Lewis County

New York · NY

#2 in New York
68.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Lewis County, New York

Lewis County outperforms the nation

With a composite score of 64.0, Lewis County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 28% of U.S. counties. This rural upstate county demonstrates stronger overall livability than most Americans experience, driven largely by exceptional housing affordability.

Above average among New York counties

Lewis County's score of 64.0 exceeds New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 62 counties. It stands as a notably affordable option within New York's competitive county landscape.

Affordability and low tax burden shine

Lewis County excels in housing costs, with a cost score of 80.1 and median home value of just $158,000—well below state norms. An effective tax rate of 1.698% is among the lowest in the state, making this county attractive to budget-conscious families.

Income growth remains a constraint

The income score of 28.0 reflects a median household income of $68,329, notably below state and national benchmarks. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental risks is not yet available, limiting a fuller assessment of livability.

Ideal for cost-conscious rural seekers

Lewis County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher earning potential. This county offers genuine affordability in a rural setting, though income opportunities may require consideration for younger professionals.

Score breakdown

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

Tax54.5Cost80.1SafetyComing SoonHealth78.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome28Risk75.3WaterComing Soon
🏛54.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼28
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
75.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Lewis County

via HealthByCounty

Lewis County outlives most Americans

At 78.9 years, Lewis County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a meaningful edge in longevity. Yet 15.6% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above national norms, suggesting quality of life varies across the county.

Above-average health for upstate New York

Lewis County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds New York's statewide average of 77.9 years, ranking it solidly in the middle tier of the state's 62 counties. This positions the county ahead of many rural peers but behind New York's wealthiest regions.

Health outcomes vary across central New York

Lewis County's 78.9-year life expectancy sits between Madison County (78.4) and Livingston County (79.4), but lags behind Monroe County's 78.2 years in poor/fair health rates at 15.6% versus Monroe's 12.0%. Mental health provider access is robust at 215 per 100K, exceeding most neighboring counties.

Low uninsured rates, moderate provider access

Just 5.4% of Lewis County residents lack health insurance, nearly matching the state average of 5.3%, yet primary care provider availability at 68 per 100K is below state demand. This means many residents have coverage but may face travel time to see a doctor.

Ensure your family has health coverage

With 5.4% of Lewis County uninsured, verify your plan annually through your employer or the New York State of Health marketplace. If costs are a barrier, explore income-based subsidies—they've helped thousands of New Yorkers stay covered without breaking the bank.

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.

ByCounty Network

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