countyscore
46.7
County Score
Schools 84.4Health 83.2Income & Jobs 71.5

County Report Card

About Genesee County, New York

Near the National Median

Genesee County earns a 46.7 composite score, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive profile despite heavy pressure from local tax rates.

Matching the State Average

The county's score of 46.7 is nearly identical to the New York state average of 47.0. It represents a typical New York experience, balancing high-quality services against significant costs.

Exceptional Schools and Health

Genesee shines with a school score of 84.4 and a health score of 83.2. These elite ratings reflect a community that invests heavily in its human capital and well-being.

The Weight of Taxation

The county struggles with an extremely low tax score of 0.7 due to a 2.508% effective tax rate. Safety also presents a challenge with a score of 33.2, marking it as an area for improvement.

Best for Education-Focused Families

This county is a top choice for families who view high taxes as a fair trade for premier public schools. It suits those who prioritize their children's education and their own health above all else.

Score breakdown

Tax0.7Cost33Safety33.2Health83.2Schools84.4Income71.5Risk43.9Water40.6Weather56.8
🏛0.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.9
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 Genesee County?

Many homeowners in Genesee 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 Genesee County with Ashley County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Ashley County
Arkansas
Median income: $44,481
46.7
Rockdale County
Georgia
Median income: $72,349
46.7
Marion County
Illinois
Median income: $60,839
46.7
Buena Vista County
Iowa
Median income: $66,564
46.7
Mills County
Iowa
Median income: $87,810
46.7
Harper County
Kansas
Median income: $55,417
46.7
Tipton County
Tennessee
Median income: $71,736
46.7
Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $74,250
46.8

Nearby counties

Orleans County
New York
51.8
Monroe County
New York
37.5
Wyoming County
New York
58.6
Livingston County
New York
51.4
Niagara County
New York
42.6
Erie County
New York
36.7
Ontario County
New York
47.6
Allegany County
New York
59.1

Deep Dives

Genesee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Genesee County

via TaxByCounty

Genesee's rate well above national median

At 2.508%, Genesee County's effective tax rate ranks in the top 20% nationally—substantially higher than the U.S. median of 2.13%. This elevated rate means Genesee homeowners carry a steeper tax burden than most Americans.

Among New York's highest-taxed counties

Genesee's 2.508% rate significantly exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, placing it among the state's higher-tax counties. This positions Genesee as a pricier option within an already high-tax state.

Highest rate in the immediate region

Genesee's 2.508% rate is notably higher than Franklin County (1.88%), Fulton County (2.13%), and even Greene County (1.66%). Only Herkimer County (2.27%) comes close, but Genesee still leads the local area in effective tax burden.

Annual taxes average nearly $4,000

The median Genesee County home is valued at $157,800 and carries an estimated annual property tax of $3,958. Depending on exemptions, homeowners may pay between $3,405 and $4,267 per year.

Assess your property value today

Given Genesee's higher tax rates, accurate assessments are critical—overassessed properties cost homeowners hundreds annually. Review your assessment notice carefully and consider filing an appeal if your home's assessed value exceeds its market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Genesee County

via CostByCounty

Genesee tops national affordability

Genesee County residents spend just 15.1% of income on rent, outpacing both the national average and New York's state average of 17.6%. With median household income of $72,055—near the national median—and rent at $909 monthly, the county delivers genuine housing stability.

Best value in upstate New York

Genesee County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% ranks among the state's best, significantly undercutting New York's $1,133 median rent. The county combines above-average income with below-average housing costs, a rare combination within New York.

Outperforms peers in the region

Genesee County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats nearby Fulton County (16.9%) and Franklin County (15.4%), making it the regional leader. At $909 monthly rent, the county undercuts Greene County ($993) while maintaining higher median household income than most neighbors.

Income-to-housing balance

Genesee County renters earning the median $72,055 annually pay $909 monthly, consuming just 15% of gross income and leaving 85% for other costs. For homebuyers, the median monthly owner cost of $1,078 against median home value of $157,800 creates accessible ownership pathways.

Genesee County: affordability leader

If housing affordability drives your relocation decision, Genesee County ranks at the top of New York's upstate markets with 15.1% rent-to-income and median home values of $157,800. The county's above-average income combined with moderate housing costs makes it an exceptional value proposition.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Genesee County

via IncomeByCounty

Genesee nears the national average

Genesee County's median household income of $72,055 comes within 3.6% of the national median of $74,755, signaling economic alignment with broader U.S. trends. The county's $2,700 gap to the national mark is among the tightest in upstate New York.

Mid-ranking within New York State

Genesee County ranks 33rd among 62 New York counties for median household income, sitting $4,378 below the state average of $76,433. Per capita income of $36,737 exceeds the state average by 10.7%, suggesting more evenly distributed earnings across the population.

Outearning nearby rural counties

Genesee's $72,055 median exceeds Franklin County ($63,747) by $8,308 and Fulton County ($62,615) by $9,440, positioning it as a relative earnings leader in the region. The county ranks among the stronger performers in its peer group.

Balanced housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.1%, Genesee County households enjoy solid housing affordability well below the 30% threshold. A median home value of $157,800 requires roughly 2.2 years of median household income, making homeownership reasonably attainable for local earners.

Invest in your financial future

Genesee County's near-national-average income creates room for deliberate wealth building: households can comfortably contribute to retirement savings, education funds, and investment accounts. Working with a financial advisor to develop a diversified portfolio can accelerate long-term asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Genesee County

via CrimeByCounty

Genesee County Below National Crime Benchmarks

Genesee County maintains a total crime rate of 1,566.9 per 100K, staying well under the national average of 2,385.5. This performance nets the county a safety score of 97.5 out of 100. Despite local challenges, the area remains safer than many comparable regions across the country.

Navigating Above the State Average

The county’s crime rate of 1,566.9 is higher than the New York state average of 1,074.4. Correspondingly, its safety score of 97.5 falls slightly below the state average of 98.3. Local law enforcement works across five agencies to address these figures and improve regional safety.

Genesee Faces Higher Rates Than Neighbors

Compared to nearby Fulton County at 1,077.3, Genesee County sees more reported criminal activity. It also lacks the extreme low rates found in Hamilton County (117.9). This regional comparison suggests that Genesee faces unique local pressures that drive crime rates upward.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the most frequent issue in Genesee, occurring at a rate of 1,383.1 per 100K. Violent crime is significantly lower at 183.8 per 100K, though this still exceeds the New York state average of 125.0. Understanding this split helps residents focus their safety efforts where they matter most.

Defending Your Genesee County Home

With a property crime rate of 1,383.1, securing your home should be a top priority. Use smart locks and home monitoring to discourage trespassers and protect your valuables. These proactive measures are vital for maintaining personal safety in the local environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Genesee County

via HealthByCounty

Genesee County keeps pace with national averages

At 77.4 years, Genesee County's life expectancy is just 0.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.2 years. The county's 15.6% poor or fair health rate is notably better than the national median, reflecting a relatively healthy population.

Slightly below state average but competitive

Genesee County's 77.4-year life expectancy trails New York's 77.9-year average by just 0.5 years, placing it near the state median. The county ranks in the healthier half of New York's 62 counties overall.

A healthier profile among regional peers

Genesee County's 77.4-year life expectancy matches Herkimer County and exceeds Fulton County's 75.0 years by a significant margin. Its 15.6% poor or fair health rate is the best in its peer group, suggesting stronger overall wellness.

Good insurance coverage, modest provider base

Genesee County's 4.4% uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties and well below the 5.3% state average. However, with 31 primary care and 202 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county has room to expand specialist access.

Maintain your coverage this year

Most Genesee County residents already have insurance, but if you're uninsured or facing a life change, renew or enroll at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Annual open enrollment runs through January 31st each year.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Genesee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Genesee County's Diverse District Network

Ten school districts manage 21 public schools across Genesee County, serving a total of 7,827 students. The landscape is primarily composed of 10 elementary schools and eight high schools, with a heavy emphasis on rural settings.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace the State

Genesee County excels with a 92.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the New York state average of 85.3%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $13,132, which aligns closely with the national spending average.

Batavia City Leads the Largest District Profile

Batavia City School District is the county's largest, enrolling 2,139 students across four specialized campuses. Like its neighbors, the county maintains a 0% charter school rate, focusing all resources on its 10 traditional districts.

Rural Settings with Strong Community Ties

Most schools here are located in rural areas, though eight serve town centers like Batavia. The average school size is 373 students, though Batavia High School serves as the county's largest institution with 645 students.

Move Near Genesee's High-Performing Districts

With graduation rates among the highest in the region, Genesee County is an ideal destination for education-focused homebuyers. Explore properties in Batavia or Le Roy to find a home within these successful school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Genesee County

via RiskByCounty

Genesee County shows moderate national risk

With a composite risk score of 56.11, Genesee County sits near the midpoint of American natural disaster risk, classifying as relatively low but noticeably higher than many western and mountain counties. Flooding and hurricanes drive most of this county's exposure.

Below state average but mid-tier for New York

Genesee County's 56.11 score falls well below New York's 69.42 average, placing it in the safer half of the state's 62 counties. It ranks significantly safer than southern and eastern New York communities but slightly riskier than its immediate upstate neighbors.

More vulnerable than Franklin and Fulton counties

Genesee County (56.11) exceeds both Franklin (48.85) and Fulton (48.63) in overall risk, though it remains safer than Herkimer County (60.02). The county's higher tornado risk of 29.55 compared to Franklin's 18.92 and Fulton's 40.04 reflects its position in upstate New York's storm corridor.

Flooding is the dominant hazard

Flood risk of 71.12 significantly outpaces all other threats in Genesee County, driven by proximity to Lake Ontario and the Genesee River. Hurricane risk at 62.04 ranks second, while tornado risk of 29.55 presents a moderate seasonal concern during spring and early summer.

Flood insurance is essential coverage

Genesee County's 71.12 flood risk makes flood insurance non-negotiable, particularly for properties near waterways and in designated flood zones. Standard homeowner's policies do not cover flooding, so securing separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers should be your first protection step.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Genesee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Perfectly Balanced Northeast Climate

Genesee's 47.4°F average annual temperature aligns with the national median for the Northeast region. It features a four-season climate with relatively dry conditions compared to more coastal counties.

Exactly the State Average

The county's 47.4°F average matches the New York state average exactly, representing a quintessential state weather profile. However, its 36.6 inches of precipitation is lower than the state average of 43.3 inches.

Drier Than Its Neighbors

Genesee is significantly drier than Jefferson (40.7") and Greene (56.7") counties. While it still gets 73.9 inches of snow, it misses the heaviest lake-effect totals found just to its north and west.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

July averages 70.2°F with only 6 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter brings a January average of 23.4°F and 73.9 inches of annual snowfall, requiring consistent winter maintenance.

Dual-Season Home Preparation

Balance your home for a 25.8°F winter average and a few summer heat waves. Snow tires are a wise investment for navigating the 74 inches of annual snowfall on rural roads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Genesee County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral pH for Genesee Soil

Genesee County features an average pH of 6.05, approaching the national median of 6.5. This makes it much less acidic than the state average of 5.11. The resulting chemical balance creates a versatile environment for a broad spectrum of agricultural activities.

A Silty Mix for High Workability

The soil composition is 31.8% sand, 48.8% silt, and 19.4% clay. This silt-heavy mix offers excellent workability and better nutrient retention than sandy counterparts. The higher clay content compared to neighboring counties helps maintain soil structure and stability.

Moderate Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 7.89%, which is lower than the New York average of 17.01% but still well above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.179 in/in, closely matching the state average of 0.182 in/in. These figures indicate a healthy, productive soil that responds well to standard management.

Natural Drainage and Site Planning

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are currently unclassified for Genesee. However, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that holds moisture longer than sandy soils. Farmers should plan for moderate drainage speeds when preparing fields for the season.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

With a hardiness zone of 6a, Genesee enjoys a longer growing season than many northern neighbors. The soil is ideal for corn, soybeans, and diverse vegetable crops. Local gardeners can achieve high yields by working with this naturally balanced soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Genesee County

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Growing Conditions in Genesee

Genesee County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 67.9, making it much easier to maintain than the state average of 61.1. This score places it well above the national median, suggesting a favorable environment for homeowners. The USDA Hardiness Zone 6a supports a wide variety of healthy turfgrasses.

Moderate Temperatures for Easy Mowing

The county experiences a balanced climate with 36.6 inches of precipitation and 2,515 growing degree days. With only 6 extreme heat days per year, the grass stays green without the constant stress found in hotter regions. This moderate weather allows for a predictable mowing schedule from May through October.

Superior Soil for Strong Roots

Genesee County features an ideal soil pH of 6.05, which sits perfectly at the edge of the recommended 6.0-7.0 range. The soil contains a healthy 19.4% clay and 31.8% sand, providing a stable structure that retains both moisture and nutrients. This natural balance means your lawn requires fewer chemical amendments than neighboring counties.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Despite the overall ease of care, the county spent 25 weeks in drought over the past year. Currently, 50.4% of the area is abnormally dry, requiring smart water management to maintain color. Use rain barrels or drip irrigation for ornamental edges to conserve water during these extended dry periods.

A Long Window for Planting

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in Zone 6a and is the primary recommendation for local yards. For best results, seed between the last spring frost on May 3 and the first fall frost on October 16. The relatively long growing season provides ample time for new sod or seed to establish a deep root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Genesee County's county score?
Genesee County, New York has a composite county score of 46.7 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 Genesee County rank among counties in New York?
Genesee County ranks #30 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 Genesee County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Genesee County is $3,958, with an effective tax rate of 2.51%. This earns Genesee County a tax score of 0.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Genesee County?
The median household income in Genesee County, New York is $72,055 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Genesee County earns an income score of 71.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Genesee County, New York a good place to live?
Genesee County scores 46.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in New York. The best way to evaluate Genesee 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 Genesee 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.