Genesee County

New York · NY

#27 in New York
58.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Genesee County, New York

Genesee County meets national benchmark

Genesee County's composite score of 53.5 slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 54th percentile nationally. The county performs at the solid middle range of American livability.

Performing near statewide average

Genesee County's score of 53.5 is essentially at parity with New York's state average of 54.7, making it a representative upstate performer. The county sits squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings.

Affordable housing and higher incomes

Genesee County combines a strong cost score of 75.6 with the highest income score (30.4) in this group, reflecting a median household income of $72,055. Housing remains accessible with a median home value of $157,800.

Tax burden significantly higher

The county's tax score of 31.7 and effective tax rate of 2.508% are the highest in this profile, creating a notable cost drag. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable.

Balanced option for income-focused families

Genesee County suits families with solid incomes who can absorb higher tax rates in exchange for moderate housing costs and upstate living. It appeals to those seeking traditional rural character.

Score breakdown

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

Tax31.7Cost75.6SafetyComing SoonHealth77.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.4Risk43.9WaterComing Soon
🏛31.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
43.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Genesee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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