countyscore
37.5
County Score
Health 92.4Income & Jobs 76.4Water Quality 68.6

County Report Card

About Monroe County, New York

Facing National Livability Headwinds

Monroe County scores 37.4, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. These figures suggest challenges in matching the amenities and affordability of other U.S. metro areas.

Trailing New York Averages

The county's composite score of 37.4 falls nearly 10 points behind the New York state average of 47.0. High costs and systemic risks weigh down its state ranking compared to rural neighbors.

Superior Health Care and Water Quality

Monroe County boasts a stellar Health Score of 92.4 and a robust Water Score of 68.6. It also maintains high earnings potential with a median household income of $74,409.

Struggles with Taxes and Safety

The county faces a very low Tax Score of 0.2 due to a 2.788% effective tax rate. Safety and environmental risk scores are also low, at 16.4 and 6.2 respectively.

A Hub for Health Professionals

This county best serves those in medical or tech fields who can leverage high local incomes to offset heavy tax burdens. Residents here exchange lower safety and risk scores for elite healthcare access.

Score breakdown

Tax0.2Cost17Safety16.4Health92.4Schools60.1Income76.4Risk6.2Water68.6Weather58.3
🏛0.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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46.7
Orleans County
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Ontario County
New York
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Livingston County
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County taxes well above national norm

Monroe County's effective tax rate of 2.788% outpaces the national median of 2.1% by roughly 690 basis points, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. The typical homeowner here pays $5,495 annually—more than double the national median of $2,690.

High-tax county in New York

At 2.788%, Monroe County's effective rate runs 740 basis points above New York's state average of 2.046%, making it one of the higher-tax counties statewide. The median property tax of $5,495 exceeds the state average of $4,709 by 16%, reflecting both the county's elevated rate and its higher median home value.

Highest taxes in the upstate corridor

Monroe County's 2.788% rate is the highest among nearby counties, exceeding Livingston County (2.466%), Madison County (2.295%), Niagara County (2.284%), and Lewis County (1.698%) by substantial margins. This positions Rochester's home county as the region's most tax-heavy jurisdiction.

What a typical Monroe County home costs to own

On the county's median home value of $197,100, you'll pay approximately $5,495 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With mortgage financing, that rises to $5,643; without, it drops to $5,212 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 Monroe County property is overvalued relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could provide meaningful relief from your relatively high annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County's affordability edges above state

At 18.2%, renters' rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds New York's state average of 17.6%, though it remains close to national norms around 18%. Median rent of $1,126 per month mirrors the state average of $1,133, making Monroe a mid-tier option in New York's housing landscape.

Middle ground in New York housing costs

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio sits near the state average, placing it in the moderate tier of New York affordability. At $74,409 median household income, Monroe households earn slightly more than the state median, offsetting modest cost-of-living pressures.

Costlier than nearby rural counties

Monroe's $1,126 rent is measurably higher than Niagara County ($870), Lewis County ($821), and Madison County ($891), reflecting Rochester's larger urban footprint. Similarly, ownership costs of $1,272 and median home values near $197,100 outpace most rural neighbors, though remain well below Long Island and Manhattan.

Housing takes its slice of the budget

Households earn $74,409 annually and dedicate roughly $13,512 to rent (18.2%) and $15,264 to ownership costs if mortgaged. At 18.2%, the rent-to-income ratio edges above the state average, meaning less cushion for savings compared to more affordable upstate markets.

Monroe County: urban amenities at regional prices

Monroe offers Rochester's urban services and job market at costs higher than rural upstate but far below New York City and Long Island—homes average $197,100 with rents near state average. If you value city access over bargain hunting, Monroe's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio may justify the trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe County nearly matches the nation

Monroe County's median household income of $74,409 falls just $346 short of the national median of $74,755, marking it as a quintessential middle-income American county. Rochester's diversified economy—from tech to healthcare—sustains this stable income level.

Below state average but respectable

At $74,409, Monroe County trails New York's state average of $76,433 by roughly $2,024, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 62 counties. The county's economic diversity helps it outperform most Upstate peers.

Regional income leader

Monroe County's $74,409 exceeds Lewis County ($68,329) by $6,080 and Niagara County ($67,809) by $6,600, making it a clear regional income leader. Rochester's size and job variety create wage advantages for surrounding rural counties.

Housing costs rising but manageable

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% remains reasonable, though it's the highest among the surveyed counties, reflecting Rochester's growing housing demand. Median home values of $197,100 are achievable for dual-income households earning near the county median.

Rochester-scale economy supports ambition

Monroe County residents benefit from access to major employers, professional networks, and diverse career pathways that support income growth over time. Families should prioritize building emergency reserves given rising housing costs, then leverage Rochester's economic momentum to pursue skill development and higher-wage positions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Nears National Averages

Monroe County sees a total crime rate of 2,295.0 per 100K, which is very close to the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a safety score of 96.4, reflecting more urban activity than its neighbors.

Higher Activity than State Norms

With a crime rate of 2,295.0, Monroe County more than doubles the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 96.4 sits below the state average of 98.3, indicating a higher need for security awareness.

Highest Crime Rate Among Neighbors

Monroe County’s rate of 2,295.0 is significantly higher than neighboring Livingston (877.7) and Niagara (1,502.2). This makes it the highest-activity hub for crime reporting in the immediate region.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime is the main concern, sitting at 2,012.7 per 100K, which nearly matches the national average. Violent crime stands at 282.3 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8 but higher than the state average.

Invest in Smart Security Systems

Given the higher property crime rates, home security systems and cameras are highly recommended. These tools help protect your assets and support local law enforcement in this active urban-suburban mix.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County's health advantage grows

Monroe County residents live 78.2 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and report the lowest poor/fair health rate (12.0%) among upstate New York counties. This reflects robust healthcare infrastructure and healthy lifestyle adoption.

Healthy living across New York's largest metro

Monroe County's 78.2-year life expectancy matches New York's state average of 77.9 years, while its 12.0% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best. As the home of Rochester's major health systems, the county punches above its weight in health outcomes.

Rochester region leads on wellness metrics

Monroe County's 12.0% poor/fair health rate is the best in its central New York cluster, significantly below Lewis (15.6%), Livingston (15.3%), and Madison (14.4%). Provider density is exceptional: 107 primary care and 383 mental health providers per 100K far exceed regional averages.

Excellent coverage paired with robust providers

Monroe County combines a 4.2% uninsured rate with 107 primary care providers and 383 mental health providers per 100K—the strongest dual advantage in the region. Residents enjoy both insurance access and a deep bench of healthcare professionals nearby.

Take advantage of Monroe's healthcare strengths

With Rochester's medical institutions and strong provider networks, Monroe County residents should prioritize insurance coverage to maximize these assets. Visit New York State of Health to enroll or verify your plan today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Educational Hub in Monroe County

Monroe County hosts a sprawling network of 180 public schools serving a total enrollment of 101,769 students. The system is highly diverse, featuring 107 elementary schools, 30 middle schools, and 36 high schools across 37 districts. It is one of the most comprehensive educational infrastructures in Upstate New York.

Resource Allocation Amidst Diverse Challenges

The county reports an 84.8% graduation rate, slightly below the state average of 85.3% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Despite this, the county invests $13,249 per pupil and maintains a composite school score of 64.3. The large student population creates a wide range of academic outcomes across its many districts.

Rochester City and Large Suburban Districts

Rochester City School District is the region's largest with 46 schools and 22,378 students. Greece Central and Webster Central also serve massive populations with 10,152 and 8,006 students respectively. Additionally, 17 charter schools operate in the county, representing 9.4% of all schools.

Suburban Dominance with Large Student Bodies

Over 100 schools are located in suburban areas, complemented by 59 city-based schools and a handful of rural sites. The average school size is 565 students, but high schools like Penfield and Hilton frequently exceed 1,300 students. This scale allows for specialized programs, advanced placement courses, and extensive athletic offerings.

Discover Your Ideal District in Monroe County

From the high-performing suburbs of Webster and Penfield to the urban core of Rochester, Monroe County offers endless educational options. School quality is a primary driver of home values in this region, particularly in the top-ranked suburban districts. Browse local listings to find a home that matches your family's educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County faces substantially elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 93.77, Monroe County ranks as Relatively Moderate—well above the U.S. average and among the nation's higher-risk counties. The county's Lake Ontario shoreline and urban density amplify exposure across multiple hazard types.

One of New York's highest-risk counties

Monroe County's 93.77 score places it 24 points above the state average of 69.42, making it among the state's top 10% highest-risk counties. Only a handful of New York counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Far riskier than surrounding rural counties

Monroe County (93.77) dwarfs the risk of neighboring Livingston (56.36), Madison (59.38), and even Montgomery County (65.17). The dramatic difference reflects Rochester's concentrated urban exposure and the amplified effects of Lake Ontario climate patterns.

Flooding and tornadoes pose imminent dangers

Flood risk (96.69) and tornado risk (87.18) tower over other hazards, with earthquakes (84.10) and hurricanes (68.75) adding substantial secondary exposure. These four overlapping threats create a complex disaster landscape that demands layered preparation.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Monroe County

Flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and wind/hail endorsements should all be part of your insurance portfolio in Monroe County. Consider an umbrella policy for additional liability protection, and review coverage annually as your home's value and local flood zones change.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Northern Lake-Effect Climate

Monroe County averages 49.5°F annually, which is just below the national median. Its proximity to Lake Ontario heavily influences its seasonal weather patterns and precipitation levels.

Above the New York Average

At 49.5°F, Monroe County is about two degrees warmer than the New York state average of 47.4°F. However, its snowfall of 102 inches is significantly higher than many other parts of the state.

Snowier Than Its Southern Neighbors

Monroe's 102 inches of snow dwarfs Livingston County's 43.7 inches. Despite the heavy snow, its July average of 72.3°F makes it one of the warmer spots in the Finger Lakes region.

Big Snow and Humid Summers

The county balances 102 inches of snow with eight days of 90°F heat per year. Winter averages 28.5°F, while summer averages a warm 70.2°F.

Winterize for the Long Haul

A high-capacity snowblower is a mandatory investment for the 102-inch winters. Moderate air conditioning is recommended for the eight annual days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Versatile Soils Near Lake Ontario

Monroe County soil features an average pH of 6.06, providing a less acidic environment than the 5.11 state average. This measurement sits just below the 6.5 national median, offering a versatile base for many plants.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil contains 43.1% sand and 40.3% silt, creating a texture that balances drainage with water retention. With 16.6% clay, the soil maintains decent structural integrity and nutrient-holding capacity.

Reliable Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is recorded at 6.31%, which beats the national average but falls short of the 17.01% state average. The available water capacity of 0.162 in/in is slightly lower than the state norm, suggesting a need for consistent watering.

Efficient Water Percolation

Specific data for drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently available for Monroe. The high sand and silt percentages suggest that water moves through the profile relatively efficiently compared to clay-heavy areas.

Lush Growth in Zone 6b

Zone 6b provides a moderate climate perfect for growing everything from berries to leafy greens. Get started today to make the most of this reliable soil and favorable growing zone.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Growing Conditions in Monroe

Monroe County earns a 65.0 difficulty score, placing it comfortably above the state and national averages for ease of maintenance. The USDA Hardiness Zone 6b designation allows for a diverse selection of turfgrasses that can withstand moderate winters.

Warm Summers and Moderate Precip

The region receives 35.1 inches of rain annually and experiences 8 days above 90 degrees, slightly exceeding the state heat average. With 2,835 growing degree days, expect rapid growth during the peak of the season that requires diligent mowing.

Stable Soil Chemistry

The local soil pH of 6.06 is nearly perfect for lawn health, ensuring that fertilizers work efficiently. The soil is quite sandy at 43.1%, meaning your lawn likely drains well but may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Extended Dry Periods

Monroe County has faced 31 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. To protect your lawn, use mulch-mowing techniques to return moisture and nitrogen back into the soil during these dry stretches.

Optimal Planting Windows

Tall Fescue is a great choice for Monroe's sandy soils and warm summer days. Plan to seed after April 24, as the long growing season extending to October 25 provides ample time for new grass to take root.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, New York has a composite county score of 37.5 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 Monroe County rank among counties in New York?
Monroe County ranks #57 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 Monroe County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $5,495, with an effective tax rate of 2.79%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 0.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, New York is $74,409 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 76.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, New York a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 37.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in New York. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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