countyscore
51.9
County Score
Safety 81Health 78.7Soil Quality 66.5

County Report Card

About Clinton County, New York

Outperforming the National Median

Clinton County’s composite score of 51.9 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher quality of life than many of its peers across the country.

Leading the New York Average

Clinton County outperforms the New York state average of 47.0 by nearly five points. It serves as a regional leader in the North Country for livability and public safety.

Exceptional Safety and Health Scores

The county boasts a safety score of 81.0 and a health score of 78.7, indicating a very secure environment for residents. These dimensions are supported by a solid income score of 64.8.

Housing Affordability and Water Quality

Housing affordability is a growing concern with a cost score of 32.0 and median rent at $956. The water score of 48.1 also suggests room for improvement in local utility infrastructure.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

This county is perfect for professionals seeking a secure, healthy environment with competitive household incomes of $69,208. It balances rugged North Country living with high-tier public safety.

Score breakdown

Tax3.4Cost32Safety81Health78.7Schools63Income64.8Risk31.2Water48.1Weather53.5
🏛3.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.4
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

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Vermont
59
Chittenden County
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Franklin County
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Franklin County
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Essex County
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Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton taxes rank high nationally

Clinton County's effective tax rate of 1.977% exceeds the national median effective rate of roughly 0.71%, placing it in the upper tier of taxed counties across America. Yet the median property tax of $3,461 outpaces the national median of $2,690, despite homes being valued below the national median of $281,900.

Clinton sits below state average

Clinton County's effective rate of 1.977% falls slightly below New York's state average of 2.046%, though its median property tax of $3,461 remains significantly lower than the state average of $4,709. This places Clinton in the middle range of New York counties by tax burden.

More affordable than southern neighbors

Clinton County's 1.977% rate beats Columbia County (1.548%) and sits close to Essex County (1.556%), while the absolute tax bill of $3,461 mirrors payments in neighboring Chenango County. Clinton offers a moderate tax profile for the North Country region.

Median Clinton home costs $3,461 tax

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $175,100 in Clinton County pays an estimated $3,461 in annual property taxes, or roughly $288 per month. Adding mortgage escrow costs typically increases the annual burden to around $4,001.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Clinton County residents, like homeowners statewide, should verify their property assessment is accurate—overvaluations are surprisingly common. A successful appeal to your local assessor could reduce your annual tax obligation and save hundreds of dollars over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton rents remain comfortably affordable

Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% lands well below the national 28% threshold, signaling strong affordability for renters. Though incomes ($69,208) fall slightly below the national median, housing costs scale proportionally lower.

Mid-pack affordability across New York

Clinton's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below New York's 17.6% state average, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's counties. At $956 monthly, median rent runs $177 cheaper than the statewide median.

Competitive with regional peers

Clinton's $956 rent falls between Chenango County ($819) and Cortland County ($911), offering middle-ground pricing in the northeastern upstate cluster. Median home values of $175,100 position Clinton as relatively accessible for buyers seeking stable appreciation potential.

Rent and ownership both manageable

Clinton residents earning $69,208 annually spend $956 on rent, dedicating just 16.6% of income to housing costs. Homeowners face $1,009 monthly payments, or roughly 17.5% of income—both figures signal solid affordability for different household types.

Strategic value near Vermont border

Clinton's proximity to Vermont and relatively affordable rents make it appealing for remote workers or those seeking rural charm with urban income. Compare Clinton's 16.6% rent ratio to your current market—even modest relocations often yield 1-2% improvements in affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton keeps pace with nation

Clinton County's median household income of $69,208 is 7.4% below the national median of $74,755, a smaller gap than many rural upstate counties. This positions Clinton as a moderate-income county, closer to the American middle than many of its neighbors.

Mid-tier income across New York

Clinton's $69,208 median household income sits modestly below New York State's $76,433 average, placing it in the middle band of the state's 62 counties. The $7,225 shortfall reflects a county economy anchored by regional employers rather than major metropolitan advantages.

Stronger than the rural north

Clinton's $69,208 outpaces rural neighbors like Delaware ($60,226) and Chenango ($62,093) but trails Columbia ($83,619) to the south. The county's proximity to Vermont and reliance on tourism and education (SUNY Plattsburgh) help sustain these relatively steady wages.

Rent remains manageable here

At 16.6% of income, Clinton's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national 30% threshold, meaning housing is genuinely affordable for most households. With median income of $69,208 and moderate housing costs, families have breathing room in their monthly budgets.

Invest while costs stay low

Clinton's combination of solid median income ($69,208) and affordable rent (16.6% of income) creates an ideal window for wealth-building. Consider automating monthly transfers to an investment account—your stable housing costs make consistent saving realistic.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety on the Northern Border

Clinton County boasts a remarkable safety score of 99.3, placing it well above national benchmarks. The total crime rate of 453.4 per 100K is roughly 80% lower than the national average.

A Leader in New York Safety

With a safety score exceeding the state average of 98.3, Clinton ranks as one of the most secure counties in New York. Its total crime rate is less than half of the state-wide average of 1,074.4 per 100K.

Setting a Regional Standard

Clinton County is significantly safer than many of its southern neighbors, with only 3 reporting agencies managing a very low caseload. This area remains a benchmark for public safety in the North Country.

Minimal Violent Crime in Clinton

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at just 33.8 per 100K residents, far below the national average of 369.8. Even property crime is low, recorded at only 419.6 incidents per 100K people.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While crime is rare, residents should remain vigilant about securing seasonal properties and outbuildings. Even in high-safety areas like Clinton, simple smart-home monitoring can provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clinton County

via HealthByCounty

Clinton matches national health standards

At 77.8 years, Clinton County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing residents ahead of most American peers. Just 17.1% report poor or fair health, a rate reflecting overall stability.

Right in line with New York

Clinton's 77.8-year life expectancy sits just 0.1 years below New York's state average of 77.9 years. The county performs squarely in the middle of the state's health rankings.

Neighboring counties show varied outcomes

Clinton edges out Essex County (78.4 years) in life expectancy but trails Columbia County (79.2 years) by 1.4 years. Regional disparities suggest local policy and resources shape health differently across the North Country.

Robust primary care, solid mental health resources

Clinton boasts 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the state average—and 364 mental health providers per 100,000, nearly double the typical county. With a 5.1% uninsured rate, most residents can access the care available.

Secure your coverage, access expanded services

Clinton's strong provider network means coverage translates to real access. Verify your health plan at NY State of Health to maximize mental health and primary care benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Building Blocks of Clinton County Education

Clinton County supports 10,748 students across 28 public schools, providing a diverse mix of 13 elementary and six high school facilities. Eight school districts manage this infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive coverage from town centers to rural outposts. This system serves a significant student population focused on academic readiness.

High Investment Drives Student Success

The county spends $15,334 per pupil, significantly outpacing both the New York state average and the national benchmark of $13,000. This funding supports an 85.8% graduation rate, which remains higher than the statewide average of 85.3%. A composite school score of 69.3 indicates that Clinton County schools are performing well above the national median.

Focusing on Major Districts and Large Campuses

Beekmantown Central is the largest district by enrollment, educating 2,025 students across four schools. Plattsburgh City and Saranac Central also play major roles, together serving over 3,200 students in the region. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with no charter schools currently in operation.

From Busy Towns to Quiet Rural Classrooms

The school landscape is primarily rural, with 21 schools in rural areas and seven in town settings like Plattsburgh. Peru Elementary stands out as the largest school with 866 students, yet the county average remains a manageable 384 students per building. This mix allows families to choose between larger town campuses and smaller country schools.

Secure Your Future Near Top Districts

With per-pupil spending that exceeds state norms, Clinton County is a prime location for education-focused homebuyers. Proximity to high-performing campuses in Beekmantown or Plattsburgh can provide long-term value for your family and your property. Start your home search where academic investment and student success meet.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton County's risk slightly below average

Clinton County scores 68.80 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category and just below the national baseline. The county's overall exposure to natural hazards is moderate and manageable with appropriate preparation. This favorable position reflects a mix of lower tornado and wildfire risks balanced against moderate flood and earthquake exposure.

Among New York's safer counties overall

At 68.80, Clinton County scores slightly below New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it favorably compared to most state counties. This below-average ranking places Clinton among the safer regions in New York for composite disaster risk. The county's relatively low exposure provides a solid foundation for straightforward risk management.

Safest county in this comparison group

Clinton County's 68.80 score ranks it as the lowest-risk county among these eight regional counties, notably safer than Chenango (72.33), Columbia (68.67), and all higher-risk neighbors. Essex County (62.66) edges slightly lower, but Clinton remains well-protected relative to its immediate peers. This comparative safety translates to more predictable insurance costs and simpler preparedness needs.

Earthquake and flood risks demand attention

Clinton County faces its greatest natural hazard exposure from earthquakes (83.52) and floods (82.38), both substantially elevated despite the county's overall low-risk rating. Tornado risk (26.30) and wildfire danger (24.20) remain minimal concerns. The earthquake and flood combination reflects the county's proximity to geological fault lines and water-rich terrain.

Earthquake and flood insurance are essential

Despite Clinton's favorable overall ranking, your county's earthquake risk (83.52) makes seismic coverage a priority consideration many homeowners overlook—contact your insurer about this specialized protection. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program covers your second-largest risk (82.38). Bundle both with standard homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

A crisp northern border climate

At 45.3°F, Clinton County averages nearly 10 degrees cooler than the 55°F national median. It receives 36.6 inches of precipitation, making it drier than much of the eastern seaboard.

One of the state's coldest corners

Clinton ranks as a colder New York county, trailing the state average by over 2 degrees. The winter average of 21.6°F highlights its position along the Canadian border.

Dry but exceptionally snowy

The county is drier than southern neighbor Essex County but faces a much heavier snow load. Clinton manages 107.1 inches of snow annually, while Essex receives about 16 inches less.

Intense winters and brief summers

Winters are harsh with a January average of just 18.4°F and triple-digit snowfall. Summers are brief but pleasant, with only 4 days reaching 90°F per year.

Gear up for triple-digit snow

A heavy-duty snowblower is a non-negotiable tool for managing 107 inches of annual snow. High-performance heating systems are critical for the sub-freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Acidic New York Profile

Clinton County maintains a pH of 5.12, nearly matching the New York state average of 5.11. Taxonomic data is currently unavailable, but this acidic profile is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Soils Offer Fast Drainage

With 54.1% sand and only 8.7% clay, the soil is exceptionally coarse and easy to work. This high sand content promotes rapid drainage, though it may require more frequent fertilization to retain nutrients.

Rich Organic Matter and Hydration

The organic matter content is a massive 28.88%, far exceeding the state average of 17.01%. This richness powers an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, which beats the state average and ensures plants stay hydrated.

Coarse Texture Influences Water Flow

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable, the high sand percentage implies naturally fast-draining land. Farmers should monitor permeability when planning any new garden or building project.

Short Seasons, Strong Roots

Zone 5a conditions mean a shorter growing season, but the rich organic matter supports robust root vegetables. Your garden can thrive with cold-hardy varieties like kale or carrots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Foundation in Northern New York

Clinton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.4, sitting just above the state average of 61.1 and well ahead of the national baseline. As a Zone 5a region, the climate favors cool-season turf, though cold winters and sandy soils present unique localized challenges.

Efficient Growing Seasons with Minimal Heat Stress

With only 4 extreme heat days per year and 36.6 inches of rain, lawns here suffer less from summer stress than in southern parts of the state. The 2,331 growing degree days support a steady mowing schedule from May through early October.

Sandy Ground Needs Frequent Hydration

The soil composition is 54.1% sand, which offers excellent aeration but can cause water and nutrients to leach quickly. Combined with a very acidic pH of 5.12, your lawn will likely need regular lime applications and organic matter to reach peak health.

Dry Spells Require Careful Water Management

Nearly 95% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, and the area saw 12 weeks of drought in the past year. Focus on deep, infrequent watering in the early morning to combat the high sand content's low water retention.

Hardy Turf for the Northern Frontier

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are the top choices for this Zone 5a climate because of their cold hardiness. Plan your major seeding projects for the window between the May 6 last frost and the October 5 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, New York has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Clinton County rank among counties in New York?
Clinton County ranks #14 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 Clinton County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $3,461, with an effective tax rate of 1.98%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 3.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, New York is $69,208 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 64.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, New York a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in New York. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.