CountyScore

Oneida County

New York · NY

#28 in New York
58.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Oneida County, New York

Oneida beats the national average

Oneida County scores 57.7 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the upper half of U.S. counties nationally, signaling stronger-than-average livability across measurable dimensions.

Above average for New York

At 57.7, Oneida County outperforms New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it among the stronger performers within the state. The county's composite score reflects solid fundamentals that distinguish it from many of its regional peers.

Affordability and tax relief shine

Oneida's real strength is housing affordability—the Cost Score of 76.6 reflects a median home value of just $171,100 and rent at $917 monthly, making it accessible for budget-conscious families. The Tax Score of 42.3, backed by a 2.131% effective tax rate, offers additional breathing room compared to many New York counties.

Income growth lags behind

The Income Score of 28.3 signals that median household income ($68,819) trails many comparable regions, limiting wealth-building potential. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable, leaving a fuller picture of livability incomplete.

Right for value-conscious families

Oneida County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and tax efficiency over high incomes. Its above-average composite score makes it a pragmatic choice for those seeking stability and affordability in upstate New York.

Score breakdown

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

Tax42.3Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth76.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.3Risk13.7WaterComing Soon
🏛42.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.7
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 Oneida County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Hillsborough County
Florida
58.8
Median income: $75,011
Monroe County
Florida
58.8
Median income: $82,430
Jackson County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $45,572
Madison County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $74,800
Sangamon County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $74,114

Deep Dives

Oneida County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oneida County

via TaxByCounty

Oneida's tax rate beats the national average

Oneida County's effective tax rate of 2.131% sits comfortably below the national median of 2.690%, putting homeowners in a favorable position compared to most of the country. Despite lower property values—median home worth $171,100 versus the national median of $281,900—residents pay $3,646 annually, well under the national median tax of $2,690 when adjusted for home value differences.

Oneida ranks mid-range among New York counties

At 2.131%, Oneida's effective rate edges slightly above New York's state average of 2.046%, placing it in the moderate tier of the state's 62 counties. The median tax bill of $3,646 falls below the state median of $4,709, reflecting lower property values across the county.

How Oneida compares to nearby counties

Oneida's 2.131% effective rate sits between Otsego County's lower 1.655% and Oswego County's higher 2.575%. When it comes to the actual tax bill, Oneida homeowners pay $3,646 annually—more than Oswego's $3,595 but significantly less than Ontario County's $4,460.

What the typical Oneida homeowner pays

The median home in Oneida County is worth $171,100, and at the county's 2.131% effective rate, that translates to an annual property tax bill of approximately $3,646. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $3,945, while those without pay $3,259.

You may be overassessed—here's how to fight back

Property assessments aren't always accurate, and many Oneida County homeowners overpay as a result. Filing a tax assessment appeal with your local assessor's office is free and can result in thousands in savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oneida County

via CostByCounty

Oneida's rent burden beats national average

Oneida County residents spend 16.0% of their income on rent, well below the national threshold where housing becomes unaffordable. At this ratio, renters here have more breathing room than the typical American household managing a tighter budget in high-cost metros.

Among New York's most affordable counties

With a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, Oneida ranks as one of New York State's most affordable housing markets, beating the state average of 17.6%. The county's median rent of $917 per month runs $216 below the state average, a meaningful gap for working families.

Oneida holds its own in Central NY

Oneida's $917 monthly rent sits comfortably below neighbors like Onondaga ($1,067) and Ontario ($1,126), though both counties share similarly healthy rent-to-income ratios. The county offers a genuine cost-of-living advantage in the region while maintaining comparable affordability metrics.

Median income supports modest housing costs

The typical Oneida household earns $68,819 annually while paying $917 for rent or $1,005 for owner costs—both reasonable for this income level. About 16% of income goes to rent, leaving most households room for other necessities without the squeeze many Americans face.

Oneida offers Central NY's best value

If you're relocating to upstate New York, Oneida delivers one of the region's lowest housing costs with a rent-to-income ratio under 17%. Compare it with pricier neighbors like Orange County (19.9% ratio) or Putnam County (17.2%) to see the real savings available.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oneida County

via IncomeByCounty

Oneida lags behind national earnings

Oneida County's median household income of $68,819 falls 7.9% below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower half of U.S. earnings, indicating residents earn noticeably less than the typical American household.

Below average in New York State

Oneida ranks below the state median of $76,433, earning about $7,614 less per year than the New York average. The county's per capita income of $36,865 also trails the state's $41,133 average by $4,268.

Middle of the pack locally

Oneida earns more than Orleans ($63,838) and Oswego ($68,461) but less than Ontario ($79,814) and Onondaga ($74,740). The county sits firmly in the middle tier of upstate New York's income distribution.

Rent remains manageable here

A 16.0% rent-to-income ratio means Oneida residents spend just over one-sixth of earnings on housing—well below the 30% threshold considered affordable. This favorable ratio provides breathing room for other household expenses despite below-average incomes.

Build stability with smart planning

With moderate housing costs, Oneida households have opportunity to prioritize emergency savings and retirement planning. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to maximize employer benefits and explore tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Oneida County

via HealthByCounty

Oneida falls short on life expectancy

At 76.3 years, Oneida County residents live nearly 3 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.8% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.4%, signaling above-average health challenges across the population.

Below average for New York State

Oneida's 76.3-year life expectancy trails New York State's 77.9-year average by 1.6 years. At 4.5% uninsured, the county performs slightly better than the state's 5.3% rate, though access gaps persist.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Oneida's 76.3-year life expectancy lags nearby Onondaga (77.7 years) and Otsego (77.7 years), while Ontario County residents live nearly 3.5 years longer. The county ranks among the lower-performing in its region for primary care access at 70 providers per 100,000 residents.

Healthcare access remains uneven

With 70 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Oneida faces modest provider shortages, while mental health services are better resourced at 225 providers per 100,000. The 4.5% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 22 county residents lacks coverage.

Explore health insurance options today

If you're among the 4.5% of uninsured Oneida County residents, New York's health marketplace and Medicaid programs offer coverage pathways. Visit NY State of Health or contact local navigators to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oneida County

via RiskByCounty

Oneida's Risk: Above the National Middle

Oneida County scores 86.32 on composite disaster risk, placing it well above the national median and marking it as relatively moderate overall. This score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and earthquake risk. Understanding where your county stands nationally helps you prioritize which threats demand immediate preparation.

A High-Risk County in New York

Oneida ranks among New York's higher-risk counties with a score of 86.32 compared to the state average of 69.42, putting it in the upper tier statewide. This elevation reflects the county's particular vulnerability to water-related disasters and seismic activity. New Yorkers in Oneida should consider their risk profile more serious than most neighbors across the state.

Oneida Compared: Central New York Risk

Oneida (86.32) faces notably higher risk than nearby Ontario County (63.55) and Oswego County (67.56), but slightly trails its immediate neighbor Onondaga County (91.25). The variation across central New York reflects different exposure patterns to flooding and seismic activity. Your county's risk level sits in the higher range for this region, warranting serious attention to hazard preparation.

Flood and Earthquake Dominate Here

Oneida's two largest threats are flooding (91.09 risk score) and earthquake exposure (80.06), with tornadoes also posing significant concern at 71.88. Flooding poses the most immediate and frequent threat, affecting infrastructure, homes, and roads across the county. Both flooding and seismic activity warrant comprehensive risk reduction planning and appropriate insurance coverage.

Secure Coverage Against Water and Shaking

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage—you need separate policies for both. Given Oneida's high flood score of 91.09, flood insurance should be a priority regardless of whether you're in a mapped high-risk zone. Consult with an insurance agent today about flood and earthquake riders to protect your property and finances.

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.