countyscore
39
County Score
Health 78.3Soil Quality 70.9Income & Jobs 63.8

County Report Card

About Oneida County, New York

Oneida Falls Short of the National Median

Oneida County earns a composite score of 39.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges compared to typical American counties regarding tax burden and environmental risk.

Trailing the New York State Average

The county's 39.0 score lags behind the New York state average of 47.0. While it offers lower housing costs than downstate regions, it struggles to compete with more prosperous neighbors in overall livability.

Strong Healthcare and Growing Incomes

Oneida excels in health with a score of 78.3, supported by robust regional medical facilities. The income score of 63.8 reflects a solid economic base, where the median household income now reaches $68,819.

High Taxes and Environmental Vulnerability

The county faces a steep tax burden with a tax score of only 2.2 and an effective rate of 2.131%. Environmental risk is also a concern, as evidenced by a low risk score of 13.7.

A Fit for Health-Conscious Budgeters

With a median home value of $171,100, Oneida is ideal for families seeking affordable entry-level homeownership. It particularly suits those who prioritize access to high-quality healthcare over low property tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax2.2Cost34.6Safety22.7Health78.3Schools57.5Income63.8Risk13.7Water51Weather53.8
🏛2.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Oswego County
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Deep Dives

Oneida County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Oneida County

via CrimeByCounty

Oneida Outperforms National Crime Averages

Oneida County maintains a safety score of 96.9 out of 100, reflecting a strong security profile. Its total crime rate of 1971.8 per 100K residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Below New York's High Safety Average

Despite its national standing, Oneida's safety score of 96.9 sits below the New York state average of 98.3. This puts the county in the lower half of safety rankings for the state.

Competitive Safety Rates in Central New York

Oneida's crime rate of 1971.8 per 100K is slightly lower than neighboring Onondaga County, which reports 2046.6. Both counties face higher incident rates than more rural neighbors to the north.

Property Incidents Drive Local Crime Data

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 1736.4 per 100K people. The violent crime rate is significantly lower at 235.4, which is about 36% lower than the national violent crime average.

Secure Your Oneida County Home

With property crime as the primary concern, installing motion-sensor lighting and smart locks adds an essential layer of protection. Stay proactive to keep these local safety numbers trending in the right direction.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Oneida County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Oneida County

Oneida County supports 32,411 students across a robust infrastructure of 72 public schools and 19 distinct districts. The network includes 40 elementary, 12 middle, and 15 high schools to serve a diverse student population. Five additional facilities, including specialized and BOCES programs, provide critical alternative learning pathways.

Graduation Rates and Educational Investment

The county's graduation rate stands at 83.7%, trailing the New York state average of 85.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment reaches $12,692 per pupil, which is slightly below the national average of $13,000. While the school score of 62.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, it indicates room for growth compared to the state average.

Utica City Leads the County Districts

The Utica City School District is the largest in the county, managing 13 schools and serving 9,075 students. Rome City School District follows with 5,237 students across nine schools. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county, concentrating enrollment in traditional public districts.

From Urban Centers to Rural Classrooms

The county features a diverse mix of settings, with 26 rural schools and 14 schools located in city centers. Average school size is 450 students, though Thomas R. Proctor High School stands out as a major hub with 2,675 students. This variety allows families to choose between large-scale urban campuses and smaller town environments.

Planning Your Move to Central New York

Families looking for specific educational settings will find many options across Oneida's 19 districts. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Whitesboro or the rural charm of the outlying districts, school quality remains a vital factor in local real estate. Researching specific school scores can help narrow your home search to the right neighborhood.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Oneida County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Snowy Central Hub

Oneida County averages 45.2°F annually, making it significantly colder than the national median. Its position makes it a prime target for heavy lake-effect precipitation.

Colder than the New York Average

At 45.2°F, Oneida County sits more than two degrees below the New York state average. It is characterized by long, snowy winters and relatively short, mild summers.

A Local Leader in Snowfall

With 157.7 inches of annual snowfall, Oneida is far snowier than Niagara's 69.1 inches. It also exceeds the state average for total precipitation, recording 48.9 inches annually.

Mild Summers and Brutal Winters

January temperatures average a freezing 19.9°F, and the county sees only four days over 90°F all year. July is pleasant at 68.6°F, providing a brief break from the moisture.

Winter Preparedness is Non-Negotiable

Homeowners must prioritize heavy-duty heating and roof maintenance to handle 157.7 inches of snow. Summier cooling needs are minimal, but dehumidification is helpful given the 48.9 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oneida County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Productive Acidic Soils in Oneida

Oneida County earns a strong soil score of 70.9, well above the New York state average of 59.7. The soil carries a pH of 5.29, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but slightly less acidic than the state average. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented here, the high overall score reflects excellent agricultural potential.

A Silt-Dominant Texture Profile

The soil contains a balanced mix of 35.3% silt and 30.2% sand, creating a workable environment for root systems. Low clay levels of 10.4% suggest the ground remains easier to till than heavier clay-based regions. This combination generally provides a stable foundation for a variety of field crops.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

Oneida boasts a massive organic matter content of 28.13%, dwarfing the state average of 17.01%. This rich organic layer powers an available water capacity (AWC) of 0.205 in/in, ensuring plants have access to deep moisture reserves. This is some of the most nutrient-capable soil in the region.

Managing High Moisture Retention

While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the high water capacity suggests the soil acts like a sponge. Farmers and builders should account for the fact that this soil holds onto liquid far longer than the state average. Proper field tiling or raised garden beds may be necessary to prevent oversaturation during heavy spring rains.

Flourishing in Zone 5b

This county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, making it a prime location for hardy vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and pumpkins. The acidic pH and high moisture capacity are ideal for acid-loving berry bushes and lush forage crops. Grab your trowel and take advantage of these nutrient-dense soils this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oneida County

via LawnByCounty

Oneida County's Balanced Growing Conditions

Oneida County earns a lawn difficulty score of 57.4, outperforming the national median of 50.0. While this hardiness zone 5b environment is relatively hospitable, it remains slightly more challenging than the New York state average of 61.1. Growing a lush lawn here is achievable with attention to the region's specific soil and moisture needs.

High Rainfall and Cool Summers

The county receives 48.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 43.3 inches and provides ample hydration. With only 4 extreme heat days per year and 2,204 growing degree days, lawns face minimal heat stress compared to southern regions. The cooling effect of this climate helps keep cool-season grasses thriving throughout the summer months.

Managing Acidic Soil Foundations

The local soil pH averages 5.29, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for turf. While specific drainage class data is limited, the soil composition includes 30.2% sand and 10.4% clay. Homeowners typically need regular lime applications to neutralize the acidity and unlock essential nutrients for grass roots.

Consistent Moisture with Minor Dry Spells

Oneida County experienced 14 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 27.5% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. This is relatively low compared to neighboring counties, but consistent watering during dry weeks remains important. To build resilience, residents should focus on deep watering sessions that reach the full root zone.

Start Your Oneida Lawn Today

Hardiness zone 5b is perfect for cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on May 6 to ensure the young grass establishes before the summer heat. With a long-term plan and proper soil prep, your lawn can stay green until the first frost hits around October 13.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oneida County's county score?
Oneida County, New York has a composite county score of 39 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 Oneida County rank among counties in New York?
Oneida County ranks #54 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 Oneida County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Oneida County is $3,646, with an effective tax rate of 2.13%. This earns Oneida County a tax score of 2.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oneida County?
The median household income in Oneida County, New York is $68,819 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oneida County earns an income score of 63.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oneida County, New York a good place to live?
Oneida County scores 39/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in New York. The best way to evaluate Oneida 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 Oneida County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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