH of 4.03 and a sandy texture at 38.4%. Significant soil remediation and heavy liming are necessary to bring the pH closer to the 6.0-7.0 range required for grass.

Current Dry Status Demands Water

Currently, 100.0% of the county is considered abnormally dry following 25 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Frequent watering is essential during heat waves to prevent permanent turf damage in this high-heat environment.

Heat Tolerant Grasses Perform Best

Heat-tolerant varieties like turf-type tall fescue are the best bets for this Zone 7b climate. With an early last frost date of April 1, you can start your lawn projects weeks before the rest of the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bronx County's county score?
Bronx County, New York has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Bronx County rank among counties in New York?
Bronx County ranks #44 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 Bronx County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Bronx County is $5,310, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Bronx County a tax score of 36.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bronx County?
The median household income in Bronx County, New York is $49,036 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bronx County earns an income score of 12.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bronx County, New York a good place to live?
Bronx County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in New York. The best way to evaluate Bronx 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 Bronx 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.