countyscore
63
County Score
Safety 92.4Disaster Risk 84.9Health 69.8

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, New York

Elite National Standing

Hamilton County delivers a 63.0 composite score, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the top-rated counties in the entire United States for livability.

State-Leading Performance

A score of 63.0 dwarfs the New York state average of 47.0. Hamilton stands as a premier example of high quality of life within the Adirondack region.

Unrivaled Safety and Stability

Hamilton excels with a safety score of 92.4 and an environmental risk score of 84.9. Residents also benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.979%, which is excellent for New York.

Water Infrastructure Gaps

The county's primary weakness is a very low water score of 6.7. This infrastructure gap is the main outlier in an otherwise high-performing profile.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

This county is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety, low taxes, and environmental resilience. It is the best fit for those who value peace and security over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax39.8Cost51.5Safety92.4Health69.8Schools62.8Income64.1Risk84.9Water6.7Weather51.7
🏛39.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.5
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 Hamilton County?

Many homeowners in Hamilton 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 Hamilton County with Haines Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Haines Borough
Alaska
Median income: $72,607
63
Calhoun County
Illinois
Median income: $92,095
63
Wayne County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,933
63
Beaverhead County
Montana
Median income: $58,072
63
Clark County
South Dakota
Median income: $62,885
63
Morgan County
Alabama
Median income: $64,858
62.9
Custer County
Colorado
Median income: $72,700
63.1
Lafayette County
Florida
Median income: $60,692
62.9

Nearby counties

Warren County
New York
46
Fulton County
New York
43.2
Herkimer County
New York
47.1
Saratoga County
New York
50.6
Montgomery County
New York
40.1
Washington County
New York
50.2
Essex County
New York
59.1
Schenectady County
New York
34.1

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton's tax rate is extraordinarily low

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton County: best rent ratio yet

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton trails national income benchmark

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Hamilton County is a National Leader in Safety

Hamilton County reports a total crime rate of just 117.9 per 100K, a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is a near-perfect 99.8 out of 100. This makes it one of the safest counties in the entire United States.

New York’s Benchmark for Public Safety

With a rate of 117.9, Hamilton County is nearly ten times safer than the average New York county. Its safety score of 99.8 far exceeds the state average of 98.3. Only two agencies are needed to manage this remarkably low-crime jurisdiction.

The Safest Option in the Region

Hamilton County is significantly safer than all its neighbors, including Franklin County at 606.8. While surrounding areas like Herkimer (1,421.3) face higher crime, Hamilton remains an outlier of tranquility. It is the gold standard for regional security.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported

In 2022, Hamilton County reported zero violent crimes, a rare and impressive statistic. Every reported incident was a property crime, occurring at a low rate of 117.9 per 100K. This creates a unique environment where residents face virtually no threat of violence.

Keeping a Safe Community Secure

Even in the safest county, basic property precautions are a smart investment. Secure your gear and lock your home to prevent rare instances of opportunistic theft. Community awareness ensures Hamilton County remains New York’s safest retreat.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton County leads peers on longevity

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hamilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ultra-Small Schools in the Heart of the Adirondacks

Hamilton County operates one of the most unique systems in New York, with only four schools serving 391 total students. Each of the four school districts manages just a single facility, emphasizing a deeply localized approach.

Elite School Scores and Record Spending

With a massive $26,327 per-pupil expenditure, Hamilton County doubles the national spending average. This investment pays off with a composite school score of 92.7, the highest among its neighboring counties.

Single-School Districts in Every Town

Indian Lake Central is the largest district, yet it only serves 126 students in a single PK-12 building. There are no charter schools, as the tiny student population is fully served by the four historic central districts.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

All schools in Hamilton County are classified as rural, with an average size of only 98 students. The Wells School is the largest campus with 133 students, offering a level of individual attention rarely found in public education.

A Rare Opportunity for Personalized Public Schooling

Buying a home in Hamilton County offers access to one of the most well-funded and intimate school systems in the country. It is the perfect choice for families who want a private-school feel within a public-school framework.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County is America's safest region

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

The Coldest Heart of the Adirondacks

Hamilton is one of the coldest spots in the nation with a 41.0°F annual average temperature. Its climate is characterized by deep winters and remarkably cool summers that never reach extreme heat levels.

Coldest County in New York

At 41.0°F, Hamilton is significantly colder than the state average of 47.4°F. It represents the peak of New York's alpine climate, seeing 115.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Extreme Weather even for the North

Hamilton is colder than all its immediate neighbors, including Franklin (41.3°F) and Herkimer (42.8°F). It receives more snow than Franklin (98.1") but less than the lake-effect-heavy Herkimer (155.7").

Severe Winters and Cool Summers

Winters average a frigid 18.4°F with over 115 inches of snow. Summers are the coolest in the region, with a July average of 64.3°F and zero days recorded at or above 90°F.

Focus on Heating and Power

Prioritize high-efficiency heating and backup generators for the long, snowy winter months. Traditional air conditioning is unnecessary since the county virtually never sees temperatures in the 90s.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils of the Adirondacks

Hamilton County soils are quite acidic with an average pH of 4.51, well below the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also lower than the New York average of 5.11. These conditions are characteristic of the county's heavily forested and wild terrain.

Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil contains 49.5% sand, 17.4% silt, and only 5.6% clay. This high sand percentage creates a very loose soil structure that allows water to drain quickly. The low clay content means the soil does not compact easily but may require more frequent fertilization.

Unrivaled Organic Richness and Water Capacity

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 67.35%, far exceeding the state average of 17.01%. This massive organic reserve drives an available water capacity of 0.300 in/in, which is nearly double the state average. This soil acts like a sponge, holding vast amounts of water and nutrients in its organic layers.

Variable Drainage in a High-Organic Landscape

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unlisted, the high sand content facilitates rapid drainage. However, the extreme organic matter content likely holds substantial moisture near the surface in many areas. Local growers should focus on managing this high moisture retention for optimal plant health.

High-Altitude Growing in Zone 4b

Hamilton County resides in zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle cold winters and a shorter growing season. The soil is exceptionally suited for native evergreens and cold-hardy berries. Despite the short summer, the high fertility makes for vibrant and lush growth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Care in the Adirondacks

Hamilton County is one of the toughest places for lawns in New York, with a difficulty score of 45.5. This is significantly lower than the state average of 61.1 and the national average of 50.0. The cold Zone 4b climate and short growing season require specialized care and resilient grass types.

Zero Heat Days and High Rain

The county receives a heavy 49.1 inches of rain annually and experiences zero days over 90°F. While the 1,541 growing degree days are the lowest in the region, the lack of heat stress is a major benefit for cool-season grasses. However, the cool 41.0°F average annual temperature means grass grows and recovers very slowly.

Very Acidic and Sandy Soil Profile

Hamilton County soil is highly acidic with a pH of 4.51 and a high sand content of 49.5%. This combination means the soil has low nutrient-holding capacity and drains very quickly, often leaving grass hungry. You will need consistent fertilization and lime to maintain a healthy green appearance.

Adapting to High Drought Frequency

Despite high annual rainfall, 96.9% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and it saw 23 weeks of drought last year. The sandy soil exacerbates these dry periods, making the lawn brown out quickly without intervention. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain precious moisture and nitrogen.

Short Window for Zone 4b Seeding

Focus on ultra-hardy Fine Fescues that can survive the long, cold winters of Zone 4b. With a late spring frost on May 23 and an early fall frost on September 27, your primary growing window is quite narrow. Aim to seed in early June to ensure the grass is established before the autumn chill returns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, New York has a composite county score of 63 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in New York?
Hamilton County ranks #1 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 Hamilton County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $2,369, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 39.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, New York is $68,950 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 64.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, New York a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 63/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in New York. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.