countyscore
42.6
County Score
Health 77.9Water Quality 71.3Lawn Care 68.8

County Report Card

About Niagara County, New York

Trailing the National Median Score

Niagara County earns a 42.5 composite score, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This indicates lower overall livability compared to many other American regions.

Below the New York Average

At 42.5, the county falls behind the state average of 47.0. While it offers some advantages, it faces stiffer competition from other New York counties in safety and risk metrics.

Solid Water Quality and Health

The county excels with a Water Score of 71.3 and a Health Score of 77.9. These scores indicate strong local infrastructure and a healthy environment for residents.

Struggling with Taxes and Risk

A 2.284% effective tax rate leads to a low Tax Score of 1.5. Additionally, the Risk Score of 16.6 and Safety Score of 35.3 suggest room for improvement in community security.

A Practical Option for Commuters

Niagara County is best for individuals looking for affordable rent at $870 and reliable utilities. It provides a decent lifestyle for those who can navigate the local tax and safety landscape.

204060801001.538.135.377.955.961.316.671.357.1Tax1.5Cost38.1Safety35.3Health77.9Schools55.9Income61.3Risk16.6Water71.3Weather57.142.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Niagara County DNA

Foverall

How Niagara County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Niagara County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (77.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (1.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.5-50.5
Cost
38.1-9.899999999999999
Safety
35.3-19.700000000000003
Health
77.9+27.900000000000006
Schools
55.9
Income
61.3+10.299999999999997
Risk
16.6-30.4
Water
71.3+13.299999999999997
Weather
57.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Niagara County?

Many homeowners in Niagara County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$177,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$870/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$177,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,809/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.8

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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Nearby counties

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New York
36.7
Orleans County
New York
51.8
Genesee County
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Wyoming County
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Monroe County
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Cattaraugus County
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Chautauqua County
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Deep Dives

Niagara County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Niagara County

via CrimeByCounty

Niagara County Outperforms National Trends

Niagara County maintains a safety score of 97.6, with a total crime rate of 1,502.2 per 100K. This remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, ensuring the region stays relatively safe.

Above the New York Crime Average

The county's crime rate of 1,502.2 per 100K is higher than the New York state average of 1,074.4. Consequently, its safety score of 97.6 is slightly below the state average score of 98.3.

Safer than Monroe County

Niagara County’s rate of 1,502.2 is much lower than Monroe County’s 2,295.0. It provides a more secure environment than its eastern neighbor while seeing more activity than rural Livingston County.

Understanding Local Crime Types

Property crime is the most frequent issue, reported at 1,258.1 per 100K residents. Violent crime stands at 244.1 per 100K, which is higher than the state average but lower than the national 369.8 average.

Prioritize Residential Security

Visible security cameras and well-lit entryways are effective deterrents against local property crime. Taking these steps helps maintain the peace and protects your home from the most common local offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Niagara County

via SchoolsByCounty

Niagara County's Varied Educational Landscape

Niagara County supports 26,326 students through a network of 51 public schools and 11 districts. The infrastructure includes 28 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 11 high schools. This distribution ensures that students have clear transitions as they progress through their K-12 education.

Steady Academic Progress and State Comparisons

The county maintains an 82.1% graduation rate, which is slightly below the New York state average of 85.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $13,123, aligning closely with the national average of $13,000. With a composite school score of 62.6, the county continues to invest in program improvements for its diverse student base.

Niagara Falls and Lockport Drive Local Enrollment

Niagara Falls City School District is the county's largest, educating 6,810 students across 11 schools. Lockport City and Niagara-Wheatfield Central also serve significant populations with 4,133 and 3,141 students, respectively. Charter school options are limited, with only one such institution currently operating in the county.

A Geographic Mix of Suburbs and Rural Towns

The county offers a diverse mix of locales, including 20 suburban, 18 rural, and 13 town-based schools. Average school size is 516 students, but Niagara Falls High School is the largest by far with 2,139 students. This variety allows families to choose between large-scale urban schools or smaller, quiet rural campuses.

Find Your Home Across Niagara's Diverse Districts

Whether you prefer the suburban streets of Wheatfield or the historic town feel of Lockport, Niagara County has a school district for you. Proximity to well-regarded high schools like Starpoint and Niagara-Wheatfield is a key factor for local homebuyers. Explore the latest listings to find a home that fits your lifestyle and educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Niagara County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Grade for Drinking Water

Niagara County earns an A grade, with only 1 health violation recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.4 per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the state average of 81.8. This demonstrates excellent adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Assessment Data Not Available

Local water bodies in Niagara County are not yet included in the federal §303(d) reporting cycle for watershed health. Data regarding the percentage of impaired water bodies or pollutant causes is currently N/A. These water bodies await future federal assessment and documentation.

Steady Monitoring of Organics and Nutrients

A total of 9,439 measurements were recorded at 21 monitoring sites within the county over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, organics, and nutrients. These efforts provide a consistent overview of the county's environmental water quality.

Tonawanda Creek Flows at Typical Levels

The USGS station at Tonawanda Creek in Rapids shows a current discharge of 471 cfs. This represents 108% of the long-term mean, indicating nearly typical flow for this 349 square mile drainage area. The creek is currently stable and performing within its historical range.

Excellent Compliance Supported by Stable Flow

With an A grade and stable streamflow, Niagara County's water signal is currently very strong. Residents should remain aware of organic monitoring results as part of ongoing watershed health. This consistent performance suggests that current water management strategies are effective.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Niagara County

via WeatherByCounty

Tempered by the Great Lakes

Niagara County averages 48.7°F annually, falling just below the national median. The presence of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie helps moderate extreme temperature swings.

Slightly Warmer than the State Average

The county's 48.7°F average is slightly higher than the state-wide average of 47.4°F. It maintains a more temperate profile than the high-elevation or more northern New York counties.

Lower Precipitation than Neighbors

Niagara's 36 inches of annual precipitation is lower than the state average of 43.3 inches. It also sees 69.1 inches of snow, which is much less than Monroe County's 102 inches.

Consistent Warmth and Winter Snow

The county experiences eight days per year of 90°F heat and a July average of 71.8°F. Winter remains cold but manageable, with a January average of 25.4°F.

Prepare for Lake-Effect Winds

Windproofing and insulation are vital for residents near the lake shore. With 69.1 inches of snow, a reliable snowblower and seasonal tires are highly recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Niagara County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Data

Niagara County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in this recent data set. While we cannot compare it to the national 6.5 median, the county's reputation for fruit production speaks to its underlying quality.

Assessing Local Texture at Home

Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed for this area. Growers should perform a simple ribbon test at home to determine their specific garden's workability and drainage.

Potential for Agricultural Richness

We do not have recorded figures for organic matter or water capacity in this county's current profile. However, the region's agricultural history suggests a landscape capable of supporting robust horticultural production.

Observing Garden Hydrology

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified in this data set. Without these numbers, observing how water pools after a heavy storm is the best way to understand your land's hydrology.

Orchard Climate in Zone 6b

Falling within hardiness zone 6b, Niagara County provides an excellent environment for fruit trees and perennial flowers. Use this mild climate to your advantage and establish a thriving backyard orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Niagara County

via LawnByCounty

Niagara's Premier Lawn Conditions

Niagara County earns a top-tier difficulty score of 68.8, making it one of the easiest places in New York to maintain a lawn. The moderate climate of USDA Hardiness Zone 6b provides a long and forgiving season for homeowners.

Moderate and Consistent Growth

With 36.0 inches of annual precipitation and 8 extreme heat days, the weather rarely reaches the extremes that stress turf. The 2,684 growing degree days ensure that grass stays active without the frantic growth seen in the southern parts of the state.

Custom Soil Care Needed

While specific pH and texture data are not currently available for Niagara County, local regional trends suggest varied conditions. We recommend a professional soil test to determine if you need to adjust your pH or drainage before the growing season begins.

Healthy Moisture Outlook

The county experienced 23 weeks of drought over the past year, but currently reports 0% of the area in dry conditions. This lack of current drought stress allows you to focus on routine maintenance rather than emergency irrigation.

Lakeside Growing Advantage

Fine Fescues and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in Zone 6b and handle the local humidity well. Start your lawn between the April 29 spring frost and the October 25 fall frost to take full advantage of the region's best growing weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Niagara County's county score?
Niagara County, New York has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Niagara County rank among counties in New York?
Niagara County ranks #45 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 Niagara County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Niagara County is $4,052, with an effective tax rate of 2.28%. This earns Niagara County a tax score of 1.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Niagara County?
The median household income in Niagara County, New York is $67,809 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Niagara County earns an income score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Niagara County, New York a good place to live?
Niagara County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in New York. The best way to evaluate Niagara 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 Niagara 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.