countyscore
43.8
County Score
Health 73Lawn Care 70.5Soil Quality 65.1

County Report Card

About Cayuga County, New York

Cayuga Falls Under the National Median

Cayuga County’s composite score of 43.8 is below the 50.0 national midpoint. It ranks as a moderate-performing county on the national stage.

Steady Performance Near State Average

With a score of 43.8, Cayuga is slightly below the New York state average of 47.0. It maintains a stable position within the Finger Lakes region.

Reliable Health and Moderate Income

Health scores well at 73.0, and the Income Score of 58.2 reflects a median household income of $66,583. Schools also contribute positively with a 54.2 score.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

The Tax Score of 1.5 is weighed down by a 2.282% effective rate. Water quality or access is a notable challenge with a score of 25.6.

Best for Middle-Income Professionals

Cayuga suits those looking for a balanced life with steady income and decent healthcare. It is a good fit for residents who prefer smaller-city living.

204060801001.53553.17354.258.238.525.655.4Tax1.5Cost35Safety53.1Health73Schools54.2Income58.2Risk38.5Water25.6Weather55.443.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Cayuga County DNA

Foverall

How Cayuga County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cayuga County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (1.5/100), though Health (73/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.5-50.5
Cost
35-13
Safety
53.1
Health
73+23
Schools
54.2
Income
58.2
Risk
38.5-8.5
Water
25.6-32.4
Weather
55.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Cayuga County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$895/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,583/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.3

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
Compare Cayuga County with Clark County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Clark County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,985
43.8
Putnam County
Georgia
Median income: $64,163
43.8
Alcorn County
Mississippi
Median income: $49,404
43.8
Noble County
Oklahoma
Median income: $70,071
43.8
Lackawanna County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $64,691
43.8
Laurens County
South Carolina
Median income: $55,517
43.8
Zavala County
Texas
Median income: $41,887
43.8
Crawford County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,362
43.7

Nearby counties

Onondaga County
New York
36.8
Seneca County
New York
45.3
Wayne County
New York
49.6
Oswego County
New York
42.8
Cortland County
New York
38.9
Yates County
New York
51.3
Tompkins County
New York
38.4
Ontario County
New York
47.6

Deep Dives

Cayuga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Cayuga County

via CrimeByCounty

Cayuga County Safer Than National Average

Cayuga County’s total crime rate of 1,060.8 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a strong safety score of 98.3.

Cayuga Perfectly Mirrors State Averages

Cayuga’s safety score of 98.3 and total crime rate of 1,060.8 almost exactly match the New York state averages. This indicates a very typical safety profile for the region.

Cayuga Offers More Peace Than Albany

Compared to more urban neighbors like Albany County, Cayuga is significantly quieter and reports far less crime. Five dedicated agencies manage law enforcement across the county’s jurisdictions.

Low Violent Crime Rates in Cayuga

Violent crime is kept to 132.6 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 928.2. These figures demonstrate that Cayuga is a low-risk area for most residents.

Proactive Security Pays Off in Cayuga

Maintaining the county's safety requires individual resident awareness and simple security habits. Ensuring all windows and doors are locked nightly helps keep property crime figures low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cayuga County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Heart of the Finger Lakes

Cayuga County supports 8,727 students through 22 public schools operating in 8 districts. The county features a streamlined system with 11 elementary schools and 8 high schools.

A Focus on Improving Student Outcomes

The county reports an 80.5% graduation rate and invests $13,380 per pupil, which is slightly above the national spending average. The current composite school score stands at 62.3.

Auburn City Schools Anchor the Region

The Auburn City School District is the dominant provider, educating 3,793 students across seven schools. Traditional public districts are the sole source of education here, as there are no charter schools in the county.

Rural Schools with a Town Center

Schooling in Cayuga is split between 14 rural locations and 8 town settings, with an average school size of 397 students. Auburn High School is by far the largest institution, serving 1,183 students.

Settling Down in Cayuga's School Districts

School quality is a major factor for families eyeing property in the Finger Lakes region. Researching districts like Auburn or Cato-Meridian can help you find the right balance of community and education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Cayuga County

via WaterByCounty

Cayuga County Exceeds State Violation Average

Cayuga County receives a Grade F for its 46 drinking water health violations. Its violation rate of 88.0 per 100K is higher than the New York state average of 81.8, signaling serious compliance issues.

Local Watershed Health Data Missing

The federal government has not yet included Cayuga County water bodies in its §303(d) assessment records. Information regarding impaired water percentages or top causes of impairment is currently unavailable.

Extensive Monitoring for Toxins and Nutrients

Cayuga County has 24 monitoring sites that have logged 6,207 measurements over five years. Data collection here is unique for its focus on cyanotoxins, phytotoxins, and nutrients.

Seneca River Flowing at Double Normal

The Seneca River near Port Byron is flowing at 6,540 cfs, which is 205% of its long-term mean. This extreme discharge level indicates significant recent runoff or precipitation events.

High Violation Rates Demand Resident Action

With a violation rate exceeding the state average, residents should prioritize water testing and follow local health advisories. The high Seneca River flow may increase the risk of cyanotoxin blooms, a key focus of local monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cayuga County

via WeatherByCounty

Cayuga's Place in the National Climate

Cayuga County averages 47.5°F annually, keeping it firmly in the cooler half of the United States. Its proximity to the Finger Lakes influences its humidity and seasonal transitions.

Mirroring the Empire State Average

Cayuga's 47.5°F annual average is nearly identical to the New York state average of 47.4°F. This makes it a representative sample of the typical Central New York climate.

Similar to Central New York Peers

Cayuga averages 82.8 inches of snow, very close to Broome County's 86.5 inches. Its July temperature of 70.5°F is slightly warmer than Broome’s 69.7°F, reflecting a consistent regional profile.

Snowy Winters and Bright Summers

Winter brings 82.8 inches of snow and a January average of 23.6°F. July is pleasantly warm at 70.5°F, though residents only face about 7 days of 90°F heat per year.

Preparing for Year-Round Activity

Reliable heating systems and winter-tread tires are vital for the 80-plus inches of snow. While summers are generally mild, a week of extreme heat typically requires at least localized air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cayuga County

via SoilByCounty

Cayuga's Prime Agricultural pH

Cayuga County boasts a pH of 5.96, one of the closest in the state to the national median of 6.5. These relatively balanced acidity levels are much higher than the New York state average of 5.11.

A Versatile and Balanced Texture

The profile contains 34.3% sand, 46.3% silt, and 16.8% clay. This balanced texture offers a versatile environment that is easy to work while maintaining enough clay to support plant health.

Solid Foundation for Finger Lakes Farming

Organic matter sits at 8.37%, well above the 2.0% national norm but lower than the New York average of 17.01%. The available water capacity of 0.168 in/in provides reliable moisture for most regional crops.

Efficient Drainage for Diverse Crops

There is no specific classification data for drainage or hydrologic groups available at this time. The soil's texture suggests it drains efficiently without losing moisture too quickly, making it ideal for diverse farming.

Top-Tier Growing in Zone 6a

Situated in hardiness zone 6a, this area is perfect for growing everything from sweet corn to pumpkins. With a high soil score of 65.1, the conditions are among the best in the state for starting your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cayuga County

via LawnByCounty

Finger Lakes Gardening Success

Cayuga County earns a 70.5 lawn difficulty score, indicating that maintaining a green yard is easier here than in most of the state. The Hardiness Zone 6a climate is well-suited for traditional New York grass varieties.

Steady Climate for Turf Development

Annual precipitation of 40.2 inches provides a solid foundation for growth. The county sees 7 extreme heat days, aligning perfectly with the New York state norm for summer temperature stress and mowing frequency.

Superior Soil Composition for Drainage

Soil pH in Cayuga is 5.96, nearly reaching the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient absorption. The 34.3% sand content helps prevent waterlogging, making this one of the better soil profiles for lawn health in the region.

Managing Moderate Drought Vulnerability

The county has spent 24 weeks in drought over the last year, and 59.1% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Homeowners should prioritize water conservation and consider drought-resistant seed mixes to handle these long dry spells.

Maximize a Long Growing Season

Fine fescue and tall fescue are excellent choices for these conditions. The growing season kicks off after the last frost on May 2, providing a long window for establishment before the October 21 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cayuga County's county score?
Cayuga County, New York has a composite county score of 43.8 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 Cayuga County rank among counties in New York?
Cayuga County ranks #40 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 Cayuga County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Cayuga County is $3,747, with an effective tax rate of 2.28%. This earns Cayuga County a tax score of 1.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cayuga County?
The median household income in Cayuga County, New York is $66,583 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cayuga County earns an income score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cayuga County, New York a good place to live?
Cayuga County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in New York. The best way to evaluate Cayuga 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 Cayuga 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.