countyscore
43.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.7Health 93.2Schools 60.9

County Report Card

About Dutchess County, New York

Slightly Below the National Median

Dutchess County receives a composite score of 43.8, placing it below the national median of 50.0. While wealthy, its high costs drag down its overall national percentile ranking.

Close to the New York Average

The county’s score of 43.8 is just behind the state average of 47.0. It remains a key economic driver for the Hudson Valley despite regional cost pressures.

Exceptional Incomes and Healthcare Access

Dutchess County excels with an income score of 94.7 and a health score of 93.2. These are supported by a high median household income of $97,273.

Severe Affordability and Environmental Risk

The cost score of 4.6 is very low, driven by a median home value of $368,100 and rent at $1,522. Additionally, the risk score of 11.7 suggests vulnerability to natural hazards.

Best for High-Income Professionals

This county is built for established professionals who value elite healthcare and high-earning potential. Residents must be prepared for some of the highest housing costs in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax3.6Cost4.6Safety56.6Health93.2Schools60.9Income94.7Risk11.7Water39.8Weather52.1
🏛3.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤93.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.9
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Dutchess County?

Many homeowners in Dutchess County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Dutchess County with Mariposa County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Mariposa County
California
Median income: $65,378
43.9
Grady County
Georgia
Median income: $54,312
43.9
Pennington County
Minnesota
Median income: $72,561
43.9
Allendale County
South Carolina
Median income: $31,603
43.9
Lee County
South Carolina
Median income: $44,145
43.9
Lawrence County
South Dakota
Median income: $66,766
43.9
Cocke County
Tennessee
Median income: $48,416
43.9
Coffee County
Alabama
Median income: $64,672
44

Nearby counties

Putnam County
New York
55.2
Ulster County
New York
45.5
Columbia County
New York
49
Northwest Hills Planning Region
Connecticut
48.8
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
38.3
Orange County
New York
42.1
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
32.9
Greene County
New York
51.9

Deep Dives

Dutchess County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dutchess County

via TaxByCounty

Dutchess pays highest median tax bill

Dutchess County's effective tax rate of 1.963% exceeds the national median effective rate of roughly 0.71%, but its median property tax of $7,226 is the highest among these eight counties and nearly three times the national median of $2,690. This reflects Dutchess's status as a wealthy Hudson Valley county with median home values of $368,100.

Dutchess rate below state, tax above

Dutchess County's effective rate of 1.963% sits just below New York's state average of 2.046%, yet its median property tax of $7,226 far exceeds the state average of $4,709. The disparity reflects Dutchess's substantially higher property values compared to the state median.

Dutchess taxes dominate region

Dutchess County's median tax of $7,226 is the highest by far in this group, nearly $2,500 more than Columbia County's $4,795 despite having a slightly higher effective rate. This premium reflects Dutchess's desirability and higher home valuations throughout the Hudson Valley.

Dutchess homeowners pay $7,226 tax

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $368,100 in Dutchess County pays an estimated $7,226 in annual property taxes, or roughly $602 per month. Adding mortgage escrow increases the annual burden to approximately $7,498.

Large tax bills warrant assessment review

With median property taxes exceeding $7,200 annually, Dutchess County homeowners should seriously consider requesting a formal assessment review—even a 5% overvaluation means hundreds in unnecessary yearly payments. Your local assessor's office can guide you through the appeal process at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dutchess County

via CostByCounty

Dutchess premium reflects high incomes

Dutchess County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% exceeds the national 28% guideline, with median rents of $1,522 among the highest in this survey. However, median household income of $97,273—30% above the national average—makes these elevated costs proportional.

Most expensive county in this group

Dutchess's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above New York's 17.6% average, with median rents of $1,522—the highest by far in this comparison. This reflects Dutchess's status as a wealthy commuter county for New York City professionals.

Premium pricing reflects Hudson Valley status

Dutchess's $1,522 rent dramatically exceeds surrounding upstate counties, running 60% above Cortland and 27% above neighboring Columbia County. Median home values of $368,100 rank among New York's highest, signaling premium market positioning.

High income supports elevated housing

Earning $97,273 annually, Dutchess renters paying $1,522 dedicate 18.8% of income to housing—manageable due to strong regional wages. Homeowners face $1,924 monthly, representing 23.8% of income, reflecting the county's premium residential status.

Hudson Valley luxury for high earners

Dutchess appeals to professionals earning $90,000+ seeking proximity to New York City with suburban comfort and cultural access. If your household income exceeds $95,000, Dutchess's 18.8% rent ratio compares reasonably to metro alternatives—though budget 20%+ for ownership costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dutchess County

via IncomeByCounty

Dutchess dominates national income rankings

Dutchess County's median household income of $97,273 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by a striking 30.1%, placing it among the wealthiest American counties. This commanding advantage reflects the county's position as a desirable Hudson Valley destination for affluent New York City commuters.

Highest income tier in New York

Dutchess's $97,273 median income leads nearly all of New York's 62 counties, towering $20,840 above the state average of $76,433. The county's transformation into a bedroom community for Manhattan has driven incomes to the state's upper echelon.

Clear income leader in the region

Dutchess's $97,273 substantially outpaces all regional neighbors, including wealthy Columbia ($83,619), Erie ($71,175), and all rural upstate counties. This income leadership reflects its status as the Hudson Valley's premium residential market.

High income matched by high costs

Dutchess's median home value of $368,100 is among New York's highest, and its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio signals that housing consumes a growing share of earnings. Even with $97,273 in median income, residents face genuine affordability pressures in this premium market.

Wealth-building beyond primary residence

With median income of $97,273, Dutchess residents should look past home equity to build diversified wealth through retirement accounts, taxable investments, and alternative assets. Consult a financial advisor about tax-efficient strategies—your strong income makes complex planning worthwhile.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dutchess County

via CrimeByCounty

Dutchess County Maintains High Safety Standards

Dutchess County earns a strong safety score of 98.4, better than the national typical profile. Its total crime rate of 997.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Typical New York Profile

The county’s safety score of 98.4 aligns closely with the state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 997.4 is also slightly better than the New York state average of 1,074.4.

Monitoring a Growing Region

With 14 reporting agencies, Dutchess manages its public safety well compared to more urban neighbors. It experiences slightly more crime than Columbia County but remains a very safe part of the Hudson Valley.

Breaking Down the Local Data

Violent crime occurs at 122.8 per 100K, which is nearly identical to the state average. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 874.6 per 100K residents.

Smart Security for Dutchess Homes

Maintain the county's safety by installing smart locks and keeping packages out of view. These simple actions help suppress the property crimes that constitute most local police activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dutchess County

via HealthByCounty

Dutchess leads among peer counties

At 79.3 years, Dutchess County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 13.1% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate in this cohort—signaling strong community health.

Above average in New York

Dutchess's 79.3-year life expectancy exceeds New York's state average of 77.9 years by 1.4 years. The county ranks among the state's top performers for health outcomes.

Dutchess edges out regional competition

Dutchess (79.3 years) barely trails Columbia County (79.2 years) and substantially outpaces Essex County (78.4 years). The Hudson Valley's two wealthiest counties show the strongest health metrics in the region.

Abundant providers, excellent coverage rates

Dutchess offers 71 primary care and 348 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well above state averages. At just 4.7% uninsured, Dutchess has one of the lowest uninsured rates, enabling residents to access this rich provider network.

Protect your access to top-tier care

Dutchess's health success depends on strong insurance coverage and preventive care habits. Confirm your plan details at NY State of Health to maximize benefits at the county's abundant providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dutchess County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Hub in the Hudson Valley

Dutchess County boasts an extensive network of 75 public schools across 15 districts, serving a massive population of 36,843 students. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education with 45 elementary schools, balanced by 14 middle and 15 high schools. This comprehensive system is one of the largest in the region outside of major metropolitan areas.

Strong School Scores and High Investment

The county maintains a high composite school score of 70.1, outperforming the New York state average of 67.7. Education is backed by significant funding, with $15,992 spent per pupil—nearly $3,000 more than the national average. While the 84.5% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, the overall quality remains a major draw for families.

Powerhouse Districts Serving Thousands

Wappingers Central is the county's largest district, managing 15 schools and over 10,000 students. Arlington Central and Poughkeepsie City also operate as major hubs, with Arlington alone educating 7,698 students. The county offers diverse choices, including one charter school and one specialized alternative school for varied learning needs.

A Diverse Mix of Suburban and Rural Life

Education in Dutchess County reflects its diverse geography, with 35 schools in suburban settings and 27 in rural areas. Large campuses like Arlington High School serve over 2,500 students, while the countywide average building size is a brisk 491 students. This variety allows families to choose between bustling suburban environments and smaller rural schools.

Find Your Home in a Diverse School Landscape

Dutchess County offers a wide array of educational environments, from large-scale suburban districts to quiet rural campuses. High per-pupil spending and strong composite scores make this a premier destination for families relocating for schools. Consider districts like Wappingers or Arlington as you search for your next Hudson Valley home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dutchess County

via RiskByCounty

Dutchess County faces significant disaster risk

Dutchess County's composite risk score of 88.26 places it well above the national average, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. The county's elevated exposure spans multiple major hazard types, with hurricanes (90.78), floods (92.37), and earthquakes (84.19) all posing substantial threats. This above-average positioning demands comprehensive, multi-hazard disaster preparation.

Among New York's highest-risk counties

At 88.26, Dutchess County scores substantially above New York's state average of 69.42, placing it among the state's most vulnerable counties for natural disasters. This elevated standing reflects Dutchess's geographic exposure to major rivers, coastal hurricane influence, and seismic activity. The county's risk profile requires serious, ongoing attention to insurance and preparedness.

Second-highest risk, behind only Erie

Dutchess County's 88.26 score ranks second only to Erie County (97.68) among these eight counties, substantially exceeding peers like Delaware (83.33), Columbia (68.67), and all lower-risk neighbors. This second-place standing in regional risk underscores Dutchess's particular geographic vulnerability. Your county faces more complex and serious disaster threats than most surrounding areas.

Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes converge

Dutchess County faces a devastating hazard convergence: hurricane risk (90.78), flood risk (92.37), and earthquake exposure (84.19) all rank among the nation's highest. Tornado risk (63.26) adds a fourth significant threat. This multi-hazard exposure is unusually complex and demands comprehensive protection.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential

Your county's exceptional flood (92.37) and hurricane (90.78) risks make both flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and comprehensive wind coverage absolutely critical. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given your 84.19 exposure score. Professional risk assessment specific to your property's location and construction is the first step toward adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dutchess County

via WeatherByCounty

A rainy valley climate

Dutchess County averages 49.4°F, sitting about 5 degrees below the national median of 55°F. It is one of the state's wetter regions, receiving 46.8 inches of annual precipitation.

One of the state's warmest

As a Hudson Valley hub, its average temperature exceeds the state mean of 47.4°F by 2 degrees. This makes it one of the warmer counties in the New York interior.

Snowier and hotter than neighbors

Dutchess faces 15 days of extreme heat annually, more than neighboring Columbia County. It also sees more snow, with 57.9 inches compared to Columbia's 40.3 inches.

Extreme heat and snowy winters

Summers feature a 72°F July average and over two weeks of 90-degree weather. Winters remain cold enough for significant snow, totaling nearly 58 inches.

Prepare for two-way extremes

Central air conditioning is a smart investment to handle the 15 days of 90-degree heat. Residents also need robust heating systems for winters that average 28.3°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dutchess County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Acidity in Local Earth

Dutchess County has an acidic soil pH of 4.93, dipping below the New York state average of 5.11. While taxonomic details are unavailable, this level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5.

Medium-Textured Soils for Diversity

Silt makes up 42.3% of the soil, while sand accounts for 34.2%. This creates a medium-textured soil that offers a decent balance of drainage and nutrient retention for local farmers and gardeners.

Fast-Drying Soil Needs Attention

Organic matter measures 7.40%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the 17.01% state average. Consequently, the water capacity of 0.154 in/in is below the state average, indicating faster drying times.

Assess Site Conditions for Building

While formal drainage class data is not available, the county soil score of 41.4 suggests significant environmental hurdles. Site-specific assessments are essential to understand how this ground handles heavy rainfall.

Fruit Trees Love the Valley

Located in zone 6a, Dutchess County supports a wide variety of perennials and orchard fruits. It is a fantastic place to plant apple trees or hardy herbs in your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dutchess County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Dutchess County

Dutchess County presents a more difficult environment for lawn care with a score of 56.9, falling below the New York state average of 61.1. Despite being in a milder Zone 6a, homeowners face unique soil and heat challenges that require more active management.

High Heat and Long Growing Cycles

The county experiences 15 extreme heat days annually—more than double the state average—which can stress cool-season grasses. While the 46.8 inches of rain is high, the 2,747 growing degree days mean your mower will be working overtime from April to October.

Tackle Highly Acidic Soil First

The soil pH of 4.93 is the most significant hurdle here, as it is far below the optimal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. You will likely need significant lime applications to prevent your lawn from thinning and to combat invasive weeds.

Widespread Dryness Impacts Management

Currently, over 97% of the county is abnormally dry, and residents dealt with 13 weeks of drought last year. Water deeply in the early morning and avoid fertilizing during dry spells to prevent burning your grass.

Tough Grasses for a Long Season

Turf-Type Tall Fescue is highly recommended here for its superior heat and drought tolerance compared to other cool-season types. Your spring planting window opens May 4, with a long growing season extending until the first frost on October 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dutchess County's county score?
Dutchess County, New York has a composite county score of 43.9 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 Dutchess County rank among counties in New York?
Dutchess County ranks #39 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 Dutchess County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Dutchess County is $7,226, with an effective tax rate of 1.96%. This earns Dutchess County a tax score of 3.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dutchess County?
The median household income in Dutchess County, New York is $97,273 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dutchess County earns an income score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dutchess County, New York a good place to live?
Dutchess County scores 43.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in New York. The best way to evaluate Dutchess 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 Dutchess 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.