countyscore
51.9
County Score
Health 84.4Safety 83.9Income & Jobs 75.5

County Report Card

About Greene County, New York

Above National Standards

Greene County achieves a composite score of 51.9, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high baseline for quality of life compared to the average U.S. county.

Outpacing the State

Greene's 51.9 score is significantly higher than the New York state average of 47.0. It stands out as one of the more balanced counties in the Hudson Valley region.

Elite Safety and Health

The county boasts an impressive health score of 84.4 and a safety score of 83.9. These metrics, combined with an income score of 75.5, create a secure and prosperous environment.

Infrastructure and Risk

Lower scores in water quality at 19.1 and environmental risk at 31.7 suggest that infrastructure needs more attention. Housing costs are also rising, with a cost score of 22.5 and median home values of $248,300.

A Secure Upstate Retreat

Greene County is ideal for remote professionals or families seeking a very safe, health-conscious community. It rewards those who value security and can navigate moderate housing costs.

204060801008.222.583.984.463.675.531.719.153.1Tax8.2Cost22.5Safety83.9Health84.4Schools63.6Income75.5Risk31.7Water19.1Weather53.151.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Greene County DNA

Foverall

How Greene County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greene County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (84.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.2-43.8
Cost
22.5-25.5
Safety
83.9+28.900000000000006
Health
84.4+34.400000000000006
Schools
63.6+9.600000000000001
Income
75.5+24.5
Risk
31.7-15.3
Water
19.1-38.9
Weather
53.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Greene County?

Many homeowners in Greene 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

$248,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$993/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,011/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.2

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

Ulster County
New York
45.5
Columbia County
New York
49
Schoharie County
New York
53.8
Albany County
New York
35.4
Schenectady County
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Dutchess County
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Delaware County
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Rensselaer County
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Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County Among the Nation’s Safest

Greene County boasts a total crime rate of only 376.5 per 100K, dwarfing the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance earns the county a near-perfect safety score of 99.4. It stands as a model of public safety on the national stage.

Exceptional Safety Within New York State

The county’s crime rate is roughly one-third of the New York state average of 1,074.4. With a safety score of 99.4, Greene County significantly outperforms the state average of 98.3. Residents benefit from a highly secure environment managed by eight dedicated reporting agencies.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

Greene County is far safer than its neighbors like Herkimer County, which reports a rate of 1,421.3. Even when compared to Franklin County (606.8), Greene holds a distinct advantage in overall security. It remains one of the most peaceful counties in the region.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

Violent crime in Greene County is remarkably low at just 49.9 per 100K, far below the state average of 125.0. Property crime is also minimal, sitting at 326.6 per 100K. For residents, this translates to a very low risk of encountering criminal activity in daily life.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While crime is low, maintaining awareness is key to keeping Greene County safe. Simple habits like locking vehicles and securing sheds prevent the few property crimes that do occur. Your vigilance helps preserve this county's status as a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Greene County's Streamlined Education System

Six school districts oversee 16 public schools in Greene County, providing education to 5,160 students. The system includes six elementary schools and five high schools, predominantly serving the county's rural and town populations.

Strong School Scores and High Spending

The county boasts a school score of 71.2, which is significantly higher than the state average of 67.7. To achieve these results, the county invests $16,146 per pupil, well above both the New York and national spending averages.

Catskill and Cairo-Durham District Focus

Catskill Central School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,277 students across three schools. The county does not host any charter schools, relying instead on its six core public districts to provide all K-12 education.

The Intimacy of Small-Town Schools

Schooling in Greene County feels personal, with an average school size of just 323 students. Catskill Elementary is the largest single school with 574 students, while 10 of the county's 16 schools are situated in truly rural locales.

Education Quality as a Homebuying Advantage

Families moving to Greene County can benefit from some of the highest per-pupil spending in the state. Look for homes in the Catskill or Coxsackie-Athens districts to secure a spot in these highly-rated school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greene County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Violations Exceed State Average

Greene County reports 40 health violations, yielding a rate of 140.7 per 100,000 people. This rate significantly exceeds the New York average of 81.8, indicating persistent compliance issues in drinking water systems.

Clean Water Act Assessments Not Available

Local water bodies have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) reporting cycle. The county currently has no data on the share of assessed water bodies that meet or fail federal standards.

Active PFAS and Organic Contaminant Tracking

Across 11 sites, monitoring teams have recorded 2,259 measurements in the last five years. A significant portion of this effort focuses on physical properties and PFAS (Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances).

Schoharie Creek Discharge Falls Below Mean

The primary gauge at Schoharie Creek shows a discharge of 285 cfs, only 59% of its long-term typical flow. This lower-than-normal streamflow can impact the concentration of dissolved substances in the watershed.

Be Vigilant Regarding PFAS and Low Flows

With high drinking water violations and active PFAS monitoring, residents should verify if their local system is meeting safety standards. Low streamflow on Schoharie Creek may exacerbate the concentration of contaminants, making consistent testing vital.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

A Damp and Cool Appalachian Climate

Greene County is defined by its high moisture, receiving 56.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national median. Its 46.0°F average temperature creates a cool, humid environment throughout the year.

One of the State's Wettest Counties

Greene is cooler than the state average of 47.4°F and significantly wetter than the 43.3-inch state precipitation average. It receives over 13 inches more rain and snow than the typical New York county.

Heavy Precipitation Compared to Neighbors

With 56.7 inches of precipitation, Greene is much wetter than neighboring Genesee (36.6") and Franklin (40.5"). Its 90.1 inches of snow is higher than state medians but lower than the extreme Adirondack peaks.

Pleasant Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are mild with a 68.4°F July average and only 6 days of extreme heat. Winters are robust, featuring 90.1 inches of snowfall and a winter average temperature of 25.2°F.

Manage the High Moisture

Reliable gutter systems and basement waterproofing are essential to handle the 56.7 inches of annual precipitation. Prepare for significant snow removal and ensure heating systems are ready for the snowy winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Hudson Valley Soil Chemistry

Greene County soil has an average pH of 5.33, which is slightly above the New York average of 5.11. This remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is common for the region and supports a variety of native forest and meadow species.

Silat-Dominant Textures and Nutrient Retention

The soil is comprised of 34.9% sand, 44.9% silt, and 14.7% clay. This combination provides a fine-textured soil that holds water and nutrients more effectively than sandy soils. The significant silt percentage makes the soil feel smooth and allows for easy root penetration.

Solid Fertility with Average Water Storage

Organic matter content is 15.94%, resting just below the state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is 0.183 in/in, almost exactly at the state baseline. This indicates that Greene County soil provides a reliable and steady supply of moisture for growing crops.

Understanding Local Water Movement

Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this area. The significant silt and clay components suggest that water moves through this soil at a moderate rate. Gardeners may need to adjust for seasonal moisture peaks to avoid waterlogging.

Grow Anything in Zone 5b

Greene County sits in USDA Zone 5b, offering a flexible climate for many fruits and vegetables. The soil's balanced texture and reliable water capacity are perfect for apples, berries, and brassicas. It is a fantastic place to establish a productive home garden or small orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in Greene County

Greene County has a lawn difficulty score of 55.0, which is slightly more demanding than the New York state average. This difficulty is largely driven by high precipitation and acidic soil conditions in Hardiness Zone 5b. While not the easiest county for turf, it remains more manageable than many regions across the United States.

High Precipitation and Steady Growth

With 56.7 inches of annual precipitation, Greene County is significantly wetter than the state average of 43.3 inches. The 2,162 growing degree days ensure consistent growth throughout the season, though heavy rains can complicate mowing schedules. Only 6 extreme heat days per year mean your grass is unlikely to scorch during the summer.

Managing Acidity in Heavy Soil

The soil pH of 5.33 is acidic enough to require regular lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With a clay content of 14.7% and sand at 34.9%, the ground holds onto water well but may suffer from compaction. Aeration is recommended to improve drainage and help roots penetrate the dense soil structure.

High Resilience and Low Drought Risk

Greene County is currently drought-free, and it only experienced 5 weeks of drought over the entire past year. The high 56.7-inch rainfall average keeps the water table high and the grass naturally hydrated. You can focus more on managing drainage and less on expensive irrigation systems here.

Perfect Timing for Cool-Season Grass

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this Zone 5b climate and its abundant moisture. The best planting window opens after May 9 and closes before the first frost on October 4. Start your lawn projects in late August to take advantage of the naturally cooling temperatures and high fall rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, New York has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Greene County rank among counties in New York?
Greene County ranks #15 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 Greene County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $4,116, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, New York is $74,011 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 75.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, New York a good place to live?
Greene County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in New York. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.