CountyScore

Cayuga County

New York · NY

#25 in New York
59
County Score

County Report Card

About Cayuga County, New York

Cayuga leads this regional group nationally

Cayuga County's composite score of 55.8 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 6 points, ranking it solidly in the upper third of American counties. This Finger Lakes county achieves above-average livability by national standards.

Cayuga ranks above New York state

Cayuga's score of 55.8 exceeds New York's state average of 54.7, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The county outperforms most of its upstate and regional neighbors.

Strong balance of affordability and taxes

Cayuga's cost score of 76.3 and tax score of 38.1 represent the county's best attributes, with a median home value of $164,200 and an effective tax rate of 2.282%—among the most reasonable in this set. This combination of housing affordability and moderate fiscal burden supports livability.

Income levels remain modest

Cayuga's income score of 26.9 reflects a median household income of $66,583, below many comparable counties and limiting wealth accumulation potential. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions remain unavailable, preventing a comprehensive livability assessment.

Balanced choice for moderate earners

Cayuga County suits families and professionals seeking a middle-ground county with decent housing affordability, manageable taxes, and rural-to-suburban character in the scenic Finger Lakes region. The county appeals to those willing to accept modest incomes in exchange for reasonable living costs and quality-of-life balance.

Score breakdown

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

Tax38.1Cost76.3SafetyComing SoonHealth74.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.9Risk38.5WaterComing Soon
🏛38.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡38.5
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 Cayuga County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Collier County
Florida
59
Median income: $86,173
St. Lucie County
Florida
59
Median income: $69,027
Worcester County
Massachusetts
59
Median income: $93,561
St. Lawrence County
New York
59
Median income: $61,900
York County
Pennsylvania
59
Median income: $82,238

Deep Dives

Cayuga County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cayuga County

via TaxByCounty

Cayuga moderately above state average

Cayuga County's effective tax rate of 2.282% sits above the New York state average of 2.046%, making it moderately expensive statewide. The median property tax of $3,747 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 39%, reflecting Cayuga's 2.282% rate applied to homes worth $164,200.

Upper-middle tier among New York counties

Cayuga ranks in the upper-middle tier of New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates at 2.282%. The county consistently collects above-state-average property taxes, adding pressure to homeowner budgets.

Competitive with central-New York peers

Cayuga's 2.282% rate falls between Chemung County's 2.522% and Broome County's 2.635%, positioning it as moderately priced for the region. With median homes at $164,200, Cayuga offers mid-range values but above-average tax pressure.

Annual taxes approximately $3,747

On Cayuga's median home value of $164,200, you'll owe roughly $3,747 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $4,152; without, approximately $3,249.

Overassessed homeowners need to appeal

With effective rates above state average, overassessment errors hit your wallet harder than in lower-tax counties. A simple appeal could save you $300–$500 annually if your home's assessed value exceeds recent market sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cayuga County

via CostByCounty

Cayuga balances income and housing

Cayuga County residents spend 16.1% of their income on rent, below the national average of 17.0%, with a median household income of $66,583 that moderately exceeds the national median. The county's favorable rent-to-income ratio positions it as an above-average affordability option for American renters.

Below state average affordability

Cayuga County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% sits below New York's state average of 17.6%, making it one of the state's more affordable mid-tier counties. The $895 median rent trails the state average by $238 monthly, reflecting Finger Lakes region pricing.

Finger Lakes affordability anchor

Cayuga's $895 rent sits between nearby Onondaga County and rural counties like Allegany, with home values of $164,200 offering genuine middle-class entry points. The county serves as the region's affordability anchor, undercutting Syracuse while maintaining regional connectivity.

Moderate housing burden

Renters spend 16.1% of the $66,583 median income on $895 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 19.0% to ownership costs ($1,051/month). Both ratios remain comfortably below state and national averages, leaving substantial income for other household priorities.

Finger Lakes living without premium

Cayuga County offers Finger Lakes character—natural beauty, wine country, and college-town vitality—without the housing-cost premium of nearby Syracuse or Rochester. If you earn $65,000–$80,000 and seek small-city sophistication at small-town prices, Cayuga delivers genuine value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cayuga County

via IncomeByCounty

Cayuga income approaches the national median

Cayuga County's median household income of $66,583 sits $8,172 below the U.S. median of $74,755, a modest 11% shortfall. The county's position reflects its status as a moderate-income region anchored by education and agriculture, with growing service-sector employment.

Cayuga ranks in New York's middle band

Cayuga ranks in the middle tier of New York State's 62 counties, with a median household income roughly $9,850 below the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $36,547 falls about $4,600 short of the state average, indicating moderate earning capacity.

Cayuga leads many surrounding counties

Cayuga's $66,583 median household income outpaces Broome ($61,059), Cattaraugus ($58,248), and Chautauqua ($56,507), though it trails the more prosperous Albany ($83,149). The county's position reflects its education and tourism sectors alongside traditional agriculture.

Balanced housing costs support homeownership

Cayuga's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, and the median home value of $164,200 aligns reasonably with household earnings. Residents enjoy genuine affordability for both renting and homeownership relative to their income.

Build lasting wealth through planning

Cayuga households with moderate incomes and favorable housing costs are well-positioned to invest surplus earnings into long-term wealth. Prioritize retirement savings, consider real estate appreciation, and explore investment diversification to secure financial independence over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cayuga County

via HealthByCounty

Cayuga nears national health benchmarks

At 77.6 years, Cayuga County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing it in the healthier half of American counties. However, 17.9% report poor or fair health, suggesting room for improvement despite the favorable life expectancy number.

Just below state average outcomes

Cayuga County's 77.6-year life expectancy is slightly below New York State's 77.9-year average, making it a middle-tier county statewide. Its 6.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 5.3%, indicating slightly higher coverage gaps.

Mid-tier health with low provider supply

Cayuga's 77.6-year life expectancy is respectable, but its 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is the lowest of all eight counties examined. This provider shortage creates a daily access challenge despite reasonable overall health metrics.

Healthcare desert despite decent outcomes

Cayuga County's real challenge isn't coverage—6.0% uninsured is near the state average—but access, with only 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Residents often travel significant distances or wait months for appointments.

Maintain coverage while seeking local care

Even with decent overall health metrics, Cayuga County residents should keep insurance current to afford necessary travel for specialized care. Review your coverage at healthcare.gov or contact the Cayuga County health department for local options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cayuga County

via RiskByCounty

Cayuga ranks among safer counties

With a composite risk score of 61.51 and a relatively low rating, Cayuga County sits below the national average and represents one of New York's safer regions. This lower exposure allows you to focus insurance dollars more strategically.

Below average risk for New York

Cayuga's 61.51 score sits well below New York's 69.42 state average, making it one of the state's least exposed counties. It ranks among the safest in the Finger Lakes and central regions.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Cayuga County's 61.51 score is notably lower than Albany (85.88), Broome (87.47), Chautauqua (84.64), and Cattaraugus (81.58). Only Chemung County (54.77) nearby presents comparable or lower risk.

Floods pose the main hazard

Flood risk at 78.09 is your primary concern, though tornado risk (39.19) and earthquake risk (47.74) remain well below state averages. Cayuga's position near Cayuga Lake creates localized flood exposure that deserves attention during wet seasons.

Flood insurance remains wise coverage

Despite lower overall risk, flood insurance is prudent given the 78.09 flood score—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Your baseline homeowners or renters policy should adequately cover tornado and wind; focus supplemental spending on flood protection.

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.