countyscore
51.6
County Score
Health 89.4Schools 71.7Soil Quality 71.5

County Report Card

About Livingston County, New York

Outperforming the National Median

Livingston County holds a composite score of 51.4, edging out the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the middle-to-upper tier of American counties.

A Strong Contender in New York

The county's overall score sits comfortably above the New York state average of 47.0. It serves as a more livable alternative to many surrounding counties in the Finger Lakes region.

Elite Health and Solid Incomes

The county shines with a Health Score of 89.4 and a respectable Income Score of 72.3. Families benefit from a Median Household Income of $72,464 and a strong School Score of 71.7.

High Tax Burdens and Rising Costs

A Tax Score of 0.9 highlights a heavy 2.466% effective tax rate that limits disposable income. Additionally, the Cost Score of 32.6 suggests housing is becoming less affordable relative to local wages.

A Balance for Health-Conscious Families

Livingston County suits established families who value top-tier health services and good schools. While taxes are high, the median home value of $169,600 remains attainable for those with stable incomes.

204060801000.5346289.471.77143.738.555.9Tax0.5Cost34Safety62Health89.4Schools71.7Income71Risk43.7Water38.5Weather55.951.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Livingston County DNA

Foverall

How Livingston County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Livingston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (89.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.5-51.5
Cost
34-14
Safety
62
Health
89.4+39.400000000000006
Schools
71.7+17.700000000000003
Income
71+20
Risk
43.7
Water
38.5-19.5
Weather
55.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Livingston County?

Many homeowners in Livingston 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

$174,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$931/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,001/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Livingston County

via TaxByCounty

Livingston County taxes higher than most U.S. counties

Livingston County's effective tax rate of 2.466% exceeds the national median of 2.1% by roughly 360 basis points, placing it in the upper half of American counties by tax burden. The typical homeowner here pays $4,182 annually—more than 55% above the national median of $2,690.

Above-average New York tax rate

At 2.466%, Livingston County's rate runs 420 basis points above New York's state average of 2.046%, making it one of the higher-tax counties in the state. The median property tax of $4,182 exceeds the state average of $4,709 by a smaller margin, due to relatively modest home values of $169,600.

Higher taxes than neighboring counties

Livingston's 2.466% rate tops nearby Madison County (2.295%) and Niagara County (2.284%), and significantly exceeds Lewis County (1.698%). Only Monroe County in the immediate region approaches this rate at 2.788%, making Livingston a moderate-to-high-tax area upstate.

What a typical Livingston County home costs to own

On the county's median home value of $169,600, you'll pay approximately $4,182 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With mortgage financing, that rises to $4,534; without, it drops to $3,676 for homeowners owning outright.

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 Livingston County property is overvalued relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could meaningfully lower your annual bill.

Income & Jobs in Livingston County

via IncomeByCounty

Livingston County slightly underperforms nationally

Livingston County's median household income of $72,464 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $2,291, placing it just below the middle of the national income spectrum. This modest gap reflects the county's rural character within commutable distance to Rochester's wage benefits.

Middle-of-the-road for New York

At $72,464, Livingston County earns about $3,969 below New York's state average of $76,433, ranking solidly in the middle tier of the state's 62 counties. The county's proximity to Rochester helps it outpace more remote Upstate peers.

Competitive with nearby counties

Livingston sits between Madison County ($73,141) and Monroe County ($74,409), earning less than both but staying competitive within the region. The tight clustering of incomes across these central New York counties reflects similar labor market access and agricultural heritage.

Housing costs stay reasonable

A rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% keeps Livingston County well within the affordability comfort zone, with median homes valued at $169,600. Households earning the county median can comfortably cover housing and still build discretionary savings.

Use affordability to invest for tomorrow

With housing costs consuming less than 16% of income, Livingston County families have breathing room to invest in retirement accounts, education savings, and diversified portfolios. Starting an investment plan early can compound significantly over decades in a lower-cost-of-living region.

Safety in Livingston County

via CrimeByCounty

Livingston County Beats National Safety Norms

Livingston County maintains a strong safety score of 98.6, reflecting a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 877.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Stand Against State Averages

The county's safety score of 98.6 edges out the New York state average of 98.3. With a total crime rate of 877.7 per 100K, Livingston stays well below the state average of 1,074.4.

Safer than Northern Neighbors

Livingston County is notably safer than neighboring Monroe County, which sees a much higher rate of 2,295.0 per 100K. This difference highlights Livingston as a peaceful alternative in the Finger Lakes region.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Livingston County is low at 50.0 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime represents the majority of local reports at 827.7 per 100K, still far below the national 2,015.7 average.

Proactive Steps for Property Safety

Since property crime is the most common local issue, installing a video doorbell can provide peace of mind. These simple tools help maintain the high safety standards Livingston residents enjoy.

Weather & Climate in Livingston County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Living in the Genesee Valley

Livingston County's annual average temperature of 48.5°F is slightly cooler than the national median. The region features a standard humid continental climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

Warmer Than the New York State Average

The county's 48.5°F annual average actually edges out the New York state average of 47.4°F. This makes it one of the more temperate inland options in the Western New York region.

Drier Than Many Northern Neighbors

At 32.9 inches of annual precipitation, Livingston is significantly drier than the state average of 43.3 inches. It also sees far less snow than Monroe County, recording 43.7 inches compared to Monroe's 102 inches.

Nine Days of Summer Heat

July averages 71.0°F with nine days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters stay manageable with a January average of 24.9°F and relatively moderate snowfall for the area.

Prepare for Variable Precipitation

Standard HVAC systems handle this climate well, as heatwaves are relatively infrequent. Residents should plan for a mix of rain and snow given the lower-than-average 32.9 inches of annual moisture.

Soil Quality in Livingston County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH for Agricultural Success

Livingston County soil shows a pH of 6.04, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.11. This slightly acidic profile is generally favorable for a wide range of agricultural activities.

Silty Soils with Moderate Clay

Silt dominates the texture at 48.6%, balanced by 30.9% sand and 17.6% clay. This mix creates a soil that is relatively easy to work while maintaining enough structure to hold vital nutrients.

Healthy Matter and Water Storage

The soil contains 7.79% organic matter, nearly four times the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.186 in/in sits slightly above the state average, promising reliable moisture retention for crops.

Observing Local Water Movement

Specific hydrologic and drainage classifications are currently unavailable for this county. However, the balanced 17.6% clay content suggests the soil retains moisture better than the sandier regions of the state.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6a

Zone 6a offers a generous growing window for staples like corn, beans, and squash. With a strong soil score of 71.5, your land is ready for a highly productive gardening season.

Lawn Care in Livingston County

via LawnByCounty

Livingston's Balanced Growing Environment

Livingston County scores a 62.9 for lawn difficulty, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in the average New York county. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this area offers a reliable climate for traditional cool-season lawns.

Sunny Days and Moderate Rain

With 32.9 inches of annual rain and 9 extreme heat days, the climate is slightly drier and warmer than the state average. The 2,653 growing degree days indicate a robust growing season that requires consistent mowing and supplemental watering.

Excellent Soil Foundation

The soil pH in Livingston County is 6.04, which hits the bottom of the ideal range for healthy turf. The balance of 17.6% clay and 30.9% sand provides a solid structure that generally supports good root development without heavy amendments.

Frequent Dry Spells

This county has spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. You should prioritize water conservation by letting the grass grow taller, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation.

Spring Planting Window

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in Zone 6a and handle the local heat better than other varieties. Start your planting projects after the final spring frost on May 2 to give your lawn time to establish before the October 17 freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Livingston County's county score?
Livingston County, New York has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Livingston County rank among counties in New York?
Livingston County ranks #17 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 Livingston County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Livingston County is $4,286, with an effective tax rate of 2.45%. This earns Livingston County a tax score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Livingston County?
The median household income in Livingston County, New York is $74,001 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Livingston County earns an income score of 71/100 on CountyScore.
Is Livingston County, New York a good place to live?
Livingston County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in New York. The best way to evaluate Livingston 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 Livingston County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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