CountyScore

Jefferson County

New York · NY

#15 in New York
61.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, New York

Jefferson County above national average

Jefferson County's composite score of 59.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates competitive livability on a national scale.

Upper-middle performer statewide

Jefferson County scores 59.9 against New York's average of 54.7, ranking it among the state's stronger counties. The county performs solidly within the statewide competition.

Competitive taxes and reasonable incomes

Jefferson County's tax score of 58.0 reflects an effective rate of 1.575%, the lowest in this group. A median household income of $64,978 provides stable household finances for many families.

Housing costs and affordability lag

The cost score of 69.9 is the lowest in this profile, with median rent of $1,214 per month and median home value of $181,000—limiting affordability. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable.

Suited for those prioritizing low taxes

Jefferson County works best for families earning modest incomes who value low tax burdens and can manage moderate housing costs. It appeals to military families and cost-conscious rural dwellers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58Cost69.9SafetyComing SoonHealth76SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.8Risk36WaterComing Soon
🏛58
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Knox County
Illinois
61.9
Median income: $53,291
Woodbury County
Iowa
61.9
Median income: $70,147
Lebanon County
Pennsylvania
61.9
Median income: $76,350
Hansford County
Texas
61.9
Median income: $68,299
Suffolk city
Virginia
61.9
Median income: $90,089

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson's rate below national median

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.575% sits well below the U.S. median of 2.13%, placing it in the lower third nationally. This advantage means Jefferson homeowners enjoy lighter property tax burdens than most Americans.

Among New York's lower-tax counties

At 1.575%, Jefferson County ranks notably below New York's state average of 2.046%, positioning it among the state's more affordable options. This favorable standing matters in a state known for elevated property taxes.

Lower-middle rate regionally

Jefferson's 1.575% rate beats Fulton County (2.13%), Genesee County (2.508%), and Herkimer County (2.272%), but trails Greene County (1.658%) and Franklin County (1.88%). Only Hamilton County's 0.98% significantly outperforms Jefferson regionally.

Median home taxes run $2,851 yearly

The typical Jefferson County home is valued at $181,000 and carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,851. With exemptions, homeowners may pay between $2,515 and $3,089 depending on their circumstances.

Assessment errors still occur here

Even in lower-tax counties, some properties are overassessed relative to fair market value. Requesting a formal assessment review and appealing if warranted can yield meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County's housing squeeze

Jefferson County residents spend 22.4% of income on rent—the highest ratio in this survey and significantly above both national and state averages. With median household income of $64,978 and median rent of $1,214 monthly, housing costs strain household budgets.

Above-average housing burden

Jefferson County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds New York's 17.6% state average, making it a housing-cost outlier among upstate counties. Median rent of $1,214 approaches state average despite below-average county income, intensifying affordability pressure.

Priciest rent in the region

Jefferson County's $1,214 median rent far exceeds all upstate neighbors—$400 more than Herkimer County and $200 more than Greene County. This rental premium creates the region's most challenging affordability landscape.

Housing claims large income share

Jefferson County renters earning the median $64,978 annually pay $1,214 monthly—over 22% of gross income, leaving only 78% for other essential expenses. Homebuyers face a median monthly owner cost of $1,076 and median home value of $181,000, presenting significant affordability challenges.

Jefferson demands housing caution

Relocating to Jefferson County requires careful budget planning, as the 22.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds state average and strains household finances. The median rent of $1,214 makes other upstate counties significantly more affordable alternatives for budget-conscious movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson lags national income standard

Jefferson County's median household income of $64,978 ranks 13.1% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic challenges. The $9,777 annual earnings gap compounds over a lifetime, limiting wealth accumulation opportunities.

Lower third among New York counties

Jefferson County ranks 51st of 62 New York counties for median household income, falling $11,455 below the state average of $76,433. Per capita income of $34,603 trails the state average by 15.9%, indicating below-average earning power across the population.

Below most upstate peers

Jefferson's $64,978 median exceeds only Fulton County ($62,615) among the eight surveyed counties, significantly trailing Genesee ($72,055), Greene ($74,011), and Hamilton ($68,950). The county ranks among the most economically challenged in the region.

Housing affordability severely strained

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.4%—the highest in the eight-county group—signals housing stress despite affordable absolute costs. Median home values of $181,000 require nearly 2.8 years of median household income, straining household budgets already constrained by lower earnings.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Jefferson County households should focus on building 3-6 months of emergency savings before investing, given tight budgets and housing pressures. Free financial literacy programs and credit counseling services are essential tools for residents working to build financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County tracks national health metrics

At 77.3 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy is 0.9 years below the U.S. average of 78.2 years. The county's 17.3% poor or fair health rate suggests moderate chronic disease prevalence compared to national norms.

Slightly below New York state average

Jefferson County's 77.3-year life expectancy trails New York's 77.9-year average by 0.6 years, placing it in the lower-middle range of the state. The county ranks as an average performer statewide.

Solid peer among northern New York counties

Jefferson County's 77.3-year life expectancy matches Franklin County and exceeds Fulton County (75.0 years) by over 2 years. Its 51 primary care providers per 100K rank second-best among the group, providing reasonable access.

Strong insurance access, good primary care

Jefferson County's 4.8% uninsured rate is below the state average of 5.3%, and the county boasts 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the second-highest in the group. With 248 mental health providers per 100K, mental health services are reasonably available.

Secure coverage through the state marketplace

Uninsured Jefferson County residents can enroll year-round through special circumstances or during open enrollment at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Customer service is available in multiple languages at 1-855-355-5777.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County carries above-average U.S. risk

Jefferson County's composite risk score of 63.96 exceeds the typical American county, positioning residents well above median natural disaster exposure. The county's Lake Ontario shoreline and inland water systems create elevated flood and hurricane risks compared to inland communities.

Below state average but substantially vulnerable

At 63.96, Jefferson County scores about 8% below New York's 69.42 average, placing it in the state's safer-than-average but still notably exposed category. It ranks in the upper-middle tier of New York risk, with roughly one-third of the state's counties carrying lower risk.

Riskier than Franklin and Fulton, safer than Greene

Jefferson County (63.96) significantly exceeds both Franklin (48.85) and Fulton (48.63), falling between Genesee (56.11) and Greene (68.29). Its Lake Ontario exposure and proximity to storm tracks make it notably more vulnerable than purely inland Adirondack counties but less exposed than Hudson Valley communities.

Flooding and earthquakes lead the threats

Flood risk of 77.96 ranks highest, driven by Lake Ontario shoreline exposure and significant river systems crossing the county. Earthquake risk of 71.47 surprises many residents but reflects the county's location near regional seismic activity, while hurricane risk of 53.19 presents seasonal concerns.

Add flood and earthquake coverage now

Jefferson County residents must prioritize flood insurance given the 77.96 risk score, especially those within one mile of Lake Ontario or along major tributaries. Equally important: secure earthquake insurance, as the 71.47 risk score ranks among the state's highest and is often excluded from standard homeowner policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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