CountyScore

Chenango County

New York · NY

#30 in New York
58.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Chenango County, New York

Chenango Tops National Median

Chenango County scores 56.1 on the CountyScore composite index, outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half nationally, suggesting better-than-average livability overall.

Mid-Pack Performance in New York

With a score of 56.1, Chenango ranks above the New York state average of 54.7, indicating solid livability compared to its peers. The county holds a competitive position within the state's county landscape.

Affordable Housing Leads the Way

Chenango's cost score of 79.9 reflects truly affordable housing, with a median home value of $128,100 and rent at just $819/month. These low housing costs are the county's clearest livability asset for budget-conscious residents.

Income and Tax Burdens Hold Back

The county's income score of 23.9 and tax score of 35.1 present challenges, with a median household income of $62,093 trailing state and national norms. A 2.389% effective tax rate also ranks on the heavier side, limiting overall economic vitality.

Best for Cost-Conscious Families

Chenango suits households prioritizing low housing costs and willing to accept modest incomes and higher tax burdens. This county works well for retirees, remote workers, or families seeking rural affordability in New York.

Score breakdown

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

Tax35.1Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth74SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.9Risk27.7WaterComing Soon
🏛35.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.7
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 Chenango County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
58.2
Median income: $90,625
Sullivan County
New Hampshire
58.2
Median income: $75,929
Niagara County
New York
58.2
Median income: $67,809
Richmond County
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58.2
Median income: $98,290
Northampton County
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58.2
Median income: $86,687

Deep Dives

Chenango County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.