CountyScore

Nassau County

New York · NY

#59 in New York
50.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Nassau County, New York

Nassau County falls short of national average

Nassau County's composite score of 43.0 lags the national median of 50.0 by 7 points, placing it in the bottom 25% nationally. This Long Island powerhouse trades livability for extreme housing costs despite high incomes.

Significantly below New York state average

Nassau County's score of 43.0 underperforms New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it among the lowest-scoring counties in the state. This reflects the coastal premium that dominates Long Island economics.

Exceptional incomes and low taxes

Nassau County's income score of 77.0 reflects a median household income of $143,408—nearly double the state median. An effective tax rate of just 1.518% and tax score of 59.6 offer some relief from the cost burden.

Extreme housing costs dominate livability

Median home values of $658,700 and rents of $2,195 monthly yield a cost score of just 22.1—the worst in this group. Even high incomes struggle against Long Island real estate prices that compress overall livability.

Only for affluent families and executives

Nassau County suits wealthy families and high-earning professionals for whom housing costs are manageable investments. For others, the extreme real estate premium makes this an unsustainable choice despite strong earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.6Cost22.1SafetyComing SoonHealth84.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome77Risk2.9WaterComing Soon
🏛59.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2.9
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 Nassau County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $52,281
Burlington County
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49.9
Median income: $105,271
El Paso County
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49.9
Median income: $58,859
Dallas County
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49.8
Median income: $74,149

Deep Dives

Nassau County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Nassau County

via HealthByCounty

Nassau County leads America on longevity

Nassau County residents live an average of 81.3 years, nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—the highest in this analysis. Just 11.7% report poor or fair health, demonstrating sustained access to preventive care and healthy community conditions.

New York's longevity champion on Long Island

At 81.3 years, Nassau County's life expectancy is the highest in New York State, surpassing the state average of 77.9 years by 3.4 years. This reflects the county's affluent healthcare infrastructure and relatively stable economic conditions.

Exceptional health outcomes set Nassau apart

Nassau County's 81.3-year life expectancy and 11.7% poor/fair health rate far exceed most upstate peers; only New York County (83.0 years) surpasses it. With 136 primary care and 386 mental health providers per 100K, Nassau maintains among the state's densest provider networks.

Comprehensive coverage drives strong outcomes

Nassau County's 4.4% uninsured rate is among the state's lowest, paired with robust provider access at 136 primary care and 386 mental health providers per 100K. This combination ensures residents can both afford insurance and find available doctors and therapists.

Maintain coverage to sustain Nassau's advantage

Nassau County's health success depends on residents staying insured—verify your coverage through your employer or New York State of Health before open enrollment closes. Protect your access to Nassau's excellent healthcare network with continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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