countyscore
46.5
County Score
Health 68.3Lawn Care 68Schools 64.3

County Report Card

About Chenango County, New York

Chenango County Near National Median

Chenango County earns a composite score of 46.5, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of affordable housing and quality social services compared to other rural counties nationwide.

A Competitive Standing in New York

The county closely mirrors the New York state average composite score of 47.0. Despite statewide economic pressures, Chenango maintains its position as a stable central New York community.

Strong Health and Educational Foundations

The county excels in public health with a score of 68.3 and school quality at 64.3. High marks in these dimensions suggest a well-supported community infrastructure for families and seniors.

Managing High Tax Burdens and Risk

A tax score of 1.1 is the county's primary hurdle, reflecting an effective tax rate of 2.389%. Residents also face moderate environmental concerns with a risk score of 27.7.

Ideal for Cost-Conscious Families

With a median home value of $128,100 and strong schools, this county is a great fit for young families starting out. It offers high-quality services for those who can navigate the local tax structure.

Score breakdown

Tax1.1Cost49Safety49.1Health68.3Schools64.3Income45.5Risk27.7Water63Weather52.3
🏛1.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Broome County
New York
37.3
Otsego County
New York
53.8
Cortland County
New York
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Delaware County
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Madison County
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Tioga County
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Oneida County
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Susquehanna County
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Deep Dives

Chenango County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chenango County

via TaxByCounty

Chenango's tax rate outpaces nation

Chenango County's effective tax rate of 2.389% sits well above the national median effective rate of approximately 0.71%, placing it among the higher-taxed counties nationwide. Despite this steep rate, the median property tax bill of $3,061 remains below the national median of $2,690 in absolute dollars, thanks to Chenango's lower median home values of $128,100 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Chenango ranks mid-pack in New York

Among New York's 62 counties, Chenango's 2.389% effective rate exceeds the state average of 2.046%, but its median property tax of $3,061 falls substantially below the state average of $4,709. This reflects Chenango's position as a rural county with lower property values than the state norm.

Higher taxes than rural peers

Chenango's 2.389% effective rate outpaces neighboring Delaware County (1.736%) and Cortland County's closely tracked rate, though it sits below Cortland's measured 2.646%. In absolute tax dollars, Chenango residents pay roughly similar amounts to Delaware County ($3,059) despite the rate difference, again due to comparable home values.

Typical Chenango homeowner pays $3,061

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $128,100 in Chenango County pays an estimated annual property tax of $3,061, or about $255 per month. Owners with a mortgage typically see an additional escrow tax burden of about $578 annually, bringing the total to $3,639.

Overassessment could cost you money

Many Chenango County homeowners may be paying more than they owe due to property overassessment—a common issue in high-tax counties. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, filing an appeal with your local assessor's office could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chenango County

via CostByCounty

Chenango hits affordability sweet spot

Renters in Chenango County spend just 15.8% of their income on housing—well below the national comfort zone of 28%. This county outpaces the national average for affordability, making it one of New York's most accessible markets for renters.

Third-most affordable in New York

At 15.8%, Chenango's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 17.6%, ranking it among New York's most affordable counties. The median rent of $819 per month runs $314 cheaper than the state average, a meaningful difference for working families.

Cheaper than surrounding upstate counties

Chenango's $819 rent sits below neighboring Cortland County ($911) and Broome County, offering some of the lowest rents in the region. However, median home values of $128,100 remain more modest than surrounding counties, keeping ownership equally accessible.

Housing takes modest slice of budget

With a median household income of $62,093, Chenango residents spending $819 on rent allocate just 15.8% of their income to housing, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $905 monthly, representing about 17.5% of income—still well within the affordable range.

Stretch your dollar in Chenango

If housing affordability tops your relocation list, Chenango offers genuine value: the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this upstate cluster and median rents under $820. Compare this advantage against your current market—you may find significantly more breathing room in your monthly budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chenango County

via IncomeByCounty

Chenango earns 17% below the nation

Chenango County's median household income of $62,093 falls significantly short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $12,662. This places the county in the lower tier of American counties, where income growth has been slower than the national average.

Below average for New York

At $62,093, Chenango's median household income ranks below New York State's average of $76,433, putting it in the bottom third of the state's 62 counties. The $14,340 gap reflects the county's more rural character and smaller job market compared to the state's urban centers.

The most affordable corner of upstate

Chenango's $62,093 median income sits below neighboring Cortland ($67,527) and Broome (state average reference), but its median home value of $128,100 is the lowest in the region. This affordability—paired with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio—makes housing genuinely accessible for working families here.

Income stretches with low housing costs

A rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% means Chenango households spend well under the national benchmark of 30% on rent, leaving more money for savings and essentials. While median income lags the state, the county's low cost of living—especially housing—makes the median income go further than the numbers suggest.

Build wealth with smart money moves

With $62,093 in median household income and housing costs that don't drain your budget, Chenango residents have a real opportunity to invest in retirement and savings accounts. Start by setting aside 20% of your income in a high-yield savings account or 401(k)—your low housing burden makes this goal achievable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chenango County

via CrimeByCounty

Chenango Outperforms the National Safety Average

Chenango County maintains a high safety score of 98.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,142.4 per 100K residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Within the Empire State

Chenango's safety score sits just a hair below the New York state average of 98.3. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state-wide average of 1,074.4 per 100K.

Safer Options Than Neighboring Hubs

Chenango presents a more secure profile than its neighbor to the west, Cortland County, which sees a much higher rate of 2,357.0 per 100K. Eight local reporting agencies work together to keep the county significantly safer than more urbanized New York regions.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crimes make up the vast majority of local incidents at 1,036.2 per 100K residents. Violent crime remains notably low at 106.2, which is roughly one-third of the national average.

Simple Steps for Chenango Residents

Since property crime accounts for most local reports, basic home security can make a significant difference. Install motion-sensor lighting and ensure all entry points stay locked to maintain this county's high safety standard.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chenango County

via HealthByCounty

Chenango trails national life expectancy

At 74.9 years, Chenango County residents live about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (17.3%) report poor or fair health, signaling a county facing real health headwinds.

Below average within New York

Chenango's 74.9-year life expectancy falls 3 years short of New York's state average of 77.9 years. The county ranks in the lower half statewide for health outcomes, a gap worth understanding.

Neighbors faring better on longevity

Nearby Delaware County residents live 1.8 years longer (76.7) and Cortland County residents live 1.3 years longer (76.2). Even among upstate peers, Chenango faces distinct health challenges.

Primary care access is tight

With only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the state average—Chenango struggles with provider scarcity. The uninsured rate of 4.8% is better than the state average (5.3%), but those without insurance still face real barriers to care.

Check your coverage options today

Even though most Chenango residents have insurance, gaps remain. Visit NY State of Health or your employer's plan to confirm your coverage and explore preventive care options that strengthen community health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chenango County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Nine Dedicated School Districts

Chenango County operates 23 public schools, including 10 elementary and six high schools, serving a total of 7,211 students. These facilities are organized across nine distinct districts that form the backbone of the county's education system. The infrastructure provides a consistent academic path from primary years through graduation.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county achieves an 86.7% graduation rate, surpassing the New York state average of 85.3% while nearly matching the national average. Local districts invest $13,815 per pupil, a figure that exceeds the national spending average of $13,000. These investments yield a composite school score of 66.5, reflecting a solid commitment to student outcomes.

Spotlight on Norwich and Local Learning Hubs

The Norwich City School District serves as the county's largest educational provider with 1,691 students enrolled across four schools. Other major hubs include Greene Central and Bainbridge-Guilford, which manage 908 and 784 students respectively. Notably, the county currently hosts zero charter schools, maintaining a strictly traditional public school landscape.

Small-Scale Learning in a Rural Setting

Education here feels personal, with 19 of the 23 schools located in rural locales and an average school size of just 314 students. Sherburne-Earlville Elementary is the largest individual school with 629 students, while many others offer even more intimate settings. Families can expect a quiet, town-focused atmosphere where educators often know every student by name.

Stable Schools for Growing Families

For families prioritizing a tight-knit community, Chenango County offers educational stability and graduation rates that beat the state average. Researching homes in districts like Norwich or Sherburne-Earlville can secure a high-quality environment for your children's development. Consider school performance a key factor when exploring the local real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chenango County

via RiskByCounty

Chenango's risk sits slightly above average

With a composite risk score of 72.33, Chenango County ranks slightly higher than the national baseline, putting it in the relatively low risk category. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding, which represents its most significant threat. Understanding your local risk profile is the first step toward effective disaster preparedness.

Mid-range risk within New York State

Chenango County's composite score of 72.33 places it slightly above New York's state average of 69.42, indicating moderate vulnerability compared to its neighbors statewide. The county ranks in the middle tier of New York's 62 counties for overall disaster risk. This positioning suggests targeted preparation efforts can meaningfully reduce vulnerability.

Higher risk than Cortland, lower than Delaware

Chenango's 72.33 score exceeds Cortland County's 51.24 but falls below Delaware County's 83.33, making it a moderate-risk county in the region. Compared to Clinton County (68.80) and Essex County (62.66) to the north and east, Chenango faces notably higher overall exposure. Your risk profile aligns with counties experiencing significant but manageable natural hazard exposure.

Flooding and hurricanes dominate your threats

Chenango faces its greatest danger from flooding (85.62) and hurricane-force winds (66.42), both significantly above state averages. Tornado risk (46.41) also merits attention, though it remains below the state mean. These three hazards should anchor your household preparedness planning and insurance decisions.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage now

Given Chenango's elevated flood risk, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program protects against your county's leading threat. Adding wind and hail coverage strengthens protection against the tornado and hurricane exposure your county faces. Start with a professional risk assessment of your property's specific location and elevation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chenango County

via WeatherByCounty

A chilly central New York profile

Chenango County’s 45.8°F annual average temperature falls nearly 10 degrees below the national median of 55°F. The humid continental climate brings reliable precipitation, totaling 43.9 inches annually.

Cooler than the New York average

The county averages 1.6 degrees below the New York state mean of 47.4°F. This gap places it among the chillier agricultural regions in the state's interior.

Outpacing neighbors in summer heat

While its 66.5 inches of snow is similar to nearby Delaware County, Chenango experiences more summer intensity. The county records 7 days of 90-degree heat, nearly doubling Delaware's annual count.

Cold winters and mild summers

Winters average 24.2°F with consistent snowfall totaling over 66 inches. Summers remain pleasant, with a July average of 68.7°F and only a week of extreme heat.

Preparing for the snow load

Heavy insulation and reliable snow removal equipment are essential for the 66.5-inch winters. With only 7 extreme heat days, residents should prioritize heating efficiency over cooling capacity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chenango County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Relative to the State

Chenango's soil shows a pH of 5.51, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.11. While taxonomic order and texture data are limited, the pH remains well below the national median of 6.5.

Silt Dominates the Local Landscape

The profile is dominated by 52.8% silt and 30.9% sand, with a smaller 14.1% clay component. This silty mix offers decent workability for farmers but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.

High Organic Matter Powers Potential

At 9.12%, organic matter is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average but sits below the New York state average of 17.01%. The water capacity of 0.175 in/in suggests the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark.

Localized Drainage Needs Individual Testing

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not available for this county. Local growers should perform their own perk tests to understand how water moves through their specific plot.

Hardy Crops for Chenango Gardens

Chenango sits in hardiness zone 5b, making it ideal for hardy vegetables and cool-season fruits. Get started with peas or apples to take advantage of this resilient upstate climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chenango County

via LawnByCounty

Chenango County Boasts Above-Average Lawn Potential

With a lawn difficulty score of 68.0, maintaining turf here is significantly easier than the national median of 50.0 and outpaces the New York state average of 61.1. Homeowners in this USDA Hardiness Zone 5b region enjoy a climate that generally supports lush, green growth without the extreme maintenance seen in harsher climates.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives 43.9 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for cool-season grasses. While 2,238 growing degree days provide ample energy for growth, the average of only 7 extreme heat days keeps lawns from scorching during the peak of summer.

Acidic Soils Require Nutrient Management

The local soil pH of 5.51 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which often requires lime applications to improve nutrient availability. The mix of 30.9% sand and 14.1% clay provides a stable base, though the lack of drainage data suggests homeowners should test for compaction locally.

Consistently Moist Conditions Minimize Drought Risk

Chenango County experienced only 6 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 0% of the area faces abnormally dry conditions. To maintain this resilience, keep mower blades at 3 inches to shade the soil and encourage deeper root systems during the occasional dry spell.

Spring Planting Begins After Mid-May

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this climate, provided they are seeded after the last spring frost on May 13. For the best results, aim for late summer or early fall renovation to take advantage of cooling temperatures before the first fall frost on October 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chenango County's county score?
Chenango County, New York has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Chenango County rank among counties in New York?
Chenango County ranks #31 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 Chenango County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Chenango County is $3,061, with an effective tax rate of 2.39%. This earns Chenango County a tax score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chenango County?
The median household income in Chenango County, New York is $62,093 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chenango County earns an income score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chenango County, New York a good place to live?
Chenango County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in New York. The best way to evaluate Chenango 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 Chenango County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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