CountyScore

Livingston County

New York · NY

#24 in New York
59.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Livingston County, New York

Livingston County edges past national median

Livingston County's composite score of 53.9 slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 54th percentile nationally. While not exceptional by national standards, it represents solid livability for a mid-sized upstate county.

Right at New York's state average

With a score of 53.9, Livingston County nearly matches New York's average composite score of 54.7, positioning it in the middle of the state's county rankings. This reflects a balanced profile without standout advantages or significant disadvantages.

Housing affordability stands out

Livingston County's cost score of 75.5 reflects median home values of $169,600 and rents around $912 per month—making it notably affordable. Median household income of $72,464 provides reasonable earning power relative to the cost of living.

Tax burden and income drag overall score

The tax score of 32.9 reflects an effective rate of 2.466%, which is moderate to high for the region. Income score of 30.7 indicates limited high-wage job opportunities; comprehensive data on safety, schools, and health outcomes remains unavailable.

Best for middle-income stability seekers

Livingston County appeals to families seeking reasonable affordability and stable employment without extreme tax pressures. It's a measured choice for those preferring a conventional upstate lifestyle over distinctive amenities or exceptional advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax32.9Cost75.5SafetyComing SoonHealth80SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.7Risk43.7WaterComing Soon
🏛32.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡43.7
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 Livingston County with another county →

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Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Livingston County

via HealthByCounty

Livingston County leads on longevity

Residents of Livingston County live an average of 79.4 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly three years—a significant health advantage. Only 15.3% report poor or fair health, reflecting generally strong wellness across the county.

Strong life expectancy, solid state ranking

At 79.4 years, Livingston County's life expectancy ranks among the top quarter of New York's 62 counties, exceeding the state average of 77.9 years by 1.5 years. This consistency suggests stable access to preventive care and healthy living conditions.

Longevity leader among central New York peers

Livingston County's 79.4-year life expectancy is the highest among its central New York neighbors, edging out Lewis (78.9) and Madison (78.4) counties. Its 15.3% poor/fair health rate is also competitive, though mental health provider access at 157 per 100K trails Madison's 248.

Strong coverage, but primary care gaps remain

Livingston County boasts one of the state's lowest uninsured rates at 4.3%—well below New York's 5.3% average—yet primary care providers number only 46 per 100K. Residents enjoy broad coverage but may need to travel or wait for routine appointments.

Keep your coverage current in Livingston

With 4.3% uninsured, Livingston is doing well, but don't let coverage lapse—use New York State of Health to renew or find plans before open enrollment closes. A single gap in coverage can lead to unexpected bills that derail your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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