CountyScore

Bronx County

New York · NY

#54 in New York
54
County Score

County Report Card

About Bronx County, New York

Bronx outperforms the national average

Bronx County's composite score of 56.9 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 7 points, ranking it in the upper third of U.S. counties. As one of New York City's boroughs, the Bronx leverages urban density and regional economic strength to achieve above-average livability.

A top performer within New York

Bronx County scores 56.9, above New York's state average of 54.7, placing it among the better-performing counties statewide. The borough's urban advantages translate into a livability ranking that exceeds most regional peers and rural upstate counties.

Tax burden is remarkably light

Bronx County's tax score of 73.4 is the highest in this county set, with an effective tax rate of just 1.027%—less than half the state average burden. This low-tax environment significantly boosts the Bronx's livability profile despite other constraints.

Income disparity reflects urban inequality

Bronx County's income score of 15.4 is the lowest among these counties, with a median household income of just $49,036, nearly $35,000 below Albany. Housing costs remain elevated despite the low tax rate, with a median home value of $517,000 and rent at $1,436/month, creating affordability tension in this dense urban county.

Urban living for tax-savvy newcomers

The Bronx suits lower-income households and individuals attracted to dense urban amenities, public transit, and minimal tax burden despite modest earning potential. Young professionals, immigrants, and families seeking affordable NYC housing with a lighter tax load find the Bronx's trade-offs reasonable.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.4Cost55SafetyComing SoonHealth63.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.4Risk1.7WaterComing Soon
🏛73.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.7
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 Bronx County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ventura County
California
54
Median income: $107,327
Rockwall County
Texas
54
Median income: $124,917
South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.1
Median income: $86,266
Prince George's County
Maryland
54.1
Median income: $100,708
Dutchess County
New York
54.1
Median income: $97,273

Deep Dives

Bronx County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Bronx County

via HealthByCounty

Bronx faces significant health disparities

At 76.7 years, Bronx County's life expectancy is more than a year below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a gap that reflects decades of healthcare inequity. Nearly 28% of Bronx residents report poor or fair health, nearly double the national average of 18%.

Lowest health outcomes in New York

Bronx County's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks it well below New York State's 77.9-year average, placing it among the state's most challenged counties. At 7.3% uninsured, the Bronx has one of the highest uninsured rates in New York.

Stark disparities compared to nearby counties

The Bronx's 76.7-year life expectancy trails Albany County by nearly two years and reflects severe health gaps even within New York City. With 7.3% uninsured, the Bronx has double the uninsured rate of neighboring Manhattan.

Insurance gaps compound healthcare barriers

At 7.3% uninsured, the Bronx has the highest uninsured rate among the eight counties examined, leaving hundreds of thousands without reliable access to care. With 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, coverage gaps mean many residents have nowhere to turn for basic medical needs.

Don't delay—get insured today

In the Bronx, health insurance is your lifeline to preventive care and emergency protection. Call 311 for help navigating New York's coverage options, or visit ny.gov/healthplan to apply for Medicaid or the state marketplace.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.