CountyScore

Dutchess County

New York · NY

#53 in New York
54.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Dutchess County, New York

Dutchess Near National Median

Dutchess County scores 49.1, just below the national median of 50.0, ranking near the 45th-50th percentile. The county's livability sits at the national middle, offering mixed strengths and tradeoffs.

Below Average for New York

Dutchess scores 49.1, falling below New York's state average of 54.7, placing it among the state's lower performers. The county faces particular livability constraints despite its location in the Hudson Valley region.

High Incomes Drive Economic Opportunity

Dutchess leads with an income score of 46.9, reflecting a median household income of $97,273—among the highest in the state. This earning power creates strong economic opportunity for career-focused residents.

Housing Costs Far Exceed Affordability

Dutchess's cost score of 51.1 reveals the county's major challenge: median rent of $1,522/month and median home values of $368,100. These premium prices strain even affluent households and limit accessibility for average families.

Suited for High-Income Professionals

Dutchess County is designed for affluent professionals and executives with six-figure incomes who value strong earning potential over affordability. Remote workers without local income needs should consider more affordable alternatives.

Score breakdown

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

Tax47.1Cost51.1SafetyComing SoonHealth81.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.9Risk11.7WaterComing Soon
🏛47.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.7
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 Dutchess County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.1
Median income: $86,266
Prince George's County
Maryland
54.1
Median income: $100,708
Ventura County
California
54
Median income: $107,327
Bronx County
New York
54
Median income: $49,036
Putnam County
New York
54.2
Median income: $127,405

Deep Dives

Dutchess County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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