Hamilton County's composite score of 71.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. The county is among America's more livable places based on available metrics.
2 / 5
Highest-scoring county in New York
Hamilton County's score of 71.9 significantly surpasses New York's average of 54.7, making it the top performer in this group. The county stands out as a premier livable location statewide.
3 / 5
Exceptional taxes and housing affordability
Hamilton County delivers the lowest effective tax rate (0.979%) and a tax score of 74.7 among all eight counties profiled. Combined with a cost score of 80.7 and median rent of $860, the county offers unmatched financial efficiency.
4 / 5
Moderate incomes, limited complete data
The income score of 28.4 with a median household income of $68,950 is middle-of-the-range for this group. Safety, health, school, and water quality information is not yet available.
5 / 5
Best choice for tax-averse savers
Hamilton County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. It appeals to those seeking sustainable, fiscally responsible upstate living.
Hamilton County's composite score of 71.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. The county is among America's more livable places based on available metrics.
Highest-scoring county in New York
Hamilton County's score of 71.9 significantly surpasses New York's average of 54.7, making it the top performer in this group. The county stands out as a premier livable location statewide.
Exceptional taxes and housing affordability
Hamilton County delivers the lowest effective tax rate (0.979%) and a tax score of 74.7 among all eight counties profiled. Combined with a cost score of 80.7 and median rent of $860, the county offers unmatched financial efficiency.
Moderate incomes, limited complete data
The income score of 28.4 with a median household income of $68,950 is middle-of-the-range for this group. Safety, health, school, and water quality information is not yet available.
Best choice for tax-averse savers
Hamilton County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. It appeals to those seeking sustainable, fiscally responsible upstate living.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hamilton County's effective tax rate of 0.979% is among the lowest in the entire nation, less than half the U.S. median of 2.13%. Hamilton stands as a rare tax haven where property tax burdens are exceptionally light.
New York's most tax-friendly county
At 0.979%, Hamilton County has the lowest effective tax rate in New York, dramatically below the state average of 2.046%. This advantage is unmatched within a state historically known for high property taxes.
Tax rate unmatched in the region
Hamilton's 0.979% rate is roughly half that of Greene County (1.658%), Franklin County (1.88%), and all other nearby counties. This extraordinary advantage makes Hamilton the region's clear tax leader.
Low rate, surprisingly modest bill
Despite median home values of $242,000, Hamilton residents pay only $2,369 in annual property taxes—a remarkable benefit of the county's low rate. Homeowners may pay between $2,274 and $2,510 depending on exemptions.
Verify your assessment is correct
Hamilton's low rates don't prevent occasional overassessments from occurring. Reviewing your property assessment ensures you're benefiting fully from the county's exceptional tax advantage.
Hamilton County residents spend just 15.0% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among upstate counties and well below both national and state averages. With median household income of $68,950 and rent at $860 monthly, the county provides exceptional housing value.
Top affordability tier statewide
Hamilton County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among New York's best, with median rent of $860 undercutting the state's $1,133 average by a significant margin. The county delivers genuine affordability within a state where housing typically claims larger income shares.
Matches Franklin's rental value
Hamilton County's $860 rent aligns closely with Franklin County ($819), positioning both as the region's rental bargains. With a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio, Hamilton edges ahead of most peers, though the county's $242,000 median home value reflects steeper property costs than rental pricing suggests.
Rent and ownership both accessible
Hamilton County renters earning the median $68,950 annually spend $860 monthly on rent, consuming 15% of gross income. Homebuyers face a median monthly owner cost of $805 and median home value of $242,000, making ownership costs lower than rents—an unusual advantage.
Hamilton: upstate value leader
Hamilton County combines the region's best rent-to-income ratio (15.0%) with surprisingly affordable ownership—monthly owner costs run just $805 against median home value of $242,000. For relocators balancing renting flexibility against ownership opportunity, the county delivers exceptional value.
Hamilton County's median household income of $68,950 falls 7.8% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic constraints. The $5,805 annual shortfall affects household purchasing power and long-term savings capacity.
Mid-tier within New York counties
Hamilton County ranks 38th of 62 New York counties for median household income, falling $7,483 short of the state average of $76,433. However, per capita income of $41,820 exceeds the state average by 1.7%, suggesting concentrated higher earners in the county.
Regional income middle ground
Hamilton's $68,950 median positions it between Fulton County ($62,615) and Genesee County ($72,055), serving as a bridge county in regional earnings. It outearns rural Fulton and Franklin but trails stronger neighbors like Greene.
Tight housing affordability equation
Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15% signals affordability, but median home values of $242,000 require roughly 3.5 years of median household income—a heavy lift for typical earners. The gap between rental and ownership affordability suggests limited middle-income homebuying options.
Strategic wealth-building essential
Hamilton County households should focus on maximizing employer retirement benefits and building emergency savings to weather economic uncertainty. Consider lower-cost index funds and automatic investment plans to build wealth despite modest income gains.
At 78.4 years, Hamilton County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.2 years by 0.2 years, making it the longest-lived county in this group. The 16.5% poor or fair health rate is moderate, suggesting manageable chronic disease burden.
Tops New York on life expectancy ranking
Hamilton County's 78.4-year life expectancy exceeds New York's 77.9-year state average by 0.5 years, placing it in the healthier quartile statewide. The county is a standout performer for longevity in the state.
The longevity leader of its peer group
Hamilton County's 78.4-year life expectancy tops all nearby counties, including Franklin (77.3), Genesee (77.4), and Fulton (75.0). Its exceptional longevity suggests strong underlying health despite modest provider availability.
Uninsured rate stands out as a concern
Hamilton County's 8.6% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties and significantly above the 5.3% state average, affecting over 1 in 12 residents. The county also has limited primary care (39 per 100K) and especially sparse mental health providers (59 per 100K), creating real access barriers.
Bridge the coverage gap in Hamilton County
If you're among the uninsured in Hamilton County, enrollment is critical. Visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777 to apply—many rural residents qualify for Medicaid or subsidized plans.
Hamilton County's composite risk score of 15.11 ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, offering residents exceptional protection from natural disasters. This remote, sparsely populated Adirondack county benefits from its northern location and elevation, minimizing exposure to hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.
New York's single safest county
At 15.11, Hamilton County scores less than one-quarter of New York's 69.42 average, making it the state's most resilient community by far. No other New York county approaches this level of natural disaster safety.
Dramatically safer than all surrounding counties
Hamilton County (15.11) vastly outperforms every neighboring upstate county: Franklin (48.85), Fulton (48.63), Herkimer (60.02), and Jefferson (63.96) all carry substantially higher risk. The gap reflects Hamilton's remote Adirondack location and minimal population density.
Earthquake and flood risks are minimal
Even Hamilton County's highest risk—earthquake at 47.68—remains well below national and state averages, reflecting the county's distance from major seismic zones. Wildfire risk of just 3.12 is negligible, and tornado risk of 11.23 presents virtually no seasonal concern.
Standard coverage meets local needs
Hamilton County residents benefit from minimal insurance complexity: standard homeowner's insurance with basic flood coverage typically provides adequate protection. While earthquake insurance remains available, the county's 47.68 risk score suggests it is a lower priority compared to counties elsewhere in New York and the nation.