countyscore
39.4
County Score
Health 70.1Water Quality 69.5Lawn Care 68.3

County Report Card

About Chemung County, New York

Chemung Scores Below National Average

Chemung County earns a composite score of 39.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower third of counties for overall livability.

Trailing the New York Average

The county's 39.3 score is well below the New York state average of 47.0. This indicates significant room for improvement in community services.

Clean Water and Strong Health

The Water Score of 69.5 and Health Score of 70.1 stand out as major assets. Income levels are also moderate with a median of $63,469.

High Tax Rates and Cost Hurdles

The Tax Score is a low 0.6 due to a 2.522% effective rate. A Cost Score of 30.9 and School Score of 48.5 reflect ongoing economic and social pressures.

Suited for Health-Conscious Residents

Chemung is a solid choice for those who value environmental factors like water quality and healthcare. It works best for households that can manage higher taxes.

204060801000.630.936.970.148.549.445.269.551.8Tax0.6Cost30.9Safety36.9Health70.1Schools48.5Income49.4Risk45.2Water69.5Weather51.839.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Chemung County DNA

Foverall

How Chemung County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chemung County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (70.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.6-51.4
Cost
30.9-17.1
Safety
36.9-18.1
Health
70.1+20.099999999999994
Schools
48.5
Income
49.4
Risk
45.2
Water
69.5+11.5
Weather
51.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Chemung County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$132,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,020/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$132,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,469/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.3

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 Chemung County with Wicomico County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Schuyler County
New York
58.2
Tioga County
New York
53.8
Tompkins County
New York
38.4
Bradford County
Pennsylvania
53.8
Tioga County
Pennsylvania
53
Yates County
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51.3
Steuben County
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Seneca County
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45.3

Deep Dives

Chemung County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Chemung County

via CrimeByCounty

Chemung County Outpaces National Safety

Chemung County maintains a safety score of 97.7, with a total crime rate of 1,462.0 per 100K. This makes the county significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5.

Chemung Nears New York Safety Average

The county's safety score of 97.7 is just below the New York average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1,462.0 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,074.4.

Chemung is Safer Than Neighboring Broome

Chemung County reports a lower crime rate than Broome County, which sees 2,372.9 incidents per 100K. Five reporting agencies provide coverage for the Chemung area's public safety needs.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Low

Chemung reports a low violent crime rate of 129.2 per 100K, which is nearly equal to the state average. Property crime accounts for 1,332.8 incidents per 100K residents.

Simple Steps for a Safer Chemung Home

Because property crime is the most common issue, basic home security habits are essential. Securing valuables out of sight and using timers for indoor lights can prevent opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chemung County

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Education in Chemung County

Chemung County provides education to 10,929 students through a compact network of 24 schools and 4 districts. The system is elementary-heavy, featuring 15 primary schools alongside 4 middle and 4 high schools.

Meeting Challenges in Student Graduation

The graduation rate sits at 73.9%, which trails behind both state and national benchmarks. Per-pupil spending is $12,020, resulting in a composite school score of 55.9 for the region.

Major Districts and Charter Options

Elmira City School District is the largest, with 5,400 students across 11 schools. The county also features one charter school, providing a unique alternative within the primarily district-led landscape.

Suburban Classrooms and Larger Campuses

Most students attend schools in suburban (15) or city (8) locales, with an average school size of 455. Elmira High School is the largest campus in the county, currently serving 1,249 students.

Relocate Near Chemung's Top Schools

When searching for a home in Chemung County, consider the school district as a primary factor for long-term value. Neighborhoods in the Horseheads or Elmira Heights districts are popular choices for local families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Chemung County

via WaterByCounty

Chemung Water Systems Lead with Grade B

Chemung County earns a strong Grade B, recording only one health violation in the last five years. Its violation rate of 1.2 per 100K is far better than the state average of 81.8.

Clean Water Act Reporting Pending

Chemung County water bodies have not yet been integrated into the federal §303(d) assessment database. There is currently no federal data on impairment percentages or top contaminants for this area.

Focused Monitoring for PFAS and Metals

Six monitoring sites have generated 658 measurements over the past five years. These records are notable for tracking PFAS (perfluorinated substances) and metals alongside physical water properties.

Chemung River Experience High Flow

The Chemung River at Chemung is currently flowing at 4,310 cfs, which is 164% of its long-term mean. This elevated flow indicates a significant increase in water volume for the watershed.

Strong Compliance with Emerging Contaminant Focus

Chemung County residents benefit from one of the best compliance rates in the state. However, with the river flowing well above average, stay mindful of runoff and the PFAS levels identified in local monitoring sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chemung County

via WeatherByCounty

Chemung's Position in the National Climate

Chemung County’s average annual temperature of 48.1°F is below the national median of 55°F. It experiences a continental climate with clear seasonal distinctions and relatively low precipitation for the region.

Warmer and Drier Than the State Average

At 48.1°F, Chemung is slightly warmer than the New York average of 47.4°F. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 35.3 inches of precipitation compared to the state average of 43.3 inches.

Less Snow Than Regional Neighbors

Chemung is much less snowy than Broome County, receiving only 38.4 inches compared to Broome's 86.5 inches. It also sees more extreme heat, with 12 days above 90°F compared to Broome's 6 days.

More Heat and Manageable Winters

July is warm at 70.6°F, and the county faces 12 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are milder than neighbors, with 38.4 inches of snow and a January average of 25.0°F.

Planning for Heat and Dry Spells

With 12 days of extreme heat, air conditioning is more important here than in other Southern Tier counties. Residents should also prepare for drier conditions, as the county receives about 8 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chemung County

via SoilByCounty

Reliable pH Levels in Chemung

Chemung County features a soil pH of 5.56, which is higher than the New York state average of 5.11. This level is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but supports a robust variety of plants.

Easy-to-Manage Silty Mix

The soil is made up of 26.7% sand, 51.6% silt, and 15.9% clay. This silty mix is easy to manage and provides a good balance between drainage and nutrient retention for gardeners.

Consistency for Home and Farm

At 8.62%, the organic matter content is over four times the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is very close to the state average of 0.182, indicating strong potential for consistent growth.

Well-Balanced Drainage Characteristics

Specific drainage and hydrology data are not available for this county. Given the silt-heavy composition, the soil likely provides adequate drainage while still holding onto necessary moisture for crops.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6a

Located in hardiness zone 6a, Chemung is well-suited for traditional garden crops like tomatoes, beans, and squash. A solid soil score of 60.3 indicates that your gardening efforts will be well-rewarded.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chemung County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Lawns in the Southern Tier

Chemung County maintains a solid 68.3 lawn difficulty score, making it easier than the state average to keep a lawn healthy. As a Zone 6a region, it shares many favorable growing characteristics with the broader Finger Lakes area.

Warmer and Drier than Average

With only 35.3 inches of annual rainfall, Chemung is noticeably drier than the New York average of 43.3 inches. The county also sees 12 extreme heat days, creating more summer stress for turf than in neighboring counties.

Standard Soils with Acidic pH

Soil pH levels sit at 5.56, suggesting a need for lime to reach the optimal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. The soil composition features 26.7% sand and 15.9% clay, providing a standard foundation for common New York turf types.

Priority on Supplemental Irrigation

Chemung experienced 6 weeks of drought over the past year, with 21.0% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Because of the lower rainfall totals, supplemental watering is more critical here during the peak of summer.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Win Here

Heat-tolerant cool-season grasses like turf-type tall fescue are ideal for managing the 12 annual heat days. Wait until after the May 9 last frost to seed, ensuring your lawn is established before the first fall frost on October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chemung County's county score?
Chemung County, New York has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Chemung County rank among counties in New York?
Chemung County ranks #53 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 Chemung County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Chemung County is $3,332, with an effective tax rate of 2.52%. This earns Chemung County a tax score of 0.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chemung County?
The median household income in Chemung County, New York is $63,469 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chemung County earns an income score of 49.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chemung County, New York a good place to live?
Chemung County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in New York. The best way to evaluate Chemung 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 Chemung County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.