countyscore
36.7
County Score
Health 83.5Income & Jobs 69.2Lawn Care 65

County Report Card

About Erie County, New York

Well Below the National Median

Erie County’s composite score of 36.7 ranks it significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates considerable room for improvement across several livability metrics.

Trailing New York’s Average Score

Erie County sits below the New York state average of 47.0. While it is an urban hub, it faces challenges that many other New York counties have mitigated more effectively.

Reliable Health and Income Metrics

The county earns a strong health score of 83.5 and an income score of 69.2. These metrics reflect a robust healthcare network and a median household income of $71,175.

Low Safety and Environmental Scores

Safety is a major concern with a score of 15.1, and environmental risk is critical at 2.3. These factors represent the most significant barriers to overall livability.

A Choice for Urban Opportunity

Erie County is best suited for those who need access to a major metro economy and healthcare system. It offers affordable housing at $217,400 for those willing to navigate urban safety and risk factors.

204060801002.623.615.183.558.969.22.363.558.6Tax2.6Cost23.6Safety15.1Health83.5Schools58.9Income69.2Risk2.3Water63.5Weather58.636.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Erie County DNA

Foverall

How Erie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Erie County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (83.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.6-49.4
Cost
23.6-24.4
Safety
15.1-39.9
Health
83.5+33.5
Schools
58.9
Income
69.2+18.200000000000003
Risk
2.3-44.7
Water
63.5
Weather
58.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Erie County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$217,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,037/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$217,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,175/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Niagara County
New York
42.6
Wyoming County
New York
58.6
Cattaraugus County
New York
46.4
Genesee County
New York
46.7
Orleans County
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Chautauqua County
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Livingston County
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Allegany County
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Deep Dives

Erie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Erie County

via TaxByCounty

Erie's rate exceeds nation, tax matches

Erie County's effective tax rate of 2.081% is nearly three times the national median effective rate of roughly 0.71%, yet its median property tax of $4,525 is only slightly above the national median of $2,690. This reflects Erie's position as a mid-sized upstate county with moderate property values of $217,400.

Erie slightly above state average rate

Erie County's effective rate of 2.081% is marginally above New York's state average of 2.046%, while its median property tax of $4,525 falls notably below the state average of $4,709. Erie represents a fairly typical tax burden for a mid-sized New York county.

Erie taxes align with regional middle

Erie County's effective rate of 2.081% falls between Cortland's high 2.646% and Delaware's lower 1.736%, while its median tax of $4,525 matches the general mid-range of these eight counties. As Western New York's largest county, Erie offers moderate tax rates for its size.

Erie median property tax is $4,525

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $217,400 in Erie County pays an estimated $4,525 in annual property taxes, or approximately $377 per month. With mortgage escrow, the total typically reaches about $4,837.

Assessment appeals save thousands

Erie County homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate—property overvaluation is a frequent occurrence that inflates tax bills year after year. Filing a simple appeal with your local assessor costs nothing and could return significant savings to your household budget.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Erie County

via CostByCounty

Erie holds stable rent affordability

Erie County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% sits just below the national 28% comfort threshold, with median rent at $1,037 monthly. At $71,175 median household income, Erie residents maintain solid affordability despite rents above many smaller upstate counties.

Close to New York's state average

Erie's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio nearly mirrors New York's 17.6% average, with median rents of $1,037—just $96 below the state median. This positions Erie as representative of mid-tier New York affordability.

Buffalo-area pricing moderate regionally

Erie's $1,037 rent runs roughly 13% above neighboring upstate counties like Cortland and Chenango but remains $485 cheaper than Dutchess County. Median home values of $217,400 reflect Erie's status as an urban anchor county with significant housing stock.

Urban affordability with reasonable costs

Erie residents earning $71,175 spending $1,037 on rent allocate 17.5% of income to housing, a balanced approach in an urban setting. Homeowners pay $1,125 monthly, or 18.9% of income, keeping ownership achievable for moderate-income households.

Urban access with modest affordability

Erie offers families earning $65,000–$80,000 a combination of urban amenities and moderate housing costs that compare favorably to other major metros. At 17.5%, Erie's rent ratio delivers reasonable value for those seeking city services without premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Erie County

via IncomeByCounty

Erie matches national income closely

Erie County's median household income of $71,175 sits just 4.8% below the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the American middle. This near-parity reflects a diversified manufacturing and services economy anchored by Buffalo's regional institutions.

Below state average but stable

Erie's $71,175 falls modestly short of New York's $76,433 state average by $5,258, ranking it in the middle band of the state's 62 counties. Buffalo's presence as a major regional hub helps sustain household incomes above many rural upstate peers.

Regional economic center pays off

Erie's $71,175 outpaces rural counties like Delaware ($60,226) and Chenango ($62,093) but lags wealthy Hudson Valley counties like Dutchess ($97,273). As Western New York's economic anchor, Buffalo keeps Erie incomes relatively competitive within the state.

Affordable housing in major city

With a median home value of $217,400 and a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio, Erie offers genuine affordability for a county anchored by a major metropolitan area. Buffalo's lower real-estate prices compared to New York City and other state metros help stretch household earnings.

Leverage Buffalo's economic stability

Erie's $71,175 median income and affordable housing create a genuine opportunity to build savings while employed in a stable regional economy. Establish automatic contributions to a 401(k) or IRA, then use the extra cash flow to explore down-payment funds or investment accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Erie County

via CrimeByCounty

Erie County Matches National Crime Levels

Erie County’s total crime rate of 2,380.6 per 100K is almost exactly the same as the national average. This gives the county a safety score of 96.2, indicating more activity than rural neighbors.

High Activity Compared to the State

Erie County's crime rate is more than double the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 96.2 falls below the state average of 98.3, reflecting its status as a major urban hub.

Regional Hub Safety Challenges

As a primary population center, Erie County naturally sees higher crime rates than its rural neighbors. Twenty-four reporting agencies manage the diverse public safety needs of this bustling region.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Violent crime is notable at 332.6 per 100K, while property crime is the primary concern at 2,048.0. These figures mean residents are significantly more likely to face property theft than violent crime.

Essential Protection for Erie Residents

High property crime rates suggest that active home monitoring is essential. Use monitored alarm systems and secure all windows to protect your household in this active urban environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Erie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure of Over 200 Schools

Erie County operates an expansive system of 221 public schools within 53 districts, educating a total of 122,013 students. The landscape is rich with 123 elementary schools and 54 high schools, making it one of the largest educational networks in the state. This scale provides an unparalleled breadth of programs and extracurricular options for local students.

Navigating Performance in a Large System

The county's graduation rate sits at 84.5%, closely trailing the state average of 85.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,451, which is more efficient than the state average but slightly below the national mark. Despite its size, the county manages a composite school score of 62.4, reflecting the diverse challenges of urban and suburban education.

Buffalo City and Williamsville Lead the Way

Buffalo City School District is the largest entity by far, managing 60 schools and 29,507 students. Williamsville and Kenmore-Tonawanda also serve as major suburban hubs, educating nearly 16,000 students between them. Notably, 22 charter schools operate in the county, representing 10% of all facilities and offering significant parental choice.

Suburban and City Schools with Scale

The county's schools are primarily located in suburban (98) and city (93) locales, creating a fast-paced and social educational environment. The average school size is 552 students, with the Charter School for Applied Technologies topping the charts at 2,309 students. This scale ensures that students have access to a wide variety of specialized tracks and athletic programs.

Unlock Endless Options for Your Children

Erie County is a top pick for families who want variety, offering everything from large suburban districts to specialized urban charter schools. Researching homes in Williamsville or the Buffalo suburbs can place your family near some of the region's most sought-after educational programs. Let school variety and district reputation guide your home-buying journey.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Erie County

via RiskByCounty

Erie County faces the highest regional risk

Erie County's composite risk score of 97.68 places it among the nation's highest-risk counties, earning a relatively high risk rating. The county faces exceptional exposure to floods (99.01), tornadoes (95.39), and earthquakes (85.85), with moderate hurricane risk (71.30) adding further complexity. This extraordinary vulnerability demands urgent, comprehensive disaster preparation.

New York's most dangerous county here

At 97.68, Erie County's composite score far exceeds New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it among the state's most vulnerable counties by a significant margin. This extremely elevated standing reflects Erie's exposure to Lake effect weather, seismic activity, and flat terrain conducive to flooding and tornadoes. The county's risk profile is exceptional and requires the highest level of preparedness.

Dramatically higher risk than all neighbors

Erie's 97.68 score substantially exceeds all other counties in this comparison, including the second-highest Dutchess (88.26) and third-highest Delaware (83.33). No neighboring county approaches Erie's risk level. Your county faces hazard exposure that is quantitatively and qualitatively different from surrounding areas.

Catastrophic flood and tornado exposure

Erie County faces truly exceptional flood risk (99.01)—near-perfect danger score—combined with extremely high tornado exposure (95.39). Earthquake risk (85.85) adds a third major threat, while wildfire (62.63) and hurricane (71.30) exposure round out your comprehensive hazard profile. These converging dangers place Erie among the nation's most disaster-prone counties.

Urgent: obtain all available insurance

Your county's near-maximum flood (99.01) and tornado (95.39) risks make flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage non-negotiable, regardless of cost or inconvenience. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given your 85.85 exposure. Immediately consult with a professional insurance broker and engineer to assess your property's specific vulnerabilities and available protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Erie County

via WaterByCounty

Erie County Maintains 'B' Grade Compliance

Erie County maintains a 'B' grade, despite 42 recorded health violations, due to its large population base. The resulting violation rate of 4.4 per 100,000 residents is among the lowest in the state.

Erie County Watershed Data Unassessed

The federal government has not yet completed §303(d) assessments for water bodies in Erie County. No impairment data is available in the current federal watershed reporting cycle.

Dense Monitoring Network in Erie County

A dense network of 70 sites has produced 21,728 measurements over the last five years. Physical characteristics and organic compounds are the most frequently measured parameters in the county.

Niagara River Serves as Major Drainage

The Niagara River at Buffalo serves a massive drainage area of 263,700 square miles. Current discharge data is not available for this station, though it remains a primary source for the region's water supply.

Low Violation Rate for Municipal Users

Erie County's low violation rate is a positive sign for municipal water users. However, the density of monitoring for organic compounds suggests residents should stay aware of industrial runoff trends in the Niagara basin.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Erie County

via WeatherByCounty

A damp Great Lakes climate

Erie County averages 46.8°F, well below the national median but typical for the Great Lakes. It is high-moisture, with 46 inches of precipitation annually.

Close to the state average

The county sits just below the New York state average of 47.4°F. While its temperatures are moderate for the state, its snowfall is among the highest in the country.

Leading the region in snow

Erie experiences a massive 124.1 inches of snow, far outpacing the 117.3 inches found in Cortland County. Extreme heat is rare, with only 1 day reaching 90°F per year.

Famous for lake-effect snow

Lake-effect snow drives a winter average of 25.8°F and over 10 feet of total accumulation. Summers are temperate and rarely oppressive, with a July average of 69°F.

Focusing on snow management

Snow management is the top priority for residents facing 124 inches of annual fall. Investment in high-efficiency heating is far more critical than cooling systems here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Erie County

via SoilByCounty

Approaching the National Neutrality Median

Erie County soil features a pH of 5.89, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.11. It approaches the national median of 6.5, though specific taxonomic classifications are not currently listed.

Heavy Mix Holds Nutrient Well

The composition is balanced at 50.5% silt and 17.3% clay, providing a heavy texture that holds onto nutrients well. This mix can be challenging to work when wet but offers great stability for roots.

Lower Organic Matter Requires Mulch

Organic matter sits at 5.85%, which is much lower than the New York average of 17.01%. The water capacity of 0.167 in/in also trails the state benchmark, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation or mulching.

Clay Content Influences Local Flow

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this region. However, the relatively high clay content suggests that drainage might be slower than in sandier neighboring counties.

Lakeside Climate Aids Long Seasons

Zone 6b offers a longer growing season than much of the state, perfect for tomatoes and peppers. Take advantage of the mild Lake Erie influence and start your backyard farm today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Erie County

via LawnByCounty

Erie County Lawns Thrive Near the Lake

Erie County's lawn difficulty score of 65.0 is comfortably higher than the state average, thanks to a mild Zone 6b climate. The lake-effect environment provides a stable base for lawn care that is easier than the national median.

Consistent Moisture and Rare Heat Waves

With only 1 extreme heat day per year and 46.0 inches of precipitation, the climate is nearly perfect for cool-season turf. The 2,345 growing degree days offer a moderate pace for growth, preventing the need for excessive mowing.

Solid Soil pH and Clay Content

At 5.89, the soil pH is nearly at the ideal 6.0 threshold, making it one of the better-performing counties for nutrient availability. The soil contains 17.3% clay, which helps retain those nutrients but can lead to drainage issues in low-lying areas.

Recovering from a Year of Variable Rain

Although currently clear of drought, the county faced a significant 23 weeks in drought over the last year. During these periods, leave your clippings on the lawn to act as a natural moisture barrier and nitrogen source.

Seize the Lake-Effect Growing Window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Erie County's cool, moist summers. The growing season kicks off after the May 7 frost and stays active through a relatively late first frost on October 17.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erie County's county score?
Erie County, New York has a composite county score of 36.7 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 Erie County rank among counties in New York?
Erie County ranks #60 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 Erie County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Erie County is $4,525, with an effective tax rate of 2.08%. This earns Erie County a tax score of 2.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Erie County?
The median household income in Erie County, New York is $71,175 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Erie County earns an income score of 69.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Erie County, New York a good place to live?
Erie County scores 36.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in New York. The best way to evaluate Erie 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 Erie County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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