CountyScore

Chautauqua County

New York · NY

#35 in New York
57.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Chautauqua County, New York

Chautauqua exceeds national livability median

Chautauqua County's composite score of 56.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 7 points, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This southwestern New York county achieves strong livability by national comparison.

Top performer within New York

Chautauqua's score of 56.8 exceeds New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. The county outpaces most upstate peers and regional neighbors in overall livability.

Exceptional housing affordability dominates

Chautauqua's cost score of 82.2 is among the highest in this set, with a median home value of $119,300 and rent at $797/month—creating exceptional affordability. This strength is Chautauqua's primary livability asset.

Income potential and taxes constrain growth

Chautauqua's income score of 20.3 is the lowest here, with a median household income of $56,507, while a tax score of 35.2 and effective rate of 2.386% add fiscal pressure. The absence of safety, health, school, and environmental data limits a fuller livability picture.

Ideal for cost-first retirees and remote workers

Chautauqua County suits retirees, remote workers, and others prioritizing ultra-low housing costs over income growth in a rural, lakeside setting. The county's exceptional affordability and above-average state ranking make it appealing for those seeking maximum purchasing power on modest fixed incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax35.2Cost82.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.3Risk15.4WaterComing Soon
🏛35.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.4
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 Chautauqua County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cortland County
New York
57.5
Median income: $67,527
Dallam County
Texas
57.5
Median income: $72,332
Plymouth County
Massachusetts
57.6
Median income: $109,698
Chemung County
New York
57.4
Median income: $63,469
Steuben County
New York
57.4
Median income: $64,740

Deep Dives

Chautauqua County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chautauqua County

via TaxByCounty

Chautauqua above average but moderate

Chautauqua County's effective tax rate of 2.386% exceeds the New York state average of 2.046%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The median property tax of $2,846 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by a moderate rate on modestly valued homes at $119,300.

Upper-middle tier in New York

Chautauqua ranks in the upper-middle range of New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates at 2.386%. The county maintains above-state-average tax pressure while keeping median home values relatively affordable.

Balanced within southwestern cluster

Chautauqua's 2.386% rate sits between Cattaraugus County's 2.693% and Allegany County's 2.943%, making it the most affordable in this southwestern corner. Home values are similarly modest, creating a balanced tax-to-value ratio.

Approximately $2,846 annually

On Chautauqua's median home value of $119,300, you'll pay roughly $2,846 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $3,222; without, it drops to $2,546.

Assessment appeal could deliver savings

Even modest overassessments add up at this rate—$200–$400 annually for every $10,000 in inflated value. A free appeal to your local assessor takes minimal time and could cut your tax bill permanently.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chautauqua County

via CostByCounty

Chautauqua offers solid affordability

Chautauqua County residents spend 16.9% of income on rent, below the national average of 17.0%, with a median household income of $56,507 running about $18,000 below the national median. Despite lower wages, the county's housing costs remain remarkably reasonable, supporting household financial stability.

Affordable New York outpost

Chautauqua County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below New York's state average of 17.6%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. The $797 median rent costs $336 less than the state average, delivering genuine savings for renters.

Western NY affordability tier

Chautauqua's $797 rent sits between Allegany/Cattaraugus's sub-$760 markets and Broome's $914, positioned as an affordable option in western New York's rural belt. Home values of $119,300 remain accessible for working-class homebuyers seeking equity-building opportunities.

Housing leaves room to breathe

Renters dedicate 16.9% of the $56,507 median income to $797 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 16.7% on ownership ($785/month). Both figures sit below national and state averages, preserving household resources for savings, healthcare, and family needs.

Lake-country living on budget

If you're seeking western New York's lakeside communities and small-town character without financial strain, Chautauqua County delivers exceptional affordability alongside natural beauty. Homebuyers can achieve ownership under $120,000; renters enjoy sub-17% housing burdens—a rarity across America.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chautauqua County

via IncomeByCounty

Chautauqua income trails national average

Chautauqua County's median household income of $56,507 falls $18,248 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 24% gap. This below-average income reflects the county's rural economy, limited metropolitan proximity, and reliance on agriculture, manufacturing decline, and small-business employment.

Among New York's lowest-income counties

Chautauqua ranks in the lowest tier of New York State's 62 counties, with a median household income nearly $19,900 below the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $31,951 lags the state average by roughly $9,200, indicating limited employment in high-wage sectors.

Chautauqua faces competitive income pressures

Chautauqua's $56,507 median household income ranks among the state's lowest, trailing Allegany ($61,233), Cattaraugus ($58,248), and all other neighboring counties. This position reflects broader western New York economic challenges tied to industrial decline and distance from metro employment hubs.

Low housing costs ease income constraints

Chautauqua's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, and median home values of $119,300 align well with household earnings. Despite low incomes, housing affordability provides genuine financial relief for residents.

Maximize savings through low housing costs

Chautauqua residents can leverage some of the state's most affordable housing to accumulate savings and invest incrementally. Focus on employer benefits, micro-savings habits, and local economic development to build pathways toward long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chautauqua County

via HealthByCounty

Chautauqua lags national health expectations

At 75.7 years, Chautauqua County's life expectancy falls 0.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces meaningful health challenges that warrant attention.

Below-average outcomes for New York

Chautauqua County's 75.7-year life expectancy lags New York State's 77.9-year average by 2.2 years, indicating persistent regional health disparities. Its 5.8% uninsured rate is above the state average of 5.3%.

Similar struggles in rural upstate counties

Chautauqua's 75.7-year life expectancy is in line with neighboring Cattaraugus County (74.5 years) and Chemung County (75.0 years), reflecting shared challenges across rural western New York. With 63 primary care providers per 100,000, it has better access than Allegany or Cayuga.

Moderate access, persistent coverage gaps

With 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Chautauqua has serviceable—if not robust—healthcare infrastructure. However, its 5.8% uninsured rate means more than 6,500 residents lack consistent access to preventive care.

Bridge the coverage gap in your county

Chautauqua County's above-average uninsured rate means your neighbors are going without care. Help yourself and your family by exploring options at healthcare.gov or speaking with a county health navigator.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chautauqua County

via RiskByCounty

Chautauqua faces moderate-to-high risk

With a composite risk score of 84.64 and a relatively moderate rating, Chautauqua County ranks above the national average in disaster exposure. Its waterfront position and regional hazard convergence create compounded vulnerability.

Well above state average for risk

Chautauqua's 84.64 score significantly exceeds New York's 69.42 state average, placing it among the higher-risk counties statewide. Only a few counties face comparable or greater exposure.

Riskier than western region peers

Chautauqua County's 84.64 score exceeds Allegany County (69.75) to the south and Cattaraugus County (81.58) to the east, though it sits slightly below Broome County (87.47) far to the east. Its Lake Erie shoreline and western New York location drive elevated risk.

Floods and tornadoes lead threats

Flood risk reaches 91.28—among the state's highest—while tornado risk stands at 76.14, and wildfire risk at 43.13 exceeds most county neighbors. Chautauqua's position along Lake Erie and in a storm corridor amplifies both water and wind hazards.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage

Flood insurance is essential at 91.28 risk; verify coverage even if you believe you're outside floodplain zones. Ensure your homeowners policy explicitly covers wind and tornado damage, and keep your home's roof and structure in good repair to withstand high winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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