countyscore
51.4
County Score
Health 89.4Income & Jobs 72.3Schools 71.7

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.

204060801000.932.66289.471.772.343.738.555.9Tax0.9Cost32.6Safety62Health89.4Schools71.7Income72.3Risk43.7Water38.5Weather55.951.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Livingston County DNA

Foverall

How Livingston County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Livingston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (89.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.9-51.1
Cost
32.6-15.399999999999999
Safety
62
Health
89.4+39.400000000000006
Schools
71.7+17.700000000000003
Income
72.3+21.299999999999997
Risk
43.7
Water
38.5-19.5
Weather
55.9
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Many homeowners in Livingston County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$912/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,464/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.

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
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Nearby counties

Ontario County
New York
47.6
Wyoming County
New York
58.6
Genesee County
New York
46.7
Steuben County
New York
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Allegany County
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Monroe County
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37.5
Yates County
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Orleans County
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Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Livingston County

via CostByCounty

Livingston County remains comfortably affordable

At 15.1%, renters' rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average and 2.5 points better than New York's state average of 17.6%. Median rent of $912 per month is significantly lower than the state's $1,133, offering genuine relief for households balancing expenses.

Solid affordability standing in New York

Livingston County maintains a competitive position among New York counties, with renters spending less than 16% of income on housing. The county's median rent-to-income ratio outpaces the state average, making it attractive for those seeking to escape pricier regions without relocating far.

Mid-range rents among upstate peers

At $912 monthly, Livingston sits between Lewis County's $821 and Madison County's $891, offering a middle ground in the region. Mortgage costs of $1,078 are slightly higher than Lewis but lower than Madison's $1,124, reflecting comparable property values in the $169,600–$176,800 range.

Balanced costs on solid incomes

Households earn a median of $72,464 annually and allocate roughly $10,944 to rent (15.1%) and $12,936 to ownership costs if mortgaged. This leaves healthy margins for savings and other expenses, with housing costs tracking nearly 2 points below state average.

Livingston invites families seeking stability

With median homes valued at $169,600 and rents 19% below state average, Livingston County offers a sweet spot for relocating families who want affordability without remote-area isolation. Stack its 15.1% rent-to-income ratio against your current housing burden and see if the move pencils out.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Livingston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Eight Districts Serving Livingston County Families

Livingston County features a robust education system of 20 public schools serving 7,337 students. The infrastructure consists of 10 elementary schools and 8 high schools, managed by eight distinct school districts. This layout provides a variety of educational environments for families across the region.

Competitive Academic Outcomes and Efficient Spending

Students here achieve an 89.6% graduation rate, outpacing both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county invests $12,633 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $14,719 but yields a respectable school score of 65.5. These results indicate a high return on educational investment for local taxpayers.

Dansville and Avon Lead Regional Education

The Dansville Central School District stands out as the largest provider, educating 1,334 students across three schools. Avon Central follows with 937 students, while the Dalton-Nunda (Keshequa) district serves 544 students. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county borders.

Town and Rural Schools Offer Community Focus

Schools are split between 12 town-based locations and 8 rural settings, reflecting the county's geographic diversity. The average school size is 367 students, with Livonia Middle/High School being the largest at 806 students. These mid-sized schools provide a balance between diverse extracurricular options and a community-oriented feel.

Settle Down Near Top-Tier Livingston Schools

Livingston County offers a blend of town and rural living with schools that consistently beat national graduation averages. Buyers frequently look for properties in the Livonia or Dansville districts to enjoy high-quality public education. Explore available homes to find the perfect fit for your family’s academic future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Livingston County

via RiskByCounty

Livingston County slightly below national disaster risk average

At 56.36, Livingston County's composite risk score sits modestly below the U.S. average, earning a Relatively Low rating. While safer than most disaster-prone regions, the county still faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazards.

Mid-tier risk rank in New York State

Livingston County's 56.36 score ranks it well below New York's 69.42 state average, placing it in the safer half of counties statewide. However, it carries notably more risk than neighboring Lewis County, reflecting different geographic vulnerabilities.

Less exposed than Madison and Montgomery neighbors

Livingston County (56.36) faces lower overall risk than Madison County (59.38) and Montgomery County (65.17), but higher exposure than Lewis County (24.71). The county's position reflects a transitional zone between the low-risk rural north and higher-risk central regions.

Flooding and tornadoes pose the largest threats

Flood risk (73.35) and tornado risk (39.79) significantly outpace wildfire risk (17.65) in Livingston County. Earthquakes (41.32) and hurricanes (57.32) add secondary exposure, reflecting the county's vulnerability to weather extremes.

Flood and wind coverage are priorities here

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making a separate flood insurance policy essential for Livingston County residents. Wind and hail coverage should be verified in your standard policy, particularly given the county's tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Livingston County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Faces Steep Challenges

Livingston County carries a grade of F with 19 health violations recorded over a five-year period. Despite this grade, the violation rate of 36.0 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the New York state average of 81.8. The score reflects a high frequency of issues relative to the total number of systems.

Watershed Conditions Await Federal Evaluation

Local water bodies in Livingston County are currently not covered in the federal §303(d) assessment records. No data exists regarding the percentage of impaired water bodies or specific pollutant causes for this cycle. Assessment remains a gap in the current federal environmental profile.

High Measurement Density at Few Sites

A small network of 13 monitoring sites generated a robust 10,408 measurements over the last five years. Nutrients and physical characteristics are the primary focus of these recorded observations. This high density of data per site suggests intensive study of specific local water quality parameters.

Genesee River Surges Well Above Mean

At Avon, the Genesee River currently discharges 5,900 cfs, which is 296% of its long-term typical flow. This significant surge reflects high runoff across the 1,680 square mile drainage basin. Such levels are substantially higher than the historical average for this location.

High Flows May Impact Source Water

Surging streamflow can increase turbidity and runoff-related contaminants in source water. Residents should stay informed about potential treatment adjustments from municipal suppliers. Because of the F compliance grade, maintaining household filtration and following local alerts is advised.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Livingston County's county score?
Livingston County, New York has a composite county score of 51.4 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 $4,182, with an effective tax rate of 2.47%. This earns Livingston County a tax score of 0.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Livingston County?
The median household income in Livingston County, New York is $72,464 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Livingston County earns an income score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Livingston County, New York a good place to live?
Livingston County scores 51.4/100 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 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.