countyscore
37.3
County Score
Health 79.1Lawn Care 74.5Schools 61

County Report Card

About Broome County, New York

Broome Struggles Against National Averages

A composite score of 37.3 places Broome County well behind the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower tiers of livability nationally.

Lagging Behind New York Neighbors

Broome's score of 37.3 trails the state average of 47.0 by nearly ten points. This indicates the county faces significant hurdles compared to other New York regions.

Solid Health and Quality Schools

The county performs well in Health with a score of 79.1 and Schools at 61.0. Water quality is also a relative strength, scoring 57.5 on the index.

Tax and Safety Headwinds

The Tax Score is near zero at 0.3 due to a 2.635% effective rate. Safety and Risk scores of 15.3 and 12.5 respectively show areas needing community investment.

Suited for Education and Health Workers

Broome is a practical choice for those employed in its stable healthcare and education sectors. It offers affordable $914 rents for those managing high tax burdens.

Score breakdown

Tax0.3Cost36Safety15.3Health79.1Schools61Income42.2Risk12.5Water57.5Weather56.3
🏛0.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Broome County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Broome County with Candler County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Candler County
Georgia
Median income: $50,431
37.3
Macomb County
Michigan
Median income: $76,399
37.3
Skagit County
Washington
Median income: $85,474
37.3
La Paz County
Arizona
Median income: $49,506
37.2
Washington County
Arkansas
Median income: $66,426
37.2
Riverside County
California
Median income: $89,672
37.2
Barrow County
Georgia
Median income: $77,477
37.2
Scott County
Iowa
Median income: $76,363
37.2

Nearby counties

Susquehanna County
Pennsylvania
57.1
Chenango County
New York
46.5
Tioga County
New York
53.8
Cortland County
New York
38.9
Delaware County
New York
50.2
Tompkins County
New York
38.4
Wayne County
Pennsylvania
52.6
Bradford County
Pennsylvania
53.8

Deep Dives

Broome County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Broome County

via TaxByCounty

Broome taxes well above New York average

Broome County's effective tax rate of 2.635% significantly exceeds the New York state average of 2.046%, placing it among the pricier counties statewide. The median property tax of $3,824 is 42% higher than the national median of $2,690, driven by a 2.635% rate applied to median homes valued at $145,100.

High-tax county in New York rankings

Broome County ranks among the upper third of New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates at 2.635%. The county consistently collects above-state-average taxes relative to home values, placing a heavier burden on owners.

Pricier than most regional peers

Broome's 2.635% rate exceeds Cayuga County's 2.282% and Chemung County's 2.522%, making it the highest-taxed in this central-New York cluster. Home values are mid-range for the region at $145,100, but the elevated rate compounds the cost.

Approximately $3,824 annually

On Broome's median home value of $145,100, you'll owe roughly $3,824 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $4,026; without, it drops to $3,546.

Overassessment is costing you money

With rates this steep, even a small overassessment could mean $200–$500 yearly in unnecessary taxes. A formal appeal takes minimal effort and can deliver immediate, lasting relief if your home is valued above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Broome County

via CostByCounty

Broome hits national affordability balance

Broome County renters spend 18.0% of income on housing, nearly matching the national average of 17.0%, with a median household income of $61,059 running about $13,700 below the national median. The county's affordability sits right at the inflection point where housing remains manageable without excess strain.

Slightly above New York average

Broome County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% edges above New York's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the moderate affordability band across the state's counties. The $914 median rent runs $219 below the state average, offering a sweet spot for Upstate residents.

Affordable relative to region

Broome's $914 rent sits between rural bastions like Cattaraugus ($759) and mid-tier counties like Chemung ($1,020), with home values of $145,100 representing accessible ownership. As the Binghamton area's anchor, Broome maintains small-city affordability despite regional economic revival.

Balanced housing-income equation

Renters spend 18.0% of the $61,059 median income on $914 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 19.3% to ownership costs ($983/month). Both figures leave room for savings and discretionary spending compared to state and national medians.

Sweet spot for upstate movers

Broome County offers genuine Upstate New York character—a mid-sized regional city with affordable housing and emerging cultural momentum—without the affordability penalty of larger metros. If you earn around $60,000–$75,000 and seek a revitalized post-industrial community, Broome delivers exceptional housing economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Broome County

via IncomeByCounty

Broome income falls short of national median

Broome County's median household income of $61,059 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $13,700, or 18%. This below-average performance reflects the county's transition away from manufacturing and reliance on smaller service and retail employers.

Broome struggles on New York's income ladder

Broome ranks in the lower-middle tier of New York State's 62 counties, with a median household income $15,374 below the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $35,116 also trails the state average of $41,133 by roughly $6,000.

Broome outearns some upstate peers

Broome's $61,059 median household income exceeds Chautauqua ($56,507) and Cattaraugus ($58,248) but falls below Cayuga ($66,583) and Albany ($83,149). The county's position reflects its status as a moderate-income region dependent on education, healthcare, and small manufacturing.

Housing costs remain reasonably manageable

Broome's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, making both renting and homeownership feasible for typical households. With a median home value of $145,100, the county offers balanced affordability relative to earning capacity.

Invest strategically in your financial future

Broome households with moderate incomes can still build wealth through consistent saving and smart investment choices, particularly given reasonable housing costs. Maximize employer retirement contributions, explore tax-advantaged savings accounts, and diversify investments to compound earnings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Broome County

via CrimeByCounty

Broome County Matches National Crime Averages

Broome County’s total crime rate of 2,372.9 per 100K sits nearly level with the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.3 out of 100.

Crime Rates Higher Than State Average

Broome’s safety score of 96.3 falls slightly behind New York’s average of 98.3. The county’s total crime rate is double the statewide average of 1,074.4 per 100K.

Broome Sees More Activity Than Chemung

With a rate of 2,372.9, Broome experiences more reported crime than nearby Chemung County at 1,462.0. Seven reporting agencies work across the county to manage these volumes.

Property Crimes Top Local Incident Reports

Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,107.7 per 100K, significantly outpacing violent crime at 265.2. Most reported incidents in Broome involve property loss rather than physical harm.

Prioritize Security Systems in Broome

High property crime rates make home monitoring systems a smart choice for Broome residents. Securing garages and sheds is especially important to deter common opportunistic thefts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Broome County

via HealthByCounty

Broome County health below national average

At 76.5 years, Broome County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by only 0.4 years, but its 15.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 18%. These metrics suggest residents face preventable health challenges.

Mid-tier health metrics statewide

Broome County's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 1.4 years short of New York State's 77.9-year average. Its 5.2% uninsured rate is nearly identical to the state average of 5.3%, indicating average insurance coverage.

Similar struggles with nearby regions

Broome County's 76.5-year life expectancy mirrors Chemung County (75.0 years) and Allegany County (76.8 years), reflecting broader health challenges in rural upstate New York. With 79 primary care providers per 100,000, Broome has better access than many neighboring counties.

Moderate provider access, moderate coverage

Broome County has 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a respectable supply that puts it ahead of many upstate counties. With 5.2% uninsured and 264 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers reasonable healthcare infrastructure.

Keep your coverage strong and current

With a 5.2% uninsured rate, most Broome County residents have coverage—but annual changes in jobs and income require regular plan reviews. Visit healthcare.gov in October to compare options or update your coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Broome County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Academic Options in Broome

Broome County hosts 52 public schools serving 24,646 students across 13 diverse districts. The system is well-balanced with 28 elementary, 10 middle, and 12 high schools.

Solid Investment and Steady Results

The county maintains a graduation rate of 84.9%, nearly matching the New York state average. Investment is robust at $14,116 per pupil, which helps drive a composite school score of 66.2.

Binghamton and Union-Endicott Lead the Way

Binghamton City School District is the largest in the area, educating 4,623 students across 10 schools. Traditional public districts provide all local education, as there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Suburban Schools with Urban Connectivity

The majority of schools are located in suburban settings, though 11 schools serve the city core and 12 are in rural areas. Binghamton High School is the largest campus in the county, with an enrollment of 1,341 students.

Invest in a Community with Strong Schools

From Vestal to Endicott, Broome County offers several communities known for educational stability and strong per-pupil spending. Researching local district scores is a vital step for any family planning a move here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Broome County

via RiskByCounty

Broome ranks among higher-risk counties

With a composite risk score of 87.47 and a relatively moderate rating, Broome County faces above-average disaster exposure compared to the nation. Multiple hazards converge here, making preparedness a shared county priority.

Well above average for New York

Broome's 87.47 score significantly exceeds New York's 69.42 average, placing it in the upper tier of the state's at-risk counties. Only a handful of New York counties face higher composite risk.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Broome County's 87.47 score surpasses Chemung County (54.77) to the south and Cayuga County (61.51) to the northwest, though it ranks slightly above Albany County (85.88). Its location along the Susquehanna River valley amplifies flood exposure relative to neighboring regions.

Flooding poses the greatest hazard

Flood risk soars to 93.19—among the state's highest—followed by tornado risk at 83.59 and hurricane risk at 77.85. Broome's position along major river systems and its basin geography make flood preparedness critically important.

Flood insurance cannot wait

With flood risk at 93.19, flood insurance is essential regardless of your proximity to mapped floodplains—many damaging floods occur outside official zones. Pair this with a solid homeowners policy covering wind and tornado damage, and annually review your emergency plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Broome County

via WeatherByCounty

Broome County's Seasonal National Standing

Broome County averages 47.3°F annually, placing it well below the national median temperature of 55°F. Its climate is typical of the Appalachian Plateau, featuring cold winters and moist, temperate summers.

A Perfect Reflection of New York Weather

At 47.3°F, Broome County sits almost exactly at the New York state average of 47.4°F. It serves as a benchmark for the typical climatic conditions found across the state's interior.

Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Broome receives 86.5 inches of snow, significantly more than Albany's 53.7 inches. However, its July average of 69.7°F is very similar to Albany’s 71.2°F, keeping summer conditions comparable.

Deep Snow and Mild July Afternoons

The county is defined by its 86.5 inches of annual snowfall and a chilly January average of 23.7°F. Summers are temperate, with only 6 days reaching above 90°F and a July average of 69.7°F.

Winter Logistics and Snow Readiness

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity given the 86.5 inches of annual accumulation. The mild summers mean standard ventilation often suffices, as extreme heat occurs less than once a week on average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Broome County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in the Susquehanna Valley

Broome County’s soil has an average pH of 5.57, which is notably less acidic than the New York state average of 5.11. While still below the 6.5 national median, it provides a stable foundation for many local ecosystems.

Silty Texture Ideal for Tilling

Silt dominates the landscape at 54.6%, supported by 29.1% sand and 14.6% clay. This silty texture makes the soil easy to till while providing moderate nutrient-holding capacity for local farmers.

Healthy Organic Base and Water Levels

Organic matter levels reach 7.33%, which is much higher than the national 2.0% average. An available water capacity of 0.173 in/in falls just short of the 0.182 state benchmark, suggesting steady but necessary irrigation during dry spells.

Steady Water Flow Through Silt

Specific data for drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently recorded for the county. The high silt percentage indicates that the soil likely manages water moderately well, avoiding the extremes of heavy clay.

Versatile Planting in Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a supports a diverse range of vegetables and ornamental flowers. With a respectable soil score of 58.7, this is an excellent environment for establishing a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Broome County

via LawnByCounty

Premier Conditions for Lush Turf

Broome County is a standout for lawn care with a high difficulty score of 74.5, far exceeding the state average of 61.1. This Hardiness Zone 6a region offers some of the most favorable conditions for healthy grass in New York.

Ideal Rainfall and Low Stress

Annual precipitation of 42.2 inches sits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. Low heat stress, with only 6 days reaching 90°F or higher, keeps cool-season grasses from going dormant prematurely during the summer.

Solid Foundation with Moderate Acidity

The soil pH of 5.57 is slightly acidic, so adding lime can help reach the optimal 6.0-7.0 level. With 29.1% sand and 14.6% clay, the soil provides a decent balance for moisture management despite limited drainage data.

Exceptional Natural Moisture Stability

Broome County avoided all drought conditions over the past year, recording zero weeks of drought. This consistent natural moisture makes it much easier to maintain green space without relying on expensive irrigation systems.

A Long and Healthy Season

Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass flourish here thanks to the reliable rainfall and moderate temperatures. The growing window opens after the final frost on May 5, giving you ample time before the first fall frost on October 12.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broome County's county score?
Broome County, New York has a composite county score of 37.3 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 Broome County rank among counties in New York?
Broome County ranks #58 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 Broome County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Broome County is $3,824, with an effective tax rate of 2.64%. This earns Broome County a tax score of 0.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Broome County?
The median household income in Broome County, New York is $61,059 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Broome County earns an income score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Broome County, New York a good place to live?
Broome County scores 37.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in New York. The best way to evaluate Broome 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 Broome County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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