CountyScore

Niagara County

New York · NY

#31 in New York
58.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Niagara County, New York

Niagara County beats national livability score

Niagara County's composite score of 56.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43% of U.S. counties. This western New York county delivers genuine livability advantages relative to most American communities.

Above New York's state average

Niagara County's score of 56.3 outperforms New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents one of the stronger livability profiles within New York.

Excellent affordability with low costs

Niagara County's cost score of 77.2 is among the highest in this group, with median home values of $177,400 and rents of just $870 monthly. This delivers exceptional housing accessibility for working families.

Income opportunities remain limited

The income score of 27.7 reflects a median household income of $67,809, suggesting modest wage growth prospects. An effective tax rate of 2.284% adds moderate pressure, and comprehensive data on schools, safety, and health is unavailable.

Perfect for cost-conscious working families

Niagara County suits blue-collar families, retirees, and anyone prioritizing affordable housing and low costs over income maximization. This western New York community offers genuine middle-class accessibility near the Buffalo region.

Score breakdown

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

Tax38Cost77.2SafetyComing SoonHealth77SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.7Risk16.6WaterComing Soon
🏛38
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡16.6
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 Niagara County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
58.2
Median income: $90,625
Sullivan County
New Hampshire
58.2
Median income: $75,929
Chenango County
New York
58.2
Median income: $62,093
Richmond County
New York
58.2
Median income: $98,290
Northampton County
Pennsylvania
58.2
Median income: $86,687

Deep Dives

Niagara County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Niagara County

via TaxByCounty

Niagara County taxes slightly above national norm

Niagara County's effective tax rate of 2.284% exceeds the national median of 2.1% by roughly 180 basis points, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. The typical homeowner here pays $4,052 annually—more than 50% above the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above New York's state average

Niagara County's effective rate of 2.284% tops the state average of 2.046% by 240 basis points, positioning it as a moderate-to-high-tax county statewide. The median property tax of $4,052 runs below the state average of $4,709, reflecting Niagara's lower median home value of $177,400.

Mid-range taxes in the upstate region

Niagara County's 2.284% rate closely mirrors Madison County (2.295%) and sits between Lewis County (1.698%) and Livingston County (2.466%). Monroe County to the east runs noticeably higher at 2.788%, making Niagara a moderate option in the western corridor.

What a typical Niagara County home costs to own

On the county's median home value of $177,400, you'll pay roughly $4,052 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. That figure rises to $4,418 if you finance through a mortgage, and drops to $3,590 for homeowners with no mortgage.

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 Niagara County property is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Niagara County

via CostByCounty

Niagara County beats national affordability

Renters spend just 15.4% of income on housing, comfortably below the national average and below New York's state average of 17.6%. Median rent of $870 per month is 23% cheaper than the state average of $1,133, making Niagara one of New York's most affordable counties for working families.

Upper tier of New York affordability

Niagara County ranks among the state's most affordable counties for renters and owners, with a rent-to-income ratio that soundly beats the statewide average. At $67,809 median household income, Niagara residents earn slightly less than the state norm but enjoy housing costs that make up the difference.

Cheaper than most, steeper than Lewis

Niagara's $870 rent undercuts Monroe County ($1,126) by 23% and nearly matches Madison County ($891) and Livingston County ($912), though Lewis County remains the regional bargain at $821. Home values of $177,400 sit in the affordable range for the region, comparable to Madison County.

Modest income with excellent housing math

Households earn $67,809 annually and spend approximately $10,440 on rent (15.4%) and $12,252 on ownership costs if mortgaged. This leaves ample room in the household budget for other necessities and savings, with housing consuming noticeably less of income than the state average.

Niagara County: Niagara Falls region affordability

Niagara offers solid affordability at $870 rent and $177,400 median homes, positioned between rural bargains and urban premium markets. If you're relocating within New York and value access to the Niagara Falls region, compare its 15.4% rent-to-income ratio to your current market—the savings could fund other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Niagara County

via IncomeByCounty

Niagara County trails national income

Niagara County's median household income of $67,809 falls $6,946 short of the national median of $74,755—a 9.3% gap reflecting the county's reliance on declining manufacturing. Buffalo-Niagara's economy has not fully recovered from earlier deindustrialization.

Among New York's lower-income counties

At $67,809, Niagara County ranks in the lower-middle tier of New York's 62 counties, trailing the state average of $76,433 by $8,624. The county underperforms most regional peers and faces chronic economic adjustment challenges.

Underperforms surrounding counties

Niagara County's $67,809 ranks lowest among all surveyed neighbors, falling behind Lewis County ($68,329) by just $520 but trailing Madison County ($73,141) by $5,332. The county's proximity to Buffalo creates growth potential but has not yet translated to widespread income gains.

Affordable housing with tight budgets

Niagara County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% keeps housing costs manageable, with median home values at $177,400 accessible to median-income households. Housing affordability is a rare advantage in this lower-income county, freeing modest resources for savings.

Build wealth through education and opportunity

Niagara County residents should capitalize on affordable housing to build home equity while pursuing education and skills tied to emerging sectors like healthcare and technology. Families earning the county median should prioritize emergency savings first, then explore employer retirement plans and regional job growth opportunities tied to Buffalo's recent economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Niagara County

via HealthByCounty

Niagara County faces a longevity crisis

At 75.4 years, Niagara County residents live significantly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and 14.8% report poor or fair health. This points to underlying economic stress, chronic disease prevalence, or inadequate preventive care infrastructure.

Bottom tier for life expectancy in New York

Niagara County's 75.4-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in New York State, falling 2.5 years short of the state average of 77.9 years. This persistent gap signals challenges in addressing disease prevention and health equity.

Health crisis mirrors Montgomery County's struggle

Niagara County's 75.4-year life expectancy is comparable to Montgomery County's 75.2 years, both trailing healthy neighbors like Madison (78.4) and Livingston (79.4) by 3–4 years. Primary care provider density at 38 per 100K is among the lowest in this analysis, limiting residents' access to routine care.

Provider shortages compound insurance challenges

Although Niagara County's 4.5% uninsured rate is near the state average, having insurance means little when only 38 primary care providers and 177 mental health providers serve 100K residents. Geographic isolation and provider shortages leave many residents unable to access timely care despite having coverage.

Coverage is step one toward better health

Niagara County residents must start with insurance coverage to navigate the county's provider constraints—enroll or verify your plan through New York State of Health today. Ask your provider about telehealth options and community health centers that can extend your access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Niagara County

via RiskByCounty

Niagara County faces moderately elevated national risk

At 83.37, Niagara County's composite risk score sits above the U.S. average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. The county's Lake Ontario shoreline and Niagara River position create heightened exposure to water-based hazards and seismic activity.

Above-average risk for New York State

Niagara County's 83.37 score exceeds the state average of 69.42 by 14 points, placing it in New York's higher-risk quartile. Only a handful of counties statewide face comparable multi-hazard exposure due to its Great Lakes position.

Riskier than upstate, safer than Rochester-area regions

Niagara County (83.37) substantially outpaces rural northern counties but sits below Monroe County (93.77), reflecting its waterfront location and moderate urban density. Its risk profile represents an intermediate zone between rural safety and concentrated urban exposure.

Flooding and tornadoes drive exposure levels

Flood risk (91.00) dominates Niagara County's hazard landscape, with tornado risk (52.35) and earthquake risk (65.94) adding substantial secondary threats. Hurricane risk (57.20) and wildfire risk (33.81) round out the exposure profile.

Flood and wind coverage should be your priority

A standalone flood insurance policy is essential for Niagara County residents, particularly those in the Niagara River corridor and Lake Ontario lowlands. Verify comprehensive wind and hail coverage in your standard policy, and consider earthquake endorsement if your home sits in a higher-risk micro-zone.

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.