CountyScore

Chemung County

New York · NY

#37 in New York
57.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Chemung County, New York

Chemung matches the national average

Chemung County's composite score of 52.5 sits just above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the moderate range of American county livability. This southern tier county achieves standard livability without standing out nationally.

Slightly below New York state average

Chemung's score of 52.5 trails New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 62 counties. The county underperforms most regional peers and upstate neighbors.

Housing affordability remains solid

Chemung's cost score of 75.4 reflects strong housing affordability, with a median home value of $132,100 and rent at $1,020/month—reasonable for the region. This economic accessibility supports overall livability despite other constraints.

Taxes and incomes limit financial progress

Chemung's tax score of 31.3 and income score of 24.8 reveal pressure points, with an effective tax rate of 2.522% and median household income of $63,469 constraining household wealth growth. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete livability assessment.

Practical base for budget-conscious households

Chemung County appeals to working families and individuals balancing affordable housing with modest income potential in a rural-industrial setting. The county suits those seeking reasonable cost-of-living and small-town character without premium amenities or income growth opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax31.3Cost75.4SafetyComing SoonHealth74.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.8Risk45.2WaterComing Soon
🏛31.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.8
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
⚡45.2
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 Chemung County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Steuben County
New York
57.4
Median income: $64,740
Berks County
Pennsylvania
57.4
Median income: $77,684
Chautauqua County
New York
57.5
Median income: $56,507
Cortland County
New York
57.5
Median income: $67,527
Erie County
New York
57.3
Median income: $71,175

Deep Dives

Chemung County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chemung County

via TaxByCounty

Chemung slightly above New York average

Chemung County's effective tax rate of 2.522% exceeds the New York state average of 2.046%, placing it in the higher tier statewide. The median property tax of $3,332 is 24% above the national median of $2,690, collected on median homes valued at $132,100.

Upper tier among New York counties

Chemung ranks in the upper tier of New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates at 2.522%. The county consistently collects above-state-average property taxes relative to home values.

Mid-range for central New York

Chemung's 2.522% rate sits between Cayuga County's 2.282% and Broome County's 2.635%, positioning it as moderate within the central-New York cluster. Median home values of $132,100 are the lowest in this peer group, yet taxes remain above state average.

Budget approximately $3,332 annually

On Chemung's median home value of $132,100, you'll owe roughly $3,332 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $3,737; without, approximately $2,846.

Free appeals could cut your bill

With rates this elevated, even $10,000 in overassessment means $250+ wasted annually on taxes. A formal appeal costs nothing and typically takes 30 days—worth pursuing if your home's market value has dropped or the assessor's estimate seems inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chemung County

via CostByCounty

Chemung rents run above national norms

Chemung County residents spend 19.3% of their income on rent—above the national average of 17.0%—with a median household income of $63,469 running about $11,000 below the national median. The combination of below-average wages and above-average rents creates tighter housing budgets than most American counties.

Above state average affordability burden

Chemung County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds New York's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. The $1,020 median rent runs $113 above the state average, straining household budgets more than most comparable New York regions.

Upstate pricing amid regional competition

Chemung's $1,020 rent exceeds nearby Broome ($914) and Allegany ($754) but undercuts the Finger Lakes and Rochester areas, with home values of $132,100 representing moderate accessibility. The county sits at the affordability inflection point where Upstate meets mid-market pricing.

Housing absorbs larger income share

Renters spend 19.3% of the $63,469 median income on $1,020 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 18.0% to ownership costs ($952/month). Both figures exceed state and national averages, leaving less discretionary income than comparable counties.

Weigh Corning's appeal against costs

Chemung County offers Corning's cultural amenities and small-city stability, but housing costs run steeper than comparable rural alternatives—expect to dedicate roughly 19–20% of income to rent. If your income exceeds $65,000 and you value regional amenities over maximum affordability, the county remains viable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chemung County

via IncomeByCounty

Chemung income moderately trails national median

Chemung County's median household income of $63,469 falls $11,286 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 15% gap. This below-average income reflects the county's transition away from manufacturing and dependence on healthcare, education, and retail services.

Chemung ranks in New York's lower-middle tier

Chemung ranks in the lower-middle tier of New York State's 62 counties, with a median household income roughly $12,964 below the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $35,624 also lags the state average of $41,133 by about $5,500.

Chemung outpaces many regional peers

Chemung's $63,469 median household income exceeds Chautauqua ($56,507) and Cattaraugus ($58,248), placing it in the mid-range of upstate counties. The county's educational institutions and healthcare employment provide more diverse income opportunities than some surrounding rural areas.

Housing costs present moderate affordability stress

Chemung's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds some peers but remains below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs overall. With a median home value of $132,100, homeownership requires significant commitment but remains accessible for many households.

Strategic savings unlock long-term security

Chemung households can build wealth by capturing employer retirement benefits and maintaining consistent savings discipline despite moderate incomes. With reasonable housing affordability, prioritize building emergency reserves and diversifying investments to strengthen financial resilience over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chemung County

via HealthByCounty

Chemung County health significantly below average

At 75.0 years, Chemung County's life expectancy falls 1.1 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 16.9% reporting poor or fair health and 4.8% uninsured, the county faces dual challenges of poor health outcomes and limited coverage.

Well below New York health standards

Chemung County's 75.0-year life expectancy is the second-lowest among the eight counties and trails New York State's 77.9-year average by 2.9 years. Its 4.8% uninsured rate is near the state average, indicating moderate insurance access.

Comparable health crisis to nearby counties

Chemung's 75.0-year life expectancy mirrors Chautauqua County (75.7 years) and reflects a broader pattern of poor health outcomes across rural upstate New York. With 78 primary care providers per 100,000, Chemung has better-than-average provider supply despite its low life expectancy.

Provider access strong but outcomes lag

Chemung County has 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 344 mental health providers per 100,000—among the best access in the region. Yet with a 75.0-year life expectancy, provider supply alone hasn't translated to better health outcomes.

Use available care to improve health

With 4.8% uninsured and good provider availability, Chemung County residents have the infrastructure for better health. Make your coverage count by scheduling preventive care appointments and adhering to treatment plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chemung County

via RiskByCounty

Chemung ranks among safer U.S. counties

With a composite risk score of 54.77 and a relatively low rating, Chemung County sits well below the national average in disaster exposure. This favorable position allows for more selective insurance and preparedness strategies.

One of New York's safest counties

Chemung's 54.77 score ranks among the lowest in New York, sitting notably below the state average of 69.42. It consistently underperforms the state on major hazard categories, making it one of the safer regions to live in.

Safest county in its region

Chemung County's 54.77 score is the lowest among nearby counties, including Broome (87.47), Cattaraugus (81.58), and Allegany (69.75). Its inland location and terrain provide natural protection from major disaster exposure.

Floods present the primary concern

Flood risk at 72.17 is your main hazard, though tornado risk (52.83) and hurricane risk (66.33) both remain moderate and manageable. Chemung's location along river corridors creates seasonal flood vulnerability despite its generally safer profile.

Basic flood coverage is prudent

While Chemung faces lower overall risk, flood insurance at 72.17 remains smart protection since standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. A solid homeowners policy covering wind and liability should adequately address your remaining hazards in this relatively safe county.

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.