Greene County

New York · NY

#12 in New York
62.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Greene County, New York

Greene County well above national median

Greene County's composite score of 60.4 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 60th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates strong overall livability compared to most U.S. counties.

Top-tier performer in New York

Greene County ranks among New York's stronger counties with a score of 60.4 versus the state average of 54.7. The county significantly outperforms most of its peers statewide.

Lowest taxes and solid incomes

Greene County boasts the strongest tax score (55.6) and a median income of $74,011 with an effective tax rate of just 1.658%. The combination of low taxes and decent income makes this county financially attractive.

Housing costs rising, data gaps remain

The cost score of 71.2 reflects rising housing prices, with a median home value of $248,300—nearly double some neighboring counties. Information on safety, health, schools, and water quality is still pending.

Ideal for tax-conscious, financially stable families

Greene County suits affluent households seeking low tax rates and solid incomes with scenic Hudson Valley living. It works best for those with financial flexibility on housing costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax55.6Cost71.2SafetyComing SoonHealth78SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.7Risk31.7WaterComing Soon
🏛55.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼31.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
78
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
31.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene's rate well below national median

Greene County's effective tax rate of 1.658% is among the lowest in the nation, falling well below the U.S. median of 2.13%. This low rate provides significant relief for Greene homeowners relative to most Americans.

Among New York's most tax-friendly

At 1.658%, Greene County ranks among New York's lowest-taxed counties, well below the state average of 2.046%. This favorable position makes Greene one of the state's best choices for tax-conscious homeowners.

Lowest rate in the regional peer group

Greene's 1.658% rate beats all comparable neighbors, including Franklin County (1.88%), Jefferson County (1.575%), and Fulton County (2.13%). Only Hamilton County's extraordinary 0.98% rate surpasses Greene's regional advantage.

Home taxes average $4,116 annually

The median Greene County home is valued at $248,300 and carries an estimated annual property tax of $4,116. With exemptions, homeowners may pay between $3,617 and $4,568 per year.

Even low rates benefit from review

Though Greene's tax rates are relatively favorable, overassessment still occurs—costing some homeowners hundreds annually. Requesting an assessment review and filing an appeal if needed ensures you're paying only what you owe.

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene County affordability holds strong

Greene County residents spend 16.1% of income on rent, beating New York's state average of 17.6% and matching the national trend. At median household income of $74,011 and median rent of $993 monthly, the county offers accessible housing across income levels.

Solid performance statewide

Greene County's median rent of $993 undercuts New York's state average of $1,133, while the 16.1% rent-to-income ratio places it comfortably in the state's affordable middle. The county combines near-national-median income with below-state-average rents.

Premium pricing in the region

Greene County's $993 rent is the highest among immediate upstate neighbors, though its 16.1% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive. The county's median home value of $248,300 reflects stronger property values than Franklin, Fulton, and Genesee counties, attracting different buyer profiles.

Housing consumes moderate share

Greene County households earning median income of $74,011 annually spend $993 on rent, taking up 16% of gross income. Homebuyers navigate a median monthly owner cost of $1,261 and median home value of $248,300, positioning the county as more upscale than neighboring alternatives.

Greene for established homebuyers

Greene County appeals to relocators seeking upstate character with stronger property values—median homes cost $248,300 versus $128,600 in Franklin County. At 16.1% rent-to-income, the county delivers affordability for renters while offering premium real estate options for buyers.

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene exceeds national income median

Greene County's median household income of $74,011 ranks within 1% of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing households here at parity with national averages. This alignment reflects a relatively healthy local economy comparable to the broader nation.

Upper-middle ranked among New York counties

Greene County ranks 27th of 62 New York counties for median household income, trailing the state average of $76,433 by just $2,422. Per capita income of $41,292 matches the state average exactly, indicating well-balanced earning distribution.

Strong performer in the region

Greene's $74,011 exceeds Franklin County ($63,747) by $10,264 and Fulton County ($62,615) by $11,396, establishing it as a regional earnings leader. The county competes favorably with Genesee ($72,055) and Hamilton ($68,950).

Housing affordability challenged by values

Despite solid income, Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% masks a deeper challenge: median home values of $248,300 require roughly 3.4 years of median household income. This suggests housing appreciation has outpaced wage growth, pressuring prospective buyers.

Leverage earnings to build assets

Greene County households should prioritize tax-advantaged retirement accounts and investment diversification to offset rising housing costs. Consider strategies like down payment savings programs or real estate investment trusts (REITs) to participate in property wealth without traditional homeownership.

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Greene County matches national life expectancy

At 77.6 years, Greene County's life expectancy is only 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.2 years. The county's 15.0% poor or fair health rate is among the best of the eight counties examined.

Performing near state health benchmarks

Greene County's 77.6-year life expectancy sits 0.3 years below New York's 77.9-year state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the statewide distribution. The county ranks as a healthy mid-tier performer in New York.

A solid performer in its region

Greene County's 77.6-year life expectancy is competitive with Hamilton County (78.4 years) and exceeds Fulton County (75.0 years) by a clear margin. Its 15.0% poor or fair health rate ties it with Herkimer County as one of the region's healthiest.

Strong insurance coverage, limited specialty providers

Greene County's 5.0% uninsured rate is just below the state average of 5.3%, indicating good insurance penetration. However, with only 29 primary care providers and just 104 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, specialty care access is a challenge.

Explore plans tailored to your needs

Greene County residents seeking coverage or better rates should visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov to compare plans side-by-side. Many people qualify for tax credits that make premiums more affordable.

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County faces above-average U.S. risk

Greene County's composite risk score of 68.29 places it just below New York's state average and above typical American counties, particularly due to significant flood and hurricane exposure. The county's risk profile clusters heavily in weather-related hazards rather than seismic or wildfire events.

Slightly below New York average, still mid-risk

At 68.29, Greene County scores nearly equal to New York's 69.42 average, making it one of the state's middle-tier risk communities. It ranks considerably riskier than upstate counties like Hamilton and Franklin, but safer than Kings County's extreme exposure.

One of the riskier Hudson Valley counties

Greene County (68.29) ranks among the higher-risk communities in its region, exceeding upstate peers like Herkimer (60.02) and Jefferson (63.96). Its proximity to the Hudson River and Atlantic storm systems drives elevated flood and hurricane risks compared to inland upstate neighbors.

Hurricanes and flooding are severe threats

Hurricane risk dominates at 81.44, with flood risk nearly matching at 81.77—making Greene County acutely vulnerable to coastal storm impacts driven up the Hudson Valley. Tornado risk of 54.52 ranks substantially higher than upstate neighbors, reflecting the county's exposure to Atlantic weather systems.

Hurricane and flood insurance are critical

Greene County residents must obtain flood insurance immediately, given the 81.77 risk score and river flood history. Additionally, ensure your homeowner's policy includes hurricane coverage or add a separate windstorm rider, since the 81.44 hurricane risk score demands robust protection against severe storm damage.

ByCounty Network

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