46.4
County Score
Schools 67.2Cost of Living 66.2Lawn Care 62.2

County Report Card

About Cattaraugus County, New York

Cattaraugus Nears the National Median

The county earns a composite score of 46.3, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It provides a fairly typical rural American livability profile.

Aligning with the New York Average

A score of 46.3 puts Cattaraugus right in line with the New York state average of 47.0. It represents the middle-of-the-pack for Empire State counties.

Strong Schools and Low Housing Costs

A School Score of 67.2 and Cost Score of 66.2 define this county's appeal. Median home values are very accessible for many at $109,400.

Taxes and Low Income Growth

The Tax Score of 0.2 reflects a heavy 2.693% effective rate on property. Income also lags with a score of 33.4 and a median of $58,248.

Ideal for First-Time Homebuyers

This county is a great match for young families seeking good schools and entry-level home prices. It requires a budget that can handle higher recurring tax payments.

Score breakdown

Tax0.2Cost66.2Safety43.2Health61.1Schools67.2Income33.4Risk18.4Water37.2Weather56
🏛0.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠66.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼33.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡43.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
61.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓67.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
18.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧37.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨55.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱62.2
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 Cattaraugus County?

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

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Cattaraugus County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cattaraugus County

via TaxByCounty

Cattaraugus ranks above state and national

Cattaraugus County's effective tax rate of 2.693% exceeds both the New York state average of 2.046% and sits above national norms. The median property tax of $2,946 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, though on a much lower median home value of $109,400 versus the national $281,900.

Among highest-taxed New York counties

Cattaraugus ranks in the upper quartile of New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates at 2.693%. This makes it one of the pricier places to own property in the state relative to home values.

Higher taxes than surrounding areas

Cattaraugus's 2.693% rate exceeds Chautauqua County's 2.386% and Allegany County's 2.943%, placing it in the upper range for southwestern New York. Though home values are modest ($109,400), the elevated rate creates one of the region's tightest tax burdens.

Budget roughly $2,946 annually

On a median Cattaraugus home worth $109,400, expect to pay approximately $2,946 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $3,383; without, it falls to $2,646.

Appeal your assessment to save

At this tax rate, an overassessment of just $5,000–$10,000 translates to $150–$300 in wasted taxes yearly. Filing a free appeal takes weeks and could permanently lower your tax bill by hundreds.

Cost of Living in Cattaraugus County

via CostByCounty

Cattaraugus beats affordability benchmarks

Cattaraugus County residents spend just 15.6% of income on rent, well below the national average of 17.0%, despite a median household income of $58,248 that trails the national median by $16,507. The county's exceptional housing costs mean residents retain more income for savings and essentials.

Affordable among New York counties

Cattaraugus County ranks among New York's most affordable regions, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%—below the state average of 17.6%. At $759 monthly, median rent costs $374 less than the state median, placing it in the county's affordability sweet spot.

Rural west NY affordability cluster

Cattaraugus rents of $759 are nearly identical to Allegany County ($754) and substantially cheaper than Chautauqua ($797), positioning the county within western New York's affordability corridor. Home values under $110,000 compete with the region's least expensive markets for genuine starter-home accessibility.

Income stretches across essentials

Renters dedicate just 15.6% of the $58,248 median income to $759 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.8% on ownership ($767/month). This leaves approximately 84% of household income for all other expenses—a luxury rare in high-cost regions.

Rural charm meets true affordability

If you prioritize affordability above urban amenities, Cattaraugus County delivers authentic rural living at genuine working-class prices—rent and home values that won't consume your paycheck. Homebuyers can achieve ownership for under $110,000; renters enjoy more breathing room than nearly any comparable U.S. county.

Income & Jobs in Cattaraugus County

via IncomeByCounty

Cattaraugus income lags national average

Cattaraugus County's median household income of $58,248 falls $16,507 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 22% gap. This below-average income reflects the county's rural economy, limited urbanization, and dependence on agriculture, light manufacturing, and retail trade.

Among New York's lower-income counties

Cattaraugus ranks in the lower tier of New York State's 62 counties, with a median household income nearly $18,200 below the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $31,173 also lags the state average by roughly $10,000, indicating limited high-wage opportunities.

Cattaraugus matches its regional standing

At $58,248, Cattaraugus's median household income sits between Chautauqua ($56,507) and Allegany ($61,233), reflecting its position in western New York's lower-income rural belt. All three counties share similar economic constraints tied to distance from major metropolitan employment centers.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

Cattaraugus's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, and the median home value of $109,400 aligns well with household earning capacity. Low housing costs provide breathing room for residents despite modest incomes.

Start small, save consistently, grow steadily

Cattaraugus residents can leverage low housing costs to build emergency funds and invest in long-term wealth. Explore employer benefits, automatic savings plans, and community investment opportunities to gradually increase financial security over time.

Safety in Cattaraugus County

via CrimeByCounty

Cattaraugus County Maintains Solid Safety Score

Cattaraugus County earns a safety score of 98.0, with a total crime rate of 1,279.2 per 100K. This rate is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Crime Levels Near New York Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,279.2 is slightly higher than the New York average of 1,074.4. However, its safety score of 98.0 aligns closely with the state average of 98.3.

Safer Profile Than Neighboring Chautauqua

Cattaraugus reports fewer crimes per capita than nearby Chautauqua County, which sits at 1,954.6. Local enforcement through nine agencies helps maintain this moderate crime profile.

Property Crimes Predominate the Local Landscape

Violent crime in Cattaraugus remains relatively low at 184.4 per 100K residents. Property crime is more common, totaling 1,094.8 incidents per 100K in the 2022 reporting cycle.

Fortify Your Home in Cattaraugus

Given that property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and tools. Visible security signage and sturdy locks can discourage potential intruders.

Health in Cattaraugus County

via HealthByCounty

Cattaraugus faces urgent health crisis

At 74.5 years, Cattaraugus County's life expectancy is more than 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—among the lowest in the nation. With 17.4% reporting poor or fair health and 6.6% uninsured, the county is experiencing a genuine public health emergency.

Worst health outcomes in New York

Cattaraugus County's 74.5-year life expectancy is the lowest of any county examined and 3.4 years below New York State's 77.9-year average. At 6.6% uninsured, it exceeds the state average of 5.3%, leaving many residents without healthcare access.

Crisis conditions compared to peers

Cattaraugus's 74.5-year life expectancy is nearly four years below Albany County and represents a stark regional disparity within upstate New York. With only 43 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest among examined counties—healthcare access is severely constrained.

Severe provider shortage, high uninsured rate

With just 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 192 mental health providers per 100,000, Cattaraugus County faces acute healthcare shortages. At 6.6% uninsured, many residents lack the means to reach even these limited services.

Coverage is critical—apply now

In Cattaraugus County, health insurance can be a lifeline. Reach out to a local navigator at communityhealth.org or call 1-800-338-1084 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or county health programs.

Schools in Cattaraugus County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Strong Rural Infrastructure

Cattaraugus County serves 11,476 students through 29 public schools distributed across 12 districts. The landscape features 10 elementary and 10 high schools, ensuring consistent pathways for rural learners.

High Graduation Rates and Local Success

With an 87.4% graduation rate, the county exceeds both national and state benchmarks for student completion. This success is supported by a $13,691 per-pupil expenditure and a competitive school score of 66.6.

Olean and Salamanca Drive County Enrollment

The Olean City School District is the county's largest, managing four schools for 1,864 students. All education in the county is delivered through traditional public districts, with zero charter schools currently in operation.

Community Schools in Town and Country

The county's schools are divided between rural areas and small towns, maintaining an average size of 396 students. Pioneer Middle School stands as the largest single facility, enrolling 662 students.

A Picturesque Setting for Academic Growth

Families moving to Cattaraugus County can enjoy high-performing rural schools that consistently beat national graduation averages. Consider exploring homes in the Olean or Allegany-Limestone districts for your next move.

Disaster Risk in Cattaraugus County

via RiskByCounty

Cattaraugus faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 81.58 and a relatively moderate rating, Cattaraugus County sits above the national average in disaster exposure. While not in the highest tier, its risk profile warrants intentional preparedness across multiple hazard types.

Above average compared to New York

Cattaraugus's 81.58 score exceeds New York's 69.42 state average by a notable margin, placing it in the upper-middle range of the state's at-risk counties. This puts it above roughly half of all New York counties.

Higher risk than nearby Allegany

Cattaraugus County's 81.58 score exceeds Allegany County (69.75) to the south but falls below Chautauqua County (84.64) to the west and Broome County (87.47) to the east. The county's position in western New York's flood-prone terrain drives its elevated risk.

Floods are your primary concern

Flood risk stands at 89.92—well above state average—while tornado risk (68.35) and hurricane risk (68.13) present secondary concerns. Cattaraugus's location in a region of rolling terrain and river valleys creates seasonal flood vulnerability.

Secure comprehensive flood coverage

Flood insurance is critical given the 89.92 flood risk; check local flood maps and consider coverage even outside designated flood zones. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and tornado damage, and keep gutters and drainage clear before heavy rain seasons.

Weather & Climate in Cattaraugus County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Moist in the National Context

Cattaraugus County’s annual average of 45.9°F is much cooler than the U.S. median. Its climate is characterized by significant precipitation and frequent lake-effect weather patterns.

Below the New York State Average

The county's 45.9°F average temperature falls 1.5 degrees below the New York state average of 47.4°F. It is one of the more rugged and weather-exposed counties in the western part of the state.

Comparing Western New York Neighbors

Cattaraugus is slightly warmer than Allegany (45.6°F) but significantly cooler than Chautauqua (49.3°F). It receives 122.1 inches of snow, which is more than triple the amount seen in Chemung County.

A True Winter Wonderland

Snow is the main event here, with 122.1 inches falling annually and January temperatures averaging 22.7°F. Summers remain cool and comfortable, with July temperatures averaging 67.9°F and only 3 days of extreme heat.

Equipping for Extreme Snowfall

High-clearance vehicles and industrial-grade snow blowers are essential for managing over 120 inches of snow. Outdoor planning should focus on the short summer window, as heat waves are extremely rare.

Soil Quality in Cattaraugus County

via SoilByCounty

Cattaraugus County’s Acidic Earth

The soil in Cattaraugus County is moderately acidic with a pH of 5.39. This figure is slightly above the state average of 5.11 but remains below the national median of 6.5.

Dense Silt for Moisture Retention

The soil consists of 23.1% sand, 50.6% silt, and 16.2% clay. This mix provides a dense, silty texture that holds onto nutrients and moisture effectively for local agriculture.

Exceptional Organic Material for Growth

High organic matter at 11.82% provides a rich base, easily beating the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is slightly below the state average, meaning the soil retains water reasonably well.

Planning for Soil Aeration Needs

Standard drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not provided in the current dataset. Given the high silt and clay content, growers should ensure proper aeration to prevent soil compaction over time.

Cold-Hardy Staples Thrive Here

Hardiness zone 5b means your garden can thrive with cold-hardy staples like kale, carrots, and fruit trees. A soil score of 55.6 confirms this land is ready for active cultivation and hobby farming.

Lawn Care in Cattaraugus County

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Lawns in the Southern Tier

Cattaraugus County scores a 62.2 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly easier to manage than the average New York yard. This Zone 5b county stays cooler than its neighbors, which helps prevent grass from scorching in the peak of summer.

Abundant Water and Cool Days

The county receives a healthy 47.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average of 43.3 inches. Only 3 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn spends most of the summer in its physiological comfort zone.

Stable Texture with Acidic pH

Soil pH is 5.39, indicating an acidic environment that benefits from regular pH testing and amendments. The texture is a mix of 16.2% clay and 23.1% sand, offering a stable base for root development in this region.

Navigating Occasional Dry Spells

Despite high annual rainfall, the county saw 11 weeks in drought last year, with 25.5% currently in abnormally dry status. Maintaining a taller mowing height can help shade the soil and preserve moisture during these dry intervals.

Harden Your Yard for Winter

Choose hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass to withstand the cold Zone 5b winters. Start your seeding projects in mid-May after the last frost on May 14 to ensure young plants survive their first year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cattaraugus County's county score?
Cattaraugus County, New York has a composite county score of 46.4 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 Cattaraugus County rank among counties in New York?
Cattaraugus County ranks #32 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 Cattaraugus County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Cattaraugus County is $2,946, with an effective tax rate of 2.69%. This earns Cattaraugus County a tax score of 0.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cattaraugus County?
The median household income in Cattaraugus County, New York is $58,248 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cattaraugus County earns an income score of 33.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cattaraugus County, New York a good place to live?
Cattaraugus County scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in New York. The best way to evaluate Cattaraugus 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 Cattaraugus County with other counties side by side.