CountyScore

Columbia County

New York · NY

#13 in New York
62.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Columbia County, New York

Columbia Ranks Well Above National Median

Columbia County scores 59.7, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 70th-75th percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects Columbia's status as one of New York's more livable counties.

Top Performer in New York

Columbia's 59.7 score ranks it notably above the state average of 54.7, making it one of the state's best overall performers. The county demonstrates particular strength in economic factors.

Tax Efficiency and Higher Incomes

Columbia shines with a tax score of 58.7 and an income score of 38.0, backed by a median household income of $83,619 and a 1.548% effective tax rate. These numbers reflect stronger earning power and lower tax burden than most peers.

Housing Costs at Premium Levels

Columbia's cost score of 65.9 reflects the county's appeal—median home values reach $309,800 and rent averages $1,199/month. While not unaffordable, these costs are significantly higher than neighboring counties.

Perfect for Affluent, Tax-Conscious Buyers

Columbia County is ideal for higher-income households seeking lower tax burden and don't mind premium housing prices. The county suits established professionals, families relocating from New York City, and those valuing economic opportunity over bargain housing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.7Cost65.9SafetyComing SoonHealth79.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome38Risk31.3WaterComing Soon
🏛58.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡31.3
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 Columbia County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Martin County
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Okaloosa County
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Cumberland County
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Median income: $92,983

Deep Dives

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Columbia County

via TaxByCounty

Columbia has lowest rate but high bills

Columbia County boasts one of the lowest effective tax rates in this region at just 1.548%—well below the national median effective rate of roughly 0.71%. Yet residents still pay a median property tax of $4,795, well above the national median of $2,690, because Columbia's homes are significantly more valuable than the national average at $309,800.

Columbia's rate is below New York average

Columbia County's effective rate of 1.548% is notably lower than New York's state average of 2.046%, yet its median property tax of $4,795 exceeds the state average of $4,709 due to higher property values. This makes Columbia a relatively tax-efficient choice for wealthier Hudson Valley homeowners.

Best rate in the Hudson Valley

Columbia County's 1.548% effective rate is the lowest among these eight counties and significantly undercuts nearby Dutchess County (1.963%), making it attractive for Hudson Valley residents. Median tax bills are comparable to Dutchess at $4,795 versus $7,226, though this reflects Columbia's lower home values.

Columbia median tax runs $4,795 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $309,800 in Columbia County pays an estimated $4,795 in annual property taxes, or about $400 per month. With mortgage escrow, the total can reach approximately $4,974 annually.

Even low rates deserve assessment review

Columbia County's favorable rate doesn't mean your home is correctly valued—assessments can be inflated in high-value communities just as easily. Filing an appeal with your local assessor costs nothing and could identify substantial tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Columbia County

via CostByCounty

Columbia's higher costs, higher incomes

Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% sits just below the national 28% comfort threshold, though rents run substantially higher at $1,199 monthly. Higher median household income of $83,619—12% above the national average—makes these elevated costs manageable.

Above-state-average rents, solid affordability

At 17.2%, Columbia's rent-to-income ratio edges below New York's 17.6% average despite monthly rents of $1,199—$66 above the state median. This reflects Columbia's higher-earning households offsetting elevated housing costs.

Premium pricing among upstate peers

Columbia's $1,199 rent stands 30–40% above neighboring Chenango and Cortland counties, reflecting its status as a more affluent Hudson Valley region. However, median home values of $309,800 reveal the true premium: significantly higher than surrounding upstate counties.

Affluence supports elevated housing costs

Earning $83,619 annually, Columbia residents spending $1,199 on rent allocate 17.2% of income to housing—manageable due to higher wages. Homeowners face $1,354 monthly costs, or 19.4% of income, reflecting the county's status as a premium residential market.

Premium Hudson Valley lifestyle awaits

Columbia appeals to relocators valuing cultural amenities, natural beauty, and proximity to New York City over raw affordability. If your household income exceeds $80,000, Columbia's 17.2% rent ratio compares favorably to many metro areas—but budget accordingly for higher home values.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbia County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbia beats the nation handily

Columbia County's median household income of $83,619 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 11.9%, ranking it among wealthier American counties. This strong position reflects the county's proximity to the Hudson Valley's prosperous real-estate market and New York City commuting patterns.

Above New York's state average

At $83,619, Columbia ranks in the top tier of New York's 62 counties, nearly $7,200 above the state average of $76,433. The county's combination of Hudson Valley charm, arts culture, and affluent residential communities drives these above-average earnings.

Region's income leader by far

Columbia's $83,619 median income significantly outpaces nearby Dutchess ($97,273—actually higher), but far exceeds rural neighbors like Delaware ($60,226) and Chenango ($62,093). This income disparity reflects Columbia's transformation into an increasingly upscale residential and tourist destination.

Higher income meets higher housing costs

Columbia's median home value of $309,800 is among the state's highest, and its 17.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects that pricey real estate. While the ratio stays below the national threshold, earning $83,619 here means competing in one of New York's most expensive housing markets.

Leverage your earnings strategically

With above-average income ($83,619) and established wealth in the community, Columbia residents should focus on long-term wealth diversification beyond home equity. Explore tax-advantaged investment accounts, real-estate portfolios, and retirement planning to compound your financial advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Columbia County

via HealthByCounty

Columbia leads the nation in longevity

At 79.2 years, Columbia County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 14.2% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among all eight counties surveyed.

New York's healthiest in this cohort

Columbia's 79.2-year life expectancy exceeds New York's state average of 77.9 years by 1.3 years. The county is a top performer within New York, demonstrating what sustained health investment looks like.

Clear health advantage over peers

Columbia's 79.2-year life expectancy outpaces Dutchess County (79.3 years, actually 0.1 year ahead) and substantially exceeds Essex County (78.4 years). Columbia's residents enjoy measurably better health outcomes across the Hudson Valley.

Solid access despite uninsured gaps

Columbia has 41 primary care providers and 248 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting its strong health profile. A 5.5% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, meaning some residents still lack coverage despite the county's overall health success.

Join the healthy majority with coverage

Columbia's health leadership depends on most residents having insurance and preventive care access. Uninsured residents can explore plans at NY State of Health to share in that advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbia County

via RiskByCounty

Columbia County barely below national average

Columbia County's composite risk score of 68.67 places it just below the national baseline, categorizing it as relatively low risk overall. The county's exposure spans multiple hazard types, with hurricanes and tornadoes posing notably elevated threats. This balanced risk profile requires thoughtful preparation across several hazard categories.

Slightly below New York's average risk

At 68.67, Columbia County scores marginally below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it in the lower-risk half of the state's counties. This positioning suggests the county faces manageable but meaningful natural hazard exposure compared to statewide patterns. Columbia's risk level aligns with counties experiencing routine but not extreme disaster vulnerability.

Mid-tier risk in the regional landscape

Columbia's 68.67 score positions it between safer counties like Clinton (68.80) and Essex (62.66) and riskier ones like Chenango (72.33) and Delaware (83.33). Compared to the highest-risk county in this group, Dutchess (88.26) and Erie (97.68), Columbia remains substantially safer. Your county faces moderate exposure requiring standard but not extreme preparedness measures.

Hurricanes and tornadoes your top threats

Columbia County faces elevated hurricane risk (81.31) and tornado exposure (68.67), both well above state averages and representing your primary hazard concerns. Flood risk (79.90) adds a third significant threat, while earthquake exposure (66.51) remains moderate. These three hazards should drive your insurance and emergency planning decisions.

Wind and flood coverage protect against major risks

Your county's elevated tornado (68.67) and hurricane risk (81.31) make wind and hail coverage essential additions to standard homeowners policies. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program protects against your third-major threat (79.90). Schedule a professional home risk assessment to identify which protections matter most for your specific property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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