Clinton County's composite score of 59.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 18%, positioning it well above average nationally. The county ranks in the 65th-70th percentile, signaling strong overall livability.
2 / 5
Above Average for New York
Clinton scores 59.0, surpassing New York's state average of 54.7, placing it among the stronger performers statewide. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Balanced Cost and Tax Appeal
Clinton excels with a cost score of 75.8 and a relatively competitive tax score of 46.7, thanks to a 1.977% effective tax rate. Median rent of $956/month and a median home value of $175,100 offer solid value for the region.
4 / 5
Income Levels Remain Modest
Clinton's income score of 28.6 reflects a median household income of $69,208, which trails more affluent counties. While not a crisis, this suggests limited high-earning employment opportunities in the county.
5 / 5
Ideal for Value-Seeking Professionals
Clinton County appeals to professionals seeking reasonable housing costs without excessive tax burden, though income prospects are modest. It suits remote workers, families transitioning from urban areas, and those balancing affordability with livability.
Clinton County's composite score of 59.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 18%, positioning it well above average nationally. The county ranks in the 65th-70th percentile, signaling strong overall livability.
Above Average for New York
Clinton scores 59.0, surpassing New York's state average of 54.7, placing it among the stronger performers statewide. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.
Balanced Cost and Tax Appeal
Clinton excels with a cost score of 75.8 and a relatively competitive tax score of 46.7, thanks to a 1.977% effective tax rate. Median rent of $956/month and a median home value of $175,100 offer solid value for the region.
Income Levels Remain Modest
Clinton's income score of 28.6 reflects a median household income of $69,208, which trails more affluent counties. While not a crisis, this suggests limited high-earning employment opportunities in the county.
Ideal for Value-Seeking Professionals
Clinton County appeals to professionals seeking reasonable housing costs without excessive tax burden, though income prospects are modest. It suits remote workers, families transitioning from urban areas, and those balancing affordability with livability.
Score breakdown
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🏛46.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.