countyscore
46.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.8Health 97.7Schools 81

County Report Card

About Nassau County, New York

Wealthy but Lagging National Medians

Despite its affluence, Nassau County’s composite score of 46.3 sits just below the national median of 50.0. Extreme costs offset many of its high-performing dimensions.

Close to the State Average

The county's score of 46.3 is nearly identical to the New York state average of 47.0. It represents the quintessential high-cost, high-reward lifestyle found in New York's downstate region.

Exceptional Incomes and Elite Schools

Nassau boasts a near-perfect Income Score of 99.8 with a median income of $143,408. Educational outcomes are also superior, reflected in a School Score of 81.0.

Prohibitive Housing Costs and Climate Risk

A Cost Score of 0.3 reflects a median home value of $658,700, making entry difficult for many. The Risk Score of 2.9 also highlights significant exposure to environmental hazards.

Ideal for High-Earning Families

Nassau is tailored for high-income professionals who demand top-tier schools and health services. While cost of living is extreme, the public services and earning potential provide a premium suburban experience.

2040608010012.10.341.497.78199.82.968.870.8Tax12.1Cost0.3Safety41.4Health97.7Schools81Income99.8Risk2.9Water68.8Weather70.846.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Nassau County DNA

Foverall

How Nassau County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nassau County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (0.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.1-39.9
Cost
0.3-47.7
Safety
41.4-13.600000000000001
Health
97.7+47.7
Schools
81+27
Income
99.8+48.8
Risk
2.9-44.1
Water
68.8+10.799999999999997
Weather
70.8+14.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$658,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,195/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$658,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$87,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $143,408/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.9

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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Counties with similar scores

Escambia County
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Median income: $44,447
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Chattooga County
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Median income: $47,785
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Whiteside County
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Median income: $64,536
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Leflore County
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Median income: $33,188
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Hardin County
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Median income: $49,149
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Lake and Peninsula Borough
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Median income: $64,000
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Monroe County
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Median income: $82,430
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Henderson County
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Median income: $58,239
46.2

Nearby counties

Queens County
New York
41.6
Bronx County
New York
42.6
New York County
New York
56.5
Kings County
New York
55.2
Westchester County
New York
45.6
Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
Bergen County
New Jersey
48
Richmond County
New York
47.1

Deep Dives

Nassau County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nassau County

via TaxByCounty

Nassau County's low rate masks suburban wealth

Nassau County's effective tax rate of 1.518% sits well below the national median of 2.1%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties by rate—but the typical homeowner still pays $10,001 annually, nearly four times the national median of $2,690. This paradox reflects the county's extraordinarily high median home value of $658,700, among the highest in the nation.

Lowest rate in New York, highest bills

Nassau County's 1.518% effective rate is the lowest among New York's 62 counties, well below the state average of 2.046%. Yet the median tax bill of $10,001 far exceeds the state average of $4,709, a clear illustration of how property values, not just rates, determine your actual tax burden.

Rates low; bills among the nation's highest

Nassau's 1.518% rate beats nearby New York County (0.902%) and significantly undercuts upstate peers like Lewis County (1.698%). However, Nassau homeowners pay $10,001 annually—double what Monroe County residents pay despite Monroe's much higher rate, because Nassau home values dwarf the region's.

What a typical Nassau County home costs to own

On Nassau's median home value of $658,700, you'll pay approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. This substantial bill reflects the county's position as a prosperous Long Island suburb where real estate values run among the nation's highest.

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 Nassau County property is overvalued relative to recent sales of comparable homes, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could provide substantial savings on your already substantial annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nassau County

via CostByCounty

Nassau County: wealth can't escape housing costs

Despite median household income of $143,408—nearly double the national average—Nassau renters still spend 18.4% of income on housing, slightly above the national norm. Median rent of $2,195 per month nearly doubles New York's state average of $1,133, illustrating how premium Long Island real estate inflates costs even for affluent households.

New York's wealthiest face highest rent burden

Nassau County has the state's highest median household income but an above-average rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, reflecting Long Island's premium market positioning. The county's $2,195 median rent is nearly double the state average, making housing a significant expense even for well-compensated residents.

Far costlier than any upstate peer

Nassau's $2,195 rent dwarfs every upstate neighbor—more than double Lewis County's $821 and nearly 2.5 times Monroe County's $1,126. Home values at $658,700 reflect Long Island's status as a premier suburban market, far outpacing any comparable county in the state.

High incomes cover steep housing bills

Households earn $143,408 annually, dedicating roughly $26,340 to rent (18.4%) and $36,000 to ownership costs if mortgaged. While percentages appear moderate, the absolute dollar amounts—$2,195 in monthly rent alone—are substantial, consuming roughly one-quarter of gross income for many homeowners.

Nassau County: premium access at premium cost

Nassau offers proximate NYC access and strong schools, but at $2,195 rent and $658,700 median home values, the county demands six-figure household incomes to feel comfortable. If your relocation hinges on affordability, Nassau's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio and Long Island price tags suggest looking elsewhere; if proximity to NYC justifies cost, the equation changes entirely.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nassau County

via IncomeByCounty

Nassau County far exceeds national median

Nassau County's median household income of $143,408 is nearly double the national median of $74,755—a striking 91.8% premium that places it among the nation's wealthiest counties. This Long Island powerhouse dominates regional and national income rankings.

New York's second-richest county

At $143,408, Nassau County ranks as one of the state's highest-income counties, exceeding the state average of $76,433 by $66,975. Only a handful of New York counties—notably Manhattan-based New York County—match Nassau's income levels.

Dominates the region by miles

Nassau County's $143,408 dwarfs all nearby counties, outpacing Monroe County ($74,409) by nearly 93% and New York County ($104,553) by 37%. The Long Island economy, tied to New York City and its finance/tech sectors, creates unmatched earning power.

High income meets high home costs

Nassau County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% remains manageable despite median home values soaring to $658,700—the second-highest in the dataset. Affluent households can cover housing costs comfortably, though the county is less affordable than lower-cost upstate regions.

Leverage wealth to build generational security

Nassau County households earning 91% above the national median have extraordinary capacity to invest in diversified portfolios, real estate, and education for children. Families should work with financial advisors to optimize tax strategies, explore investment properties, and build trusts or estate plans to preserve and grow wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nassau County

via CrimeByCounty

Nassau County Stays Safer Than National Average

Nassau County holds a high safety score of 97.9, with a total crime rate of 1,326.7 per 100K. This rate is substantially lower than the national average of 2,385.5, despite the county's dense population.

Suburban Safety Near the City

The county's safety score of 97.9 is just below the state average of 98.3. While its crime rate of 1,326.7 is higher than the state average of 1,074.4, it remains a secure suburban choice for New Yorkers.

Comparative Regional Safety Analysis

Nassau County's crime rate of 1,326.7 is lower than neighboring Niagara's 1,502.2. In the context of the New York metropolitan area, Nassau remains one of the more secure regions for families and businesses.

Property Crimes Predominate Locally

Violent crime in Nassau stands at 161.5 per 100K, which is well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local statistics, occurring at 1,165.2 incidents per 100K.

Enhance Your Suburban Security

Motion-activated lights and home alarm systems are popular and effective in Nassau County. These investments help protect against property crime and keep the neighborhood safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nassau County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Premier Educational Powerhouse in Nassau

Nassau County features an expansive network of 313 public schools across 61 districts, serving 200,818 students. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, with 198 elementary schools supporting the county's families. This is one of the most densely packed and well-resourced school landscapes in the country.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and High Investment

The county achieves a stellar 91.6% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. This success is backed by significant funding, with per-pupil spending reaching $18,908. A composite school score of 80.1 confirms Nassau's status as a leader in New York state education.

Dozens of Districts with Strong Local Identity

Levittown Union Free School District is among the largest, serving 7,096 students across 10 schools. Other major districts include Great Neck and Oceanside, which both manage 10 schools each. While traditional districts dominate, four charter schools also operate here, serving a small but distinct portion of the student body.

Suburban Excellence with Large, Modern Facilities

Nearly every school in the county (312 out of 313) is located in a suburban setting, offering a classic residential feel. Average school size is 642 students, but major high schools like Syosset and Freeport exceed 2,200 students. These large campuses provide students with collegiate-level facilities and a massive array of extracurricular options.

Secure Your Future in a Top Nassau School District

Nassau County is world-renowned for its public schools, making it a primary destination for families moving to Long Island. High graduation rates and per-pupil spending drive strong demand for homes in districts like Syosset and Great Neck. Explore the market to find a home in one of the nation's most respected educational environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nassau County

via RiskByCounty

Nassau County faces very high national disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 97.14, Nassau County ranks as Relatively High—among the nation's top 5% most disaster-exposed counties. Its Long Island barrier island geography and dense suburban development create compounding vulnerabilities across nearly every hazard type.

Second-highest disaster risk in New York State

At 97.14, Nassau County ranks as one of only two counties exceeding 97 on the state scale, trailing only New York County (98.79). Its exposure vastly exceeds the state average of 69.42—a 28-point gap that reflects unique coastal and seismic vulnerabilities.

Comparable to New York County; far higher than upstate

Nassau County (97.14) mirrors the extreme risk profile of adjacent New York County (98.79) while dwarfing all upstate counties. This coastal-urban concentration of risk creates a distinct disaster landscape from the state's interior regions.

Flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes converge here

Flood risk (98.40), earthquake risk (96.47), and hurricane risk (95.41) all reach near-maximum levels in Nassau County, while tornado risk (76.21) adds significant secondary exposure. This convergence of four major hazards makes Nassau one of America's most complex disaster zones.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance is mandatory

Flood insurance, earthquake coverage, wind/hail protection, and an umbrella liability policy should form the baseline in Nassau County. Review coverage annually given rising sea levels and flood zone remapping; consider elevated or reinforced foundation upgrades if you're rebuilding.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nassau County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Drinking Water Quality in Nassau

Nassau County earns a grade of B with 20 health violations recorded over the last five years. While the violation count seems high, the rate of 1.5 per 100,000 people is far below the state average of 81.8. This indicates that the vast majority of residents receive water that meets safety standards.

Watershed Impairment Data Not Reported

Federal ATTAINS records do not currently cover the assessed water bodies for Nassau County in the §303(d) program. There is no available data regarding the share of impaired waters or top pollution causes for this reporting cycle. Watershed health metrics are not currently available at the federal level.

Expansive Monitoring Network Tracks Quality

Nassau County features an extensive network of 267 monitoring sites, producing 75,454 measurements in five years. Physical, nutrient, and microbiological data are the most frequently recorded groups. This represents one of the most comprehensive water monitoring footprints in the state.

Massapequa Creek Flow Drops Significantly

Current discharge at Massapequa Creek is only 2 cfs, which is just 17% of its long-term mean. This very low flow suggests significant dry conditions or reduced groundwater discharge in the 39 square mile basin. Flow levels are currently well below historical norms for this location.

Monitoring Depth Provides Consumer Safety

The deep monitoring footprint in Nassau provides excellent data for tracking microbiological and nutrient threats. Low streamflow levels may occasionally affect local groundwater recharge or pollutant concentrations. Residents can feel confident in the B grade but should monitor low-flow impacts on local ponds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nassau County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Coastal Living on Long Island

Nassau County averages 54.8°F annually, aligning closely with the national median. Its maritime climate provides buffered temperatures compared to inland New York.

One of New York’s Warmest Counties

The annual average of 54.8°F is over seven degrees warmer than the state average of 47.4°F. Nassau consistently ranks as one of the mildest regions in the entire state.

Warmer and Drier than Upstate

Nassau sees only 22 inches of snow, a fraction of the 100+ inches seen in northern counties like Monroe. It is slightly cooler than Manhattan but maintains a similar humid subtropical feel.

Hot Summers and Soft Winters

Nassau enjoys 12 days per year over 90°F with a July average of 76.2°F. Winters are relatively mild, with January temperatures averaging 33.9°F.

Plan for Humidity and Heat

Quality air conditioning is essential for the 12 days of extreme heat and high coastal humidity. Light winter gear is usually sufficient for the modest 22 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nassau County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Earth

Nassau County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.15, well below the national median of 6.5. This unique chemical profile requires specific management or acid-loving plants for the best results.

Sandy Shores and Fast Drainage

The composition is predominantly sand at 51.7%, with very low clay levels at 5.4%. This high sand content results in fast-draining earth that is easy to dig but may lose nutrients quickly without amendments.

Staggering Organic Matter Content

Organic matter reaches a staggering 30.21%, nearly double the state average of 17.01%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.206 in/in, this soil holds onto moisture better than its sandy texture suggests.

Rapid Percolation Rates

While official drainage classifications are unavailable, the sand-heavy profile indicates naturally rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor for dry spells, as the 51.7% sand ratio favors quick percolation.

Warm Seasons in Zone 7b

Located in hardiness zone 7b, Nassau offers a long growing season for heat-loving plants like tomatoes or peppers. Start your garden today to take advantage of these warm coastal conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nassau County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Challenges in Nassau

Nassau County scores a 64.0 for lawn difficulty, which is higher than the state average but requires navigating specific coastal soil issues. As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, your lawn enjoys a much longer growing season than most of New York.

Long, Warm Growing Seasons

The county experiences 12 extreme heat days and 3,520 growing degree days, which is significantly more than the upstate average. While 45.6 inches of rain falls annually, the heat intensity means you must monitor for heat stress and fungal issues.

Addressing High Acidity

Nassau's soil pH is very acidic at 4.15, well below the 6.0 target for healthy grass. With a high sand content of 51.7%, nutrients wash away quickly, making regular liming and slow-release fertilizers essential for success.

Sandy Soil and Dry Spells

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry and has seen 15 weeks of drought this past year. Because sandy soils drain rapidly, you should water deeply and early in the morning to ensure moisture reaches the roots before evaporating.

Heat-Tolerant Turf Choices

Tall Fescue is the best performer for Nassau County due to its deep root system and heat tolerance in Zone 7b. You have a long planting window starting April 3, with the first frost not arriving until November 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nassau County's county score?
Nassau County, New York has a composite county score of 46.3 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 Nassau County rank among counties in New York?
Nassau County ranks #33 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 Nassau County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Nassau County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Nassau County a tax score of 12.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nassau County?
The median household income in Nassau County, New York is $143,408 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nassau County earns an income score of 99.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nassau County, New York a good place to live?
Nassau County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in New York. The best way to evaluate Nassau 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 Nassau 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.