countyscore
59.5
County Score
Health 85.5Safety 83.5Disaster Risk 75.3

County Report Card

About Lewis County, New York

A Standout Performer on the National Stage

Lewis County earns a composite score of 59.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall standard of living compared to most U.S. counties.

Beating the New York State Average

The county outperforms the New York state average composite score of 47.0 by a significant margin. It represents a more resilient and high-performing region than many of its upstate neighbors.

Exceptional Safety and Community Health

With a Health Score of 85.5 and a Safety Score of 83.5, residents enjoy peace of mind and strong wellness outcomes. The county also benefits from a low environmental hazard profile, evidenced by a Risk Score of 75.3.

Navigating Water Infrastructure and High Taxes

A Water Score of 14.4 indicates localized challenges with water quality or access that need attention. Residents also face a steep 1.698% effective tax rate, resulting in a low Tax Score of 7.1.

The Ideal Choice for Security-Seekers

This county is perfect for families prioritizing safety and long-term health over urban amenities. The combination of high income scores and relatively affordable $158,000 home values creates a stable foundation for rural living.

204060801007.149.883.585.571.962.575.314.451.6Tax7.1Cost49.8Safety83.5Health85.5Schools71.9Income62.5Risk75.3Water14.4Weather51.659.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Lewis County DNA

Foverall

How Lewis County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lewis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (85.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.1-44.9
Cost
49.8
Safety
83.5+28.5
Health
85.5+35.5
Schools
71.9+17.900000000000006
Income
62.5+11.5
Risk
75.3+28.299999999999997
Water
14.4-43.6
Weather
51.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lewis County?

Many homeowners in Lewis County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$821/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,329/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.1

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
Compare Lewis County with Pendleton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pendleton County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,601
59.5
Chippewa County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,192
59.5
Houston County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,475
59.5
Unicoi County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,381
59.5
Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $65,991
59.6
Perry County
Indiana
Median income: $61,099
59.4
Decatur County
Iowa
Median income: $57,146
59.4
Doniphan County
Kansas
Median income: $72,833
59.6

Nearby counties

Jefferson County
New York
41.1
Oswego County
New York
42.8
Oneida County
New York
39
Herkimer County
New York
47.1
St. Lawrence County
New York
51.3
Madison County
New York
47.9
Onondaga County
New York
36.8
Hamilton County
New York
63

Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis County taxes well below national average

At 1.698%, Lewis County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 2.1%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties by tax burden. The typical Lewis County homeowner pays $2,682 annually—nearly identical to the national median of $2,690—despite the county's lower rate, thanks to significantly cheaper home values here.

Among New York's most tax-friendly counties

Lewis County ranks among the lowest tax-rate counties in New York, with an effective rate nearly 200 basis points below the state average of 2.046%. Its median tax bill of $2,682 is less than 57% of the state average of $4,709, reflecting both lower rates and lower property values across the region.

Lowest taxes in the upstate corridor

Lewis County's 1.698% rate beats every nearby county, from Madison County (2.295%) to Niagara County (2.284%) to Monroe County (2.788%). Only Nassau and New York counties downstate have lower effective rates, but those are offset by much higher property values.

What a typical Lewis County home costs to own

On the county's median home value of $158,000, you'll pay roughly $2,682 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. That figure jumps to $2,966 if you're financing the purchase through a mortgage, though it drops to $2,400 for owners without a mortgage.

You may be overassessed—here's what to do

Across New York, many homeowners discover their assessed values exceed fair market value, opening the door to successful tax appeals. If you believe your Lewis County property is overvalued relative to recent sales in your area, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis County beats national affordability

Renters here spend just 14.4% of income on housing, well below the national norm and nearly 3 percentage points better than New York's state average of 17.6%. Median rent of $821 per month is less than half the state average of $1,133, making this one of the most affordable rental markets in the region.

Among New York's most affordable counties

Lewis County ranks among the state's best for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average significantly. At $821 in median monthly rent against a $68,329 household income, the math works in residents' favor compared to pricier upstate alternatives.

Cheaper than nearby rural counties

Lewis County's $821 rent is notably lower than Niagara County ($870) and Madison County ($891), though slightly undercut by Livingston County's exceptional $912 rate. Homeownership costs tell a similar story: at $889 monthly, Lewis is the most affordable for mortgages among its immediate neighbors.

Modest housing burden, strong income base

The median household earns $68,329 annually, spending about $9,852 yearly on rent (14.4% of gross income) and $10,668 on ownership costs if mortgaged. This leaves ample room in the household budget compared to state and national averages, where renters often allocate 17–25% to housing.

Lewis County welcomes budget-conscious relocators

If you're pricing out of New York's expensive metros, Lewis County offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community—rent runs $312 below state average and homebuying at $158,000 median value is realistic for middle-income families. Compare this county's rent-to-income ratio to your current market and see the difference 3 percentage points can make.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis County earns below the national median

With a median household income of $68,329, Lewis County trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,426, or about 8.6%. This positions the county in the lower half of the nation's income distribution, reflecting limited economic diversity in this rural North Country region.

Below average for New York State

Lewis County's $68,329 median falls short of New York's state average of $76,433 by roughly $8,100. Among the state's 62 counties, Lewis ranks in the bottom third, consistent with limited employment opportunities in upstate rural areas.

Lewis trails regional peers

Neighboring Madison County ($73,141) and Monroe County ($74,409) both outpace Lewis by $4,800–$6,100, illustrating how proximity to Rochester's job market lifts incomes eastward. Lewis remains one of the lower-earning counties in Central and North Country New York.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains truly affordable for working families. With a median home value of $158,000, homeownership is within reach for those earning the county median.

Build savings in an affordable county

Lower housing costs free up income for savings and retirement planning—a significant advantage over higher-cost regions. Lewis County residents earning the median should prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring employer retirement plans to maximize long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Lewis County

Lewis County boasts an incredible safety score of 99.4, far outpacing the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 389.6 per 100K is roughly one-sixth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming New York Safety Averages

The county's total crime rate of 389.6 is significantly lower than the New York state average of 1,074.4 per 100K. Its safety score of 99.4 also sits well above the state average of 98.3, marking it as one of the safest regions in the state.

A Quiet Leader Among Neighbors

Compared to nearby Madison County, which has a crime rate of 1,133.5, Lewis County remains remarkably quiet at just 389.6 per 100K. This creates a highly secure environment even when compared to other rural New York neighbors.

Violent Crime is Rare Locally

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 26.2 per 100K, which is a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime accounts for 363.4 incidents per 100K, meaning most local law enforcement activity involves non-violent offenses.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Home

Even with low crime rates, basic security like outdoor lighting and locked sheds goes a long way. Keeping your property secure ensures Lewis County remains a top-tier safe haven in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Close-Knit Educational Infrastructure in Lewis County

Lewis County operates a focused network of 13 public schools across five districts, serving 4,121 students. The landscape includes five elementary, three middle, and four high schools that anchor the local community. This small-scale system ensures students remain part of a familiar environment throughout their academic journey.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State and National Averages

The county boasts an impressive 89.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the New York state average of 85.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $13,187 aligns closely with the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 66.6. These figures suggest an efficient use of resources to produce high-achieving graduates.

Lowville Academy Leads the County's Five Districts

Lowville Academy & Central School District is the largest in the area, educating 1,282 students across three schools. Other major providers include South Lewis Central with 1,043 students and Beaver River Central with 871 students. Notably, there are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public districts.

A Rural Setting with Small, Personal Classes

Education here is defined by its rural character, with 10 of the 13 schools located in rural locales and three in small towns. The average school size is just 317 students, ranging from the 618-student Lowville Elementary to smaller specialized facilities. This intimate scale allows for personalized attention that is harder to find in larger metropolitan systems.

Find Your Home in a High-Performing Rural District

If you value a small-town atmosphere where the schools are the heart of the community, Lewis County is an ideal choice. Families often target homes near Lowville or Beaver River to take advantage of the county’s high graduation rates. Start your home search today to secure a spot in these top-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis County's risk stays well below national average

With a composite risk score of 24.71, Lewis County ranks as Very Low risk—significantly safer than the nation's average disaster exposure. Most New York counties score higher, reflecting Lewis's advantageous geography and lower population density in hazard zones.

Safest disaster risk profile in New York State

Lewis County's 24.71 score places it among the lowest in New York, well below the state average of 69.42. This 45-point gap underscores the county's relative shelter from the major hazards that affect most New Yorkers.

Significantly safer than neighboring upstate counties

Lewis County's Very Low rating contrasts sharply with nearby Madison County (59.38) and Montgomery County (65.17), both in the Relatively Low range. Its lower exposure reflects distinct geographic advantages in a region otherwise prone to flooding and tornadoes.

Earthquake and hurricane risks dominate here

Even in Lewis County's low-risk profile, earthquake risk (46.88) and hurricane risk (47.39) outpace other hazard types. Flooding (49.94) and tornadoes (17.24) remain comparatively modest threats due to the county's inland, elevated terrain.

Basic coverage protects your Lewis County home

Standard homeowners insurance covers most common losses, though earthquake and flood coverage require separate policies. Given the county's low-risk designation, standard coverage aligned with local building codes provides solid protection for most residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lewis County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Impact Drinking Water Grade

Lewis County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance, recording 24 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 208.8 per 100,000 residents is more than double the New York state average of 81.8. This indicates persistent challenges in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Assessment Data Pending

Federal authorities have not yet assessed local water bodies under the Clean Water Act §303(d) reporting cycle. Consequently, there is no official impairment data available for this county's watersheds at this time. Future reporting may clarify the health of these local aquatic ecosystems.

Active Monitoring Focuses on PFAS and Organics

Technicians collected 1,842 measurements across 31 monitoring sites within the county over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and PFAS chemicals. These monitoring efforts provide a critical look at emerging contaminants in the local water supply.

Beaver River Flows Near Normal Levels

The USGS gauge on the Beaver River at Croghan reports a current discharge of 612 cfs. This flow represents 96% of the long-term mean, indicating stable hydrologic conditions for this 291 square mile drainage area. The river remains consistent with historical seasonal expectations.

High Violation Rates Require Consumer Vigilance

Given the county's high violation rate and recorded PFAS monitoring, residents should consider certified water filtration systems. Monitoring local health notices is essential due to the F grade in compliance. Regular private well testing is recommended for those not on municipal systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Climate with Serious Winter Teeth

Lewis County averages a chilly 42.3°F annually, which sits well below the national median for U.S. counties. This humid continental region experiences some of the most intense winter patterns in the country.

Well Below the New York Temperature Average

With an annual average of 42.3°F, the county is significantly colder than the New York state average of 47.4°F. It remains one of the state's most northern and weather-exposed territories.

The Snow King of the Region

Compared to neighboring Oneida County's 157.7 inches, Lewis County receives an even more staggering 185.9 inches of annual snowfall. It records higher precipitation than the state average, totaling 49.3 inches annually.

Extreme Snowfall Meets Mild Summers

July brings a comfortable average of 66.6°F, and the county sees only one day per year reaching 90°F. Conversely, January temperatures plummet to 15.7°F amidst nearly 186 inches of snow.

Prioritize Insulation and Snow Removal

Residents must invest in high-performance heating systems and heavy-duty snow removal equipment. The mild summers mean air conditioning is rarely a necessity, but winter-grade home sealing is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Unique Northern Soils

Lewis County soil averages a pH of 5.17, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This measurement aligns closely with the New York state average of 5.11, reflecting the region's typical chemical profile.

Sandy Texture with Balanced Silt

The soil contains 40.7% sand and 8.8% clay, creating a light structure that allows for easy workability. A silt content of 25.3% helps balance the texture, though the high sand ratio suggests relatively rapid drainage.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 27.72%, far exceeding the state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity of 0.206 in/in ensures the soil retains moisture more effectively than most New York counties.

Managing High Moisture Retention

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. However, the remarkably high organic content suggests a sponge-like quality that helps manage heavy northern rainfall.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4b

Hardiness zone 4b requires cold-hardy varieties like kale, potatoes, or root vegetables. This nutrient-dense soil provides a powerful foundation for a productive northern New York garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Cool Conditions in Lewis County

Lewis County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.0, which is slightly better than the national median of 50.0 but trails the New York state average of 61.1. In USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, your grass must survive harsh winters and a shorter growing window than most of the state.

High Precipitation and Cool Summers

The county receives a generous 49.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits at the high end of the ideal range for turf. With only one extreme heat day per year and 1,848 growing degree days, your mowing schedule remains steady without the typical mid-summer burnout.

Managing Acidic Soil

The local soil pH of 5.17 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass. Since the soil contains 40.7% sand and lacks detailed drainage data, you should focus on regular lime applications to balance the acidity and improve nutrient uptake.

Stable Moisture Levels

The county spent 14 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, with about 34.5% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Because severe drought is rare here, deep weekly watering during dry spells is usually enough to maintain resilience.

Hardy Grasses for the North

In Zone 4b, Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best choices for surviving the long winter. Aim to seed your lawn after the last frost on May 22 or in the late summer before the first frost arrives around October 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, New York has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Lewis County rank among counties in New York?
Lewis County ranks #2 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 Lewis County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $2,682, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 7.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, New York is $68,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, New York a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in New York. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.