countyscore
50.2
County Score
Health 78.1Safety 75.9Lawn Care 63.9

County Report Card

About Delaware County, New York

Hitting the National Median Exactly

Delaware County earns a composite score of 50.2, placing it right at the national median. This indicates a standard of living that perfectly represents the middle of the American experience.

Exceeding the New York Average

With a score of 50.2, Delaware County outperforms the New York state average of 47.0. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its upstate neighbors.

Health and Safety are Top Priorities

The county shines with a health score of 78.1 and a safety score of 75.9. These scores reflect a secure environment with reliable access to medical services.

Environmental Risk and Income Growth

Environmental risks are a concern, with a score of only 16.7. Economic growth also lags, as evidenced by an income score of 39.7 and a median household income of $60,226.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

This county is a strong fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and affordable housing. With median home values at $176,200, it provides an accessible entry point to the Catskills region.

Score breakdown

Tax6.4Cost44Safety75.9Health78.1Schools55.5Income39.7Risk16.7Water30.9Weather54.5
🏛6.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.9
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

Otsego County
New York
53.8
Chenango County
New York
46.5
Sullivan County
New York
44.6
Broome County
New York
37.3
Wayne County
Pennsylvania
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Schoharie County
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Greene County
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Ulster County
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Deep Dives

Delaware County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Delaware County

via TaxByCounty

Delaware's rate moderates with values

Delaware County's effective tax rate of 1.736% exceeds the national median effective rate of roughly 0.71%, yet its median property tax of $3,059 remains just above the national median of $2,690. This reflects Delaware's positioning as a rural county with home values below the national average but with moderately higher tax rates.

Delaware ranks well below state average

Delaware County's effective rate of 1.736% is notably below New York's state average of 2.046%, and its median property tax of $3,059 is substantially lower than the state average of $4,709. This makes Delaware one of the more affordable tax environments in New York.

Delaware offers middle-ground taxes

Delaware County's 1.736% effective rate is lower than Chenango (2.389%) and Cortland (2.646%) but higher than Columbia (1.548%) and Essex (1.556%). Its median tax of $3,059 matches Chenango's, making Delaware an attractive option for cost-conscious rural homeowners.

Delaware median tax is $3,059 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $176,200 in Delaware County pays an estimated $3,059 in annual property taxes, or about $255 per month. With mortgage escrow, the total typically reaches approximately $3,294.

Verify your assessment value today

Delaware County residents should ensure their home's assessed value reflects its true market worth—overassessments reduce your equity and increase tax burden. Requesting a reassessment from your local assessor is free and could result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Delaware County

via CostByCounty

Delaware stretches dollars furthest

Delaware County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among New York's most affordable despite a median income of $60,226. At $848 monthly, rents remain 50% below the national average, delivering exceptional value for budget-conscious renters.

Second-most affordable statewide

Delaware's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below New York's 17.6% average, with median rents of $848—$285 cheaper than the state median. Few New York counties deliver comparable affordability.

Cheapest rents in the upstate cluster

Delaware's $848 rent ranks among the lowest in this eight-county survey, beaten only by Chenango County at $819. Median home values of $176,200 remain modest, keeping both rental and ownership markets equally accessible.

Exceptional affordability on tight budget

Delaware residents earning just $60,226 spend only $848 on rent—just 16.9% of income—thanks to modest regional pricing. Homeowners pay $944 monthly, or 18.8% of income, meaning both renters and buyers achieve genuine financial breathing room.

Maximum affordability in rural New York

Delaware delivers New York's best cost-of-living value for families earning under $65,000, with rents under $850 and home values under $180,000. If maximizing your paycheck's purchasing power matters, Delaware's 16.9% rent ratio is tough to beat statewide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delaware County

via IncomeByCounty

Delaware lags far behind the nation

Delaware County's median household income of $60,226 trails the national median of $74,755 by 19.5%, making it one of America's lower-income counties. This substantial gap reflects a rural Catskill economy with limited job diversity and younger workers migrating away.

Lowest income in upstate cluster

At $60,226, Delaware ranks among the lowest in New York State, sitting $16,207 below the state average of $76,433. The county's position in the bottom quarter of New York's 62 counties underscores its rural and economically challenged character.

Struggling relative to surrounding counties

Delaware's $60,226 income is the lowest in its region, undercut only by its peers but topped by Cortland ($67,527) and Chenango ($62,093) nearby. The county's isolation in the western Catskills and limited urban centers contribute to this income disadvantage.

Housing affordability provides buffer

Despite low income, Delaware's median home value of $176,200 and 16.9% rent-to-income ratio offer relative affordability compared to wealthier counties. This affordability cushion helps households manage on lower earnings, though $60,226 remains a genuine financial constraint.

Start small, build consistent habits

With median income of $60,226, Delaware residents should prioritize building an emergency fund before aggressive investing—even $25 or $50 monthly adds up. Once you've saved one month's expenses, explore low-cost index funds or employer retirement plans to grow long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Delaware County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet and Secure in Delaware County

Delaware County is an exceptionally safe place with a 99.1 safety score. Its total crime rate of 575.7 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national average.

Surpassing State Safety Benchmarks

Delaware’s safety score of 99.1 beats the New York state average of 98.3. The county's crime rate of 575.7 is nearly 50% lower than the state-wide average of 1,074.4.

Safety in the Catskills

Delaware County offers a safer environment than neighboring Chenango County, which has nearly double the crime rate. Eight reporting agencies effectively monitor this sprawling rural region.

Low Rates of Violent Incidents

Violent crime is rare in Delaware, occurring at a rate of 58.2 per 100K residents. Property crime is also low at 517.5, making this one of the region's more peaceful areas.

Simple Habits for Rural Security

Residents can maintain this low crime rate by securing homes and vehicles even in secluded areas. Motion lighting and visible security signs are effective ways to discourage the small amount of property crime that does occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Delaware County

via HealthByCounty

Delaware approaches national health standards

At 76.7 years, Delaware County's life expectancy sits 0.3 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. A 15.4% poor/fair health rate places the county in the healthier half of the cohort.

One of New York's lower-ranked counties

Delaware's 76.7-year life expectancy falls 1.2 years short of New York's state average of 77.9 years. The county ranks in the lower third statewide for longevity.

Outperforms Chenango, trails most others

Delaware (76.7 years) beats Chenango County (74.9 years) by 1.8 years but lags behind Cortland County (76.2 years)—wait, that's backwards. Delaware actually beats Cortland slightly and outpaces Chenango significantly among rural upstate counties.

Limited providers, higher uninsured rate

Delaware has 38 primary care providers and 158 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, both below state averages, suggesting access challenges. At 5.7% uninsured—above the state average of 5.3%—nearly 1 in 17 residents lack coverage.

Coverage matters in Delaware County

With tight provider supply and higher uninsurance, securing health coverage is essential for Delaware residents. Visit NY State of Health to explore plans and maximize your access to available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Delaware County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Widespread Network of 14 Districts

Delaware County features a high density of administrative oversight with 14 school districts managing 21 public schools. These facilities serve 5,460 students, utilizing a unique mix of five elementary, two middle, and nine 'other' level schools that often span multiple grades. This decentralized structure ensures even the most remote residents have access to local education.

High Spending with Room for Growth

Local districts spend a generous $15,824 per student, which is well above the national average of $13,000 and the New York average. While the current graduation rate of 80.9% trails the state, a composite school score of 67.8 indicates that the quality of instruction remains high. The county continues to leverage its strong funding to improve student outcomes.

Spotlighting Sidney and Walton Central Districts

Sidney Central is the largest district in the county, educating 1,034 students across three schools. Walton Central follows closely with 839 students, while Delaware Academy at Delhi rounds out the top three hubs. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county currently hosts no charter schools.

Intimate Learning in the Catskill Foothills

With an average school size of only 260 students, Delaware County offers some of the most intimate learning environments in the state. Most schools are rural, and Sidney Elementary is the only facility with more than 500 students. This small-scale feel allows for strong relationships between teachers and families in a quiet, rural setting.

A Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

Homebuyers in Delaware County often trade large-scale campuses for small class sizes and high per-pupil investment. If you value a school system where your child won't get lost in the crowd, focus your home search on districts like Sidney or Walton. These schools offer a community-centric approach to education that is hard to find elsewhere.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Delaware County

via RiskByCounty

Delaware County faces moderate disaster risk

Delaware County's composite risk score of 83.33 places it well above the national average, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. The county's exposure is driven primarily by significant flood danger (91.19) and hurricane vulnerability (76.85). This above-average positioning requires thoughtful, multi-hazard disaster preparedness.

Higher risk than most New York counties

At 83.33, Delaware County scores substantially above New York's state average of 69.42, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevated standing compared to statewide patterns reflects Delaware's geographic exposure to multiple significant hazard types. The county's risk profile demands serious attention to insurance and emergency planning.

Second-highest risk in this regional group

Delaware's 83.33 score ranks second only to Dutchess County (88.26) and Erie County (97.68) in this comparison group, substantially exceeding safer counties like Cortland (51.24) and Clinton (68.80). This elevated exposure relative to immediate neighbors reflects Delaware's particular geographic vulnerability. Your county faces more complex and serious disaster risks than most surrounding areas.

Flooding dominates Delaware's hazard profile

Delaware County faces exceptional flood risk (91.19), among the highest in the nation, making this hazard your paramount concern. Hurricane exposure (76.85) and tornado risk (55.60) add significant secondary threats. These three hazards account for the majority of Delaware's elevated composite risk.

Flood insurance is absolutely critical

Your county's extraordinary flood risk (91.19) makes flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program non-negotiable, regardless of property elevation or mortgage lender requirements. Supplemental wind and hail coverage protects against hurricane and tornado exposure (76.85 and 55.60). Professional flood risk assessment specific to your property location is essential before purchasing or selling.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Delaware County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet and cool highland

Delaware County's 45.5°F average temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower than the national median. It is a wet region, receiving 46.3 inches of precipitation annually.

Cooler and wetter than average

The county averages roughly 2 degrees cooler than the New York state mean of 47.4°F. Its precipitation levels also trend higher than the state average of 43.3 inches.

Drier winters than its neighbors

It experiences a similar January average to Chenango County but is slightly drier in terms of snowfall. Delaware records 61.3 inches of snow, about 5 inches less than its western neighbor.

Consistent moisture all year

Seasonal swings range from a January low of 21.7°F to 4 days of extreme summer heat. Precipitation is consistent throughout the year, totaling over 46 inches.

Managing the high rainfall

Effective drainage and gutter maintenance are crucial for managing the 46.3-inch annual precipitation. Prepare for a five-foot cumulative snow season with reliable winter tires.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Delaware County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Catskill Acidic Soil

Delaware County soil has a pH of 5.16, which is nearly identical to the New York state average. Taxonomic data is not available, but the pH trails the national median of 6.5 by a wide margin.

Balanced Texture for Mountain Farming

The soil contains 47.2% silt and 35.5% sand, offering a balanced texture for various agricultural practices. With 12.9% clay, the soil maintains a decent structure without becoming overly difficult to till.

Reliable Moisture for Growing

Organic matter content is 12.86%, trailing the state average but still very high by national standards. The available water capacity of 0.182 in/in exactly matches the state average, ensuring reliable moisture for crops.

Monitor Drainage on Steep Terrain

Data regarding dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently available. Residents should monitor local drainage around foundations, especially given the steep terrain common in this region.

Hardy Berries for Mountain Gardens

Hardiness zone 5b means you can grow a variety of hardy berries and root vegetables. It is a great time to plant a home garden and enjoy the unique Catskill terroir.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Delaware County

via LawnByCounty

Delaware County Surpasses State Averages

With a lawn difficulty score of 63.9, this county is more manageable for homeowners than the typical New York site. The Zone 5b climate and high annual rainfall create a naturally supportive environment for thick, healthy lawns.

High Precipitation and Cool Mountain Air

Lawns here enjoy a generous 46.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average. The low count of 4 extreme heat days ensures that cool-season grasses remain active and green throughout most of the summer.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Balancing

A soil pH of 5.16 is quite low, meaning regular lime treatments are likely necessary to unlock soil nutrients for your grass. The soil is 35.5% sand, which helps with drainage but may require organic amendments to improve water retention.

A Haven from Regional Drought

Delaware County had zero weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This makes it one of the most reliable spots for natural lawn maintenance without the need for expensive irrigation systems.

Ready for Spring After Mid-May

The best turf choices for this region are cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue. Start your growing season after the May 19 frost date, but be prepared for a slightly shorter window as the first frost often arrives by October 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delaware County's county score?
Delaware County, New York has a composite county score of 50.2 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 Delaware County rank among counties in New York?
Delaware County ranks #22 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 Delaware County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Delaware County is $3,059, with an effective tax rate of 1.74%. This earns Delaware County a tax score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Delaware County?
The median household income in Delaware County, New York is $60,226 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Delaware County earns an income score of 39.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Delaware County, New York a good place to live?
Delaware County scores 50.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in New York. The best way to evaluate Delaware 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 Delaware 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.