countyscore
43.6
County Score
Soil Quality 67.3Health 62.9Income & Jobs 53.4

County Report Card

About Fulton County, New York

Below the National Median

Fulton County's composite score of 43.2 falls below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects several structural challenges that impact its overall livability ranking on a national scale.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 43.2 score sits slightly below the New York state average of 47.0. While it is competitive in some areas, it lags behind many of its upstate neighbors in total composite value.

Solid Health and Safety

Fulton County performs best in health with a score of 62.9 and safety at 51.9. These scores provide a stable foundation for residents seeking a reasonably secure community environment.

High Taxes and School Gaps

A very low tax score of 2.3 is driven by a high 2.130% effective tax rate. The county also sees room for improvement in water quality and school performance, which score 39.3 and 53.4 respectively.

A Choice for Modest Living

Fulton County is best suited for individuals who prioritize a quiet life and health access over educational rankings or low taxes. It offers a slower pace for those who can manage the higher-than-average tax burden.

204060801002.139.851.962.953.453.451.439.351.6Tax2.1Cost39.8Safety51.9Health62.9Schools53.4Income53.4Risk51.4Water39.3Weather51.643.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Fulton County DNA

Foverall

How Fulton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Fulton County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (2.1/100), though Health (62.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.1-49.9
Cost
39.8-8.200000000000003
Safety
51.9
Health
62.9+12.899999999999999
Schools
53.4
Income
53.4
Risk
51.4
Water
39.3-18.700000000000003
Weather
51.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Fulton County?

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$163,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$912/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$163,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,533/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.7

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

Montgomery County
New York
40.2
Herkimer County
New York
47.2
Schenectady County
New York
34.2
Hamilton County
New York
61.2
Saratoga County
New York
50.9
Schoharie County
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54.3
Warren County
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46
Otsego County
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53.4

Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton's rate slightly above U.S. median

Fulton County's effective tax rate of 2.13% is slightly above the national median of 2.13%, placing it right around the middle nationally. This means Fulton homeowners pay roughly average property taxes compared to the rest of America.

Right at New York's state average

Fulton County's 2.13% effective rate is slightly above New York's average of 2.046%, putting it in the middle of the state's tax spectrum. This near-average position reflects Fulton's balanced approach to property taxation within New York.

Middle ground in regional tax rates

Fulton's 2.13% rate sits between Franklin County's 1.88% and Genesee County's 2.51%, making it a moderate option regionally. Compared to Hamilton County's very low 0.98%, Fulton residents pay meaningfully more in property taxes.

Median home taxes run $3,325 yearly

The typical Fulton County home is valued at $156,100 and generates an annual property tax bill of $3,325. With mortgage exemptions, some homeowners may pay $2,793, while others pay up to $3,656.

Assessment errors cost homeowners money

Many properties in Fulton County are assessed above their fair market value, leading to inflated tax bills. Requesting a formal assessment review and filing an appeal if warranted can significantly reduce your annual property tax.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton income underperforms nationally

Fulton County's median household income of $62,615 ranks 16.2% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing households here at a meaningful earnings disadvantage compared to the nation. The annual gap of $12,140 reflects economic headwinds in the region.

Second-lowest among New York counties

Fulton County ranks 61st of 62 New York counties for median household income, outpacing only one county statewide. At $62,615, median income falls $13,818 below the state average of $76,433, and per capita income of $34,843 trails the state by 15.3%.

Struggling relative to surrounding counties

Fulton's $62,615 median sits nearly $9,500 below Franklin County ($63,747) and trails Genesee County ($72,055) by nearly $9,500. Among upstate neighbors, Fulton ranks among the most economically challenged.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% remains in the affordable range, but combined with stagnant wages, leaves limited discretionary income for households. The median home value of $156,100 requires roughly 2.5 years of median household income, above what many local earners can comfortably afford.

Strategic saving critical for families

With tighter household budgets, Fulton County residents should prioritize automatic savings—even small amounts directed to savings accounts build resilience against unexpected expenses. Exploring free financial counseling services and employer benefits can help maximize limited resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County Remains Safer Than National Averages

Fulton County reports a total crime rate of 1,077.3 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.3, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Local data from five reporting agencies shows a consistent pattern of safety.

Matching the New York State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,077.3 aligns almost perfectly with the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 98.3 is identical to the statewide average, indicating that Fulton County is a typical representative of New York's safety profile. Residents live in a community that mirrors the security standards of the broader state.

A Balanced Profile Among Regional Peers

Fulton County is safer than nearby Genesee County, which has a higher rate of 1,566.9 per 100K. However, it sees more activity than Greene County's low rate of 376.5. This middle-of-the-pack ranking highlights Fulton as a stable regional anchor for public safety.

Understanding the Local Crime Landscape

Violent crime in Fulton County stands at 137.0 per 100K, slightly higher than the state average but far below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 940.3 per 100K. These figures suggest that while personal safety is generally high, property requires attention.

Prioritize Property Protection in Fulton

With property crime as the main driver of local statistics, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Motion-sensor lights and visible cameras are effective deterrents against theft. Small investments in security help keep these property crime numbers trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fulton County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Mohawk Valley

While specific temperature data is limited, Fulton receives 46.4 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the national median. This consistent moisture defines its lush, humid continental environment.

Wetter Than the Average New York County

Fulton's annual precipitation of 46.4 inches exceeds the New York state average of 43.3 inches. Without specific temperature rankings available, the county is best characterized by its high moisture levels relative to its neighbors.

A Transitional Climate Profile

Fulton receives more annual precipitation (46.4") than neighboring Franklin (40.5") but less than Greene County to the south (56.7"). This suggests a climate that balances Adirondack influence with Mohawk Valley weather patterns.

Substantial Moisture Across the Year

Local data for specific seasonal temperatures and snowfall is unavailable, but the high annual precipitation suggests significant winter snow and summer rain. Residents experience the full range of four distinct Northeastern seasons.

Focus on Moisture Protection

Homeowners should prioritize robust roofing and drainage systems to handle the 46.4 inches of annual precipitation. Even without specific temperature data, standard New York winter prep for snow and ice is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Fulton Landscape

Fulton County soils maintain an average pH of 4.69, which is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the New York state average of 5.11. The low pH suggests a need for soil amendments if you are growing traditional garden vegetables.

Balanced Sand and Silt Textures

The soil consists of 44.5% sand, 26.6% silt, and 8.4% clay. This mix provides a texture that is workable yet retains enough silt to slow water movement through the ground. The low clay percentage keeps the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to till.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Capacity

At 51.48%, the organic matter content is three times higher than the state average of 17.01%. This richness contributes to an available water capacity of 0.255 in/in, outperforming the state baseline of 0.182 in/in. Such high fertility levels indicate great potential for sustained plant growth.

Observing Local Hydrological Conditions

While dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not formally listed for the county data, the high sand content suggests naturally porous behavior. Homeowners should observe how their specific plots handle heavy rain to determine drainage needs. The high organic content helps maintain surface moisture even in well-draining areas.

Growing Success in Zone 5a

Fulton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, supporting a wide range of hardy vegetables and fruits. Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and potatoes thrive in this high-organic, low-pH soil. Start your garden today to take advantage of this nutrient-rich land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Fulton County Turf

With a difficulty score of 45.9, Fulton County is one of the more challenging places in the state to maintain a lush lawn. This score falls significantly below the New York average of 61.1 and the national average of 50.0. Success in Zone 5a requires careful attention to soil health and variety selection.

Wet Weather Guides the Mowing Schedule

Fulton County sees a generous 46.4 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average of 43.3 inches. While specific heat and growing season data are limited for this area, the high rainfall often leads to rapid spring growth. You should monitor moisture levels closely to avoid mowing while the ground is overly saturated.

Sandy Soils Require Consistent Amendments

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.69, which is well outside the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. A high sand content of 44.5% combined with just 8.4% clay means nutrients leach away quickly during heavy rains. Regular applications of lime and organic matter are essential to create a stable foundation for grass roots.

Managing Moderate Drought Vulnerability

The county experienced 17 weeks in drought over the last year, and 38.3% of the land is currently abnormally dry. To build resilience, keep your grass taller during dry periods to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. This practice helps the lawn survive dry spells even when rainfall deviates from the usual 46.4-inch average.

Selecting Cold-Hardy Varieties

Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescues are excellent options for the Zone 5a climate in Fulton County. While local frost dates are not strictly recorded, targeting the late summer or early spring for seeding provides the best results. Focus on hardy, cool-season blends that can withstand the region's chilly winter temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, New York has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Fulton County rank among counties in New York?
Fulton County ranks #40 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 Fulton County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $3,364, with an effective tax rate of 2.06%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, New York is $66,533 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, New York a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in New York. The best way to evaluate Fulton 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 Fulton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.