CountyScore

Herkimer County

New York · NY

#16 in New York
61.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Herkimer County, New York

Herkimer County exceeds national baseline

Herkimer County's composite score of 58.2 tops the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 58th percentile nationally. The county performs above-average on overall livability in American context.

Solid performer within New York

Herkimer County's score of 58.2 exceeds New York's state average of 54.7, positioning it as an above-average county. The county ranks in the upper half statewide.

Outstanding housing affordability

Herkimer County's cost score of 80.5 ranks among the highest, with a median home value of just $135,000 and monthly rent of $811. The county offers exceptional housing value for budget-conscious buyers and renters.

Tax burden and income both moderate

The tax score of 38.4 with an effective rate of 2.272% and income score of 28.3 (median $68,858) are middle-range. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains incomplete.

Great for value-seeking rural families

Herkimer County suits families wanting exceptional housing affordability in upstate New York's countryside. It appeals to those willing to accept moderate taxes and incomes for lowest-cost living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax38.4Cost80.5SafetyComing SoonHealth78.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.3Risk40WaterComing Soon
🏛38.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Herkimer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alachua County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $59,659
Lake County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $69,956
Cobb County
Georgia
61.7
Median income: $98,712
Lorain County
Ohio
61.7
Median income: $70,693
Erie County
Pennsylvania
61.7
Median income: $61,476

Deep Dives

Herkimer County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Herkimer County

via TaxByCounty

Herkimer's rate above U.S. median

Herkimer County's effective tax rate of 2.272% exceeds the national median of 2.13%, placing it in the upper third nationally. This elevated rate means Herkimer homeowners carry a heavier tax burden than most Americans.

Moderately above New York average

Herkimer's 2.272% effective rate exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, placing it among the state's higher-tax counties. This positions Herkimer as a pricier option within an already high-tax state.

Second-highest rate in the region

Herkimer's 2.272% rate ranks only below Genesee County's 2.508%, and well above Franklin County (1.88%) and Greene County (1.658%). Compared to Hamilton County's 0.98%, Herkimer's rate is more than double.

Median annual tax bill is $3,067

The typical Herkimer County home is valued at $135,000 and generates an annual property tax of $3,067. Depending on exemptions, homeowners may pay between $2,840 and $3,300 per year.

Challenge overvalued assessments

Given Herkimer's elevated tax rates, accurate property assessments are essential to avoid overpaying. Review your assessment carefully and file an appeal if your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Herkimer County

via CostByCounty

Herkimer County: affordability champion

Herkimer County residents spend just 14.1% of income on rent—the lowest ratio in this survey and substantially below both national and state averages. With median household income of $68,858 and median rent of $811 monthly, the county represents exceptional housing value.

Most affordable rent ratio statewide

Herkimer County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio sets the standard for New York affordability, with median rent of $811 far below the state's $1,133 average. The county delivers the state's most balanced housing-to-income equation.

Clear regional leader

Herkimer County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms all upstate neighbors, with rent at just $811 monthly. The county's median home value of $135,000 pairs with this rental affordability to create the region's most comprehensive housing value proposition.

Maximum affordable housing

Herkimer County renters earning median income of $68,858 annually pay $811 monthly, consuming just 14% of gross income and maximizing discretionary spending. For homebuyers, the median monthly owner cost of $875 and median home value of $135,000 provide the region's most accessible ownership pathway.

Herkimer: best upstate value

If housing affordability tops your relocation priorities, Herkimer County wins decisively with a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $135,000. The county delivers maximum housing purchasing power while keeping rents at just $811 monthly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Herkimer County

via IncomeByCounty

Herkimer income below national average

Herkimer County's median household income of $68,858 ranks 7.9% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning regions nationally. The $5,897 annual gap limits household savings and investment capacity.

Lower-mid tier in New York rankings

Herkimer County ranks 39th of 62 New York counties for median household income, trailing the state average of $76,433 by $7,575. Per capita income of $35,959 falls 12.5% below the state average, indicating less concentrated wealth distribution than some peers.

Mid-range regional earner

Herkimer's $68,858 sits between Fulton County ($62,615) and Genesee County ($72,055), with housing costs that advantage it over higher-priced neighbors. The county offers relative affordability compared to Greene and Hamilton.

Strong housing affordability advantage

Herkimer County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio (14.1%) among the eight counties surveyed, signaling exceptional rental affordability. Median home values of just $135,000 require roughly 2 years of median household income—the most accessible homeownership threshold in the group.

Affordability creates savings opportunity

Herkimer County's low housing costs free up household income for wealth building; residents can prioritize retirement contributions, education savings, or investment accounts. With below-average expenses, even modest income can compound meaningfully over time through disciplined saving.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Herkimer County

via HealthByCounty

Herkimer County's health mirrors national norms

At 77.5 years, Herkimer County's life expectancy is just 0.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.2 years. The county's 15.0% poor or fair health rate ties it for the best in this eight-county group.

Healthy middle performer in New York

Herkimer County's 77.5-year life expectancy trails New York's 77.9-year state average by just 0.4 years, placing it near the statewide median. The county ranks among the healthier half of New York's 62 counties.

Competitive health profile in upstate region

Herkimer County's 77.5-year life expectancy matches Genesee County and exceeds Fulton County (75.0 years) significantly. Its 15.0% poor or fair health rate ties Greene County as one of the region's healthiest populations.

Good insurance penetration, tight provider network

Herkimer County's 4.8% uninsured rate is well below the state average of 5.3%, reflecting strong insurance coverage. However, the county has only 27 primary care providers and 96 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the group.

Keep coverage current and accessible

Most Herkimer County residents have insurance, but those seeking coverage changes or Medicaid enrollment should check nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Financial assistance programs can help offset out-of-pocket costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Herkimer County

via RiskByCounty

Herkimer County faces above-moderate U.S. risk

Herkimer County's composite risk score of 60.02 places it above the typical American county, driven by significant flood, hurricane, and tornado exposure. The county's Mohawk Valley location and elevation make it vulnerable to multiple seasonal weather hazards.

Below New York average but upper-middle tier

At 60.02, Herkimer County scores about 14% below New York's 69.42 average, ranking it in the safer-than-average but still vulnerable category statewide. Approximately half of New York's counties carry lower risk, while the other half face greater exposure.

Riskier than upstate neighbors, safer than southeast

Herkimer County (60.02) substantially exceeds Franklin (48.85), Fulton (48.63), and Hamilton (15.11), but falls below Greene County (68.29). This positions Herkimer in the middle of the region, sharing characteristics with both safer Adirondack counties and riskier Hudson Valley communities.

Flooding threatens more than other hazards

Flood risk of 78.53 stands as Herkimer County's dominant natural disaster threat, reflecting Mohawk River and tributary exposure during spring and heavy rain events. Tornado risk of 38.65 and hurricane risk of 62.45 rank second and third, both requiring seasonal vigilance.

Flood insurance and storm prep are essential

Herkimer County residents in or near floodplains must obtain flood insurance—the 78.53 risk score makes this non-negotiable. Additionally, prepare for spring tornadoes and late-summer hurricanes by maintaining an emergency supply kit and ensuring your homeowner's policy covers wind damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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