56.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.4Safety 94.9Health 92.1

County Report Card

About New York County, New York

A High-Performing Urban Leader

New York County scores 56.5, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. Its unique urban profile provides benefits that few other counties can match.

Leading the New York Averages

The county’s score of 56.5 is nearly 10 points higher than the New York state average of 47.0. It stands as an economic and social powerhouse within the state.

Top-Tier Safety and Elite Incomes

A Safety Score of 94.9 and an Income Score of 96.4 define Manhattan’s strengths. Residents benefit from a $104,553 median income and a surprisingly low 0.902% effective tax rate.

Extreme Costs and Environmental Risk

The Cost Score is a low 0.6, driven by a median home value of over $1.1 million. Furthermore, the Risk Score of 1.2 indicates high vulnerability to climate and urban hazards.

The Ultimate Choice for Urbanites

This county is perfect for high-earning professionals who prioritize career growth and safety in a dense urban environment. Residents must accept extreme housing costs and environmental risks in exchange for world-class amenities.

20406080100450.694.992.154.396.41.270.2Tax45Cost0.6Safety94.9Health92.1Schools54.3Income96.4Risk1.2WaterWeather70.256.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

New York County DNA

Foverall

How New York County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

New York County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (96.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (0.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45
Cost
0.6-47.4
Safety
94.9+39.900000000000006
Health
92.1+42.099999999999994
Schools
54.3
Income
96.4+45.400000000000006
Risk
1.2-45.8
Weather
70.2+14.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in New York County

Whether buying or refinancing in New York County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$1,108,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,132/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$1,108,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$85,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum10.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $104,553/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

New York County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in New York County

via TaxByCounty

Manhattan's exceptionally low effective tax rate

New York County's (Manhattan's) effective tax rate of 0.902% is among the lowest in the entire nation, far below the national median of 2.1% and positioning it in the bottom 5% of all American counties. Yet the typical homeowner pays $10,001 annually—nearly four times the national median of $2,690—because the median home value of $1,108,900 is extraordinary.

New York's lowest rate on the nation's priciest homes

New York County's 0.902% rate is by far the lowest in New York State, well below the state average of 2.046%. The median tax bill of $10,001 exceeds the state average of $4,709 more than twofold, entirely due to Manhattan's median home value of $1,108,900—the highest of any county examined.

Lowest rate in the state; highest prices in the nation

New York County's 0.902% rate beats every other county in New York by a wide margin, even Nassau County (1.518%). However, its $10,001 median tax bill matches Nassau's exactly, because New York County's homes cost 68% more, offsetting its substantially lower rate.

What a typical Manhattan home costs to own

On New York County's median home value of $1,108,900, you'll pay roughly $10,001 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. This reflects Manhattan's status as the global center of wealth, where even low tax rates applied to extraordinary property values yield substantial absolute tax bills.

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 Manhattan property is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could provide meaningful relief on your substantial annual bill.

Cost of Living in New York County

via CostByCounty

Manhattan: highest affordability burden in state

New York County renters spend 24.5% of income on housing—far above the national average and the highest rate in New York State. Median rent of $2,132 per month is nearly double the state average of $1,133, placing Manhattan in a cost category of its own despite median household income of $104,553.

New York County dominates cost-of-living charts

At 24.5%, New York County's rent-to-income ratio is unmatched in the state, reflecting Manhattan's global financial center status and limited housing supply. The county's $2,132 median rent is the highest in New York by a wide margin, with homebuying even more punishing at $1,108,900 median home value.

Dramatically costlier than any peer

New York County's $2,132 rent marginally exceeds Nassau County's $2,195 (though with lower income base), while home values of $1.1 million are 67% higher than Nassau's. No upstate peer comes remotely close in either metric, making Manhattan a uniquely expensive market.

Housing dominates the household budget

Households earn $104,553 annually but spend roughly $25,584 on rent (24.5%) and $31,704 on ownership costs if mortgaged—among the highest absolute dollar amounts in the nation. At nearly one-quarter of gross income devoted to rent alone, New York County residents sacrifice significant budgetary flexibility compared to any other county in the state.

New York County: premium access demands premium pay

Manhattan's 24.5% rent-to-income ratio and $2,132 monthly rent demand either very high income or significant financial sacrifice; median home values exceeding $1 million rule out traditional homeownership for most. Relocators should realistically assess whether Manhattan's unparalleled job market and cultural access justify dedicating nearly one-quarter of household income to rent.

Income & Jobs in New York County

via IncomeByCounty

Manhattan vastly exceeds national income

New York County's median household income of $104,553 is 39.8% above the national median of $74,755, reflecting Manhattan's status as the nation's finance and media capital. This places the county among the top 5% of the wealthiest counties in America.

New York's richest county

At $104,553, New York County (Manhattan) is the highest-income county in the state, surpassing the state average of $76,433 by $28,120. Only Nassau County ($143,408) comes close, creating a two-county wealth monopoly in New York.

Manhattan towers over surrounding counties

New York County's $104,553 obliterates Monroe County ($74,409) by 40% and exceeds Nassau County by only 27%, reflecting Manhattan's unmatched concentration of wealth. The county's global financial and cultural dominance translates directly into the nation's highest per capita income of $94,922.

High income barely covers Manhattan costs

Despite the highest income in the region, New York County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.5% approaches the affordability danger line, with median home values reaching $1,108,900. Earning $104,553 in Manhattan requires careful budgeting, especially for housing.

Optimize wealth in a high-cost city

Manhattan residents earning above the county median should work with tax specialists to navigate New York City's complex tax environment and explore alternative investments beyond real estate. Consider diversifying into out-of-state assets and using tax-advantaged accounts strategically to preserve wealth amid the city's elevated living costs.

Safety in New York County

via CrimeByCounty

Statistical Snapshot of Manhattan Safety

New York County reports a near-zero crime rate of 0.1 per 100K, which is an extreme outlier compared to the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a perfect safety score of 100.0, though it reflects limited reporting data.

Comparing Limited Data to State Norms

While the safety score is 100.0, this figure comes from a single reporting agency and differs greatly from the state average crime rate of 1,074.4. Residents should interpret these low numbers with caution as they may not represent the entire county.

Manhattan vs. Surrounding Counties

The reported rate of 0.1 is vastly different from Nassau County's rate of 1,326.7. This discrepancy highlights how individual agency reporting can significantly shift the safety profile of an urban center.

Minimal Reported Violent Incidents

Reported violent crime is essentially 0.0 per 100K, while property crime is recorded at a negligible 0.1. These figures are far lower than the national property crime average of 2,015.7 due to specific reporting gaps.

Stay Vigilant in Urban Environments

Regardless of reporting anomalies, urban dwellers should always use high-quality locks and security cameras. Standard safety precautions remain essential for protecting your property in a major metropolitan area.

Schools in New York County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Diverse Urban Classrooms of Manhattan

New York County, covering Manhattan, operates 357 public schools for 152,353 students across 63 geographic districts. The landscape is unique, featuring 129 high schools and 159 elementary schools tailored to a dense urban population. The system also includes specialized schools for alternative and special education.

High Per-Pupil Spending in a Complex System

Manhattan invests a significant $21,940 per pupil, one of the highest rates in the nation, resulting in a school score of 79.7. The graduation rate of 78.5% reflects the diverse challenges of a massive city system compared to the 87.0% national average. These resources are focused on providing specialized pathways for a highly varied student body.

District 2 Leads a Robust Charter and Public Mix

NYC Geographic District #2 is the largest in the county, managing 118 schools and 54,297 students. Charter schools play a major role here, with 57 institutions making up 16% of all schools. Prestigious locations like Stuyvesant High School serve over 3,300 students, highlighting the scale of Manhattan’s top-tier institutions.

100% Urban Learning with specialized High Schools

Every school in the county is located in a city locale, offering students an immersive urban experience. The average school size is 427 students, but this hides a range from small specialized academies to massive campuses like LaGuardia High. Attending school here means being steps away from the cultural and economic heart of the world.

Find a Manhattan Home Near Elite City Schools

Living in Manhattan provides access to some of the most famous specialized high schools in the United States. Families often choose neighborhoods based on proximity to top-performing geographic districts or lottery-based charter schools. Start your search for an urban home that offers your children unparalleled educational opportunities.

Disaster Risk in New York County

via RiskByCounty

New York County faces the nation's highest disaster risk

At 98.79, New York County's composite risk score ranks among America's top 1% most disaster-exposed areas, earning a Relatively High rating. Manhattan's dense urban footprint, waterfront geography, and seismic proximity create unique and overlapping vulnerabilities.

Highest disaster risk in all of New York State

New York County's 98.79 score stands above even Nassau County (97.14), making it the state's single most disaster-exposed county. This 29-point margin above the state average of 69.42 reflects Manhattan's extraordinary concentration of hazard exposure.

Incomparably higher risk than any upstate county

New York County (98.79) dwarfs even the highest-risk upstate region, Monroe County (93.77), by 5 full points. Its risk profile stands alone in the state, driven by the island's waterfront exposure and earthquake proximity rather than weather-based hazards.

Flooding and earthquakes create the primary threat

Flood risk (99.24) and earthquake risk (96.95) both reach near-maximum severity in New York County, alongside hurricane risk (96.79) and tornado risk (89.38). Wildfire risk (9.92) represents the lone exception—the island's density and limited open space virtually eliminate this hazard.

Elite-level insurance coverage is essential

Flood insurance, earthquake coverage, wind/hail protection, and substantial umbrella liability are non-negotiable in New York County. Renters should carry renter's insurance with flood and earthquake endorsements; all residents should review policies annually as flood zone maps and building codes evolve.

Water Quality in New York County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Records Not Centrally Available

Safe Drinking Water Act health violations and a quality grade are currently not available for New York County in this dataset. This missing signal is common in urban centers where water is often managed through complex, regional distribution systems. For state-level context, the average violation rate is 81.8 per 100,000.

Local Watersheds Await Formal Assessment

Watersheds within Manhattan are not currently assessed in the federal §303(d) reporting cycle. No data exists on the share of impaired water bodies or specific pollutant causes for this area. This reflects a gap in federal Clean Water Act reporting for this specific county.

Monitoring Focuses on Urban Microbiological Health

Monitoring efforts at 27 sites across the county resulted in 5,561 measurements over the last five years. Physical characteristics and microbiological samples are the most common data points collected. These metrics are vital for assessing the safety of water in a densely populated environment.

No Representative Streamgages in Manhattan

There is no representative USGS streamgage for New York County within the national NWIS database. This lack of data is expected given the county's highly urbanized and engineered water landscape. Most water movement occurs through managed infrastructure rather than natural streams.

Prioritize Microbiological Monitoring Awareness

Since local monitoring focuses on microbiological health, residents should follow any city-wide health advisories regarding tap water. In the absence of a compliance grade, checking annual quality reports from the DEP is the best way to stay informed. Infrastructure age remains a primary consideration for urban water quality.

Weather & Climate in New York County

via WeatherByCounty

An Urban Heat Island Hub

New York County averages 55.8°F annually, placing it above the national median. The dense urban environment creates a distinct microclimate warmer than its surrounding suburbs.

The Peak of New York Temperatures

At 55.8°F, Manhattan is significantly warmer than the state average of 47.4°F. It records 17 days of extreme heat, nearly double that of many other New York counties.

The Warmest in the Region

Manhattan stays one degree warmer than Nassau County on average and receives more annual precipitation at 49.5 inches. Its 17 extreme heat days lead the immediate metropolitan area.

Sweltering July and Rainy Winters

July averages a hot 77.5°F, while January stays above freezing at 33.7°F. The county receives 29.8 inches of snow, which often turns to slush quickly in the city streets.

Invest in Cooling and Rain Gear

With 17 days over 90°F, high-efficiency air conditioning is a primary necessity for city residents. Frequent precipitation of 49.5 inches makes durable waterproof footwear a daily essential.

Soil Quality in New York County

via SoilByCounty

Intense Acidity in the Urban Core

Manhattan's soil is intensely acidic with a pH of 3.47, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This measurement reflects the unique urban environment and historical land use of New York County.

Light Texture with Low Clay

The mix consists of 32.0% sand and only 6.7% clay, though urban fill often complicates these natural ratios. A silt level of 18.4% provides some structure to an otherwise light and porous composition.

Lower Capacity for Water Storage

Organic matter stands at 4.75%, which is higher than the national average but well below the New York average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is quite low at 0.088 in/in, meaning soil dries out quickly.

Urban Drainage Considerations

Data for hydrologic groups and drainage classes is not provided for this dense urban landscape. Gardeners should anticipate high drainage rates and plan for frequent irrigation to support plant health.

Rooftop Potential in Zone 7b

In the warm 7b hardiness zone, Manhattan rooftops and community plots can host a wide variety of Mediterranean herbs and vegetables. Even in the city, you can cultivate a lush green space with containers.

Lawn Care in New York County

via LawnByCounty

Manhattan's High-Heat Lawns

New York County presents a challenge with a difficulty score of 49.8, falling just below the national average. Its status in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b and the urban heat island effect make it one of the most unique growing environments in the state.

Intense Urban Heat

The county endures 17 extreme heat days—more than double the state average—and a massive 3,867 growing degree days. While the 49.5 inches of rain is high, the intense heat and evaporation rates require very careful water management.

Extreme Soil Acidity

The recorded soil pH of 3.47 is extremely acidic and will prevent most grass types from growing without heavy lime treatment. The soil is 32.0% sand, so adding organic matter is critical to help hold onto any nutrients you add.

Persistent Urban Dryness

Manhattan has spent 25 weeks in drought over the last year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. In this paved environment, lawns lose moisture quickly; using drought-tolerant grass varieties is the only way to maintain green space sustainably.

Tough Grass for a Tough City

Heat-resistant Tall Fescue or Zoysia grass are your best bets for Manhattan’s Zone 7b climate. Your growing season is the longest in the state, starting March 30 and continuing until the first frost on November 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New York County's county score?
New York County, New York has a composite county score of 56.5 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 New York County rank among counties in New York?
New York County ranks #7 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 New York County, New York?
The median annual property tax in New York County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns New York County a tax score of 45/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in New York County?
The median household income in New York County, New York is $104,553 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. New York County earns an income score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is New York County, New York a good place to live?
New York County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in New York. The best way to evaluate New York 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 New York County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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