CountyScore

Onondaga County

New York · NY

#56 in New York
53.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Onondaga County, New York

Onondaga meets the national baseline

Onondaga County's composite score of 50.2 sits just slightly above the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the middle of the nation's livability spectrum. While not a standout performer nationally, it represents solid, unremarkable livability.

Slightly below New York's average

At 50.2, Onondaga County underperforms New York's state average of 54.7, placing it in the lower half of the state's county rankings. The gap suggests other New York regions offer stronger composite livability scores.

Moderate housing costs and income

The Cost Score of 70.3 reflects a median home value of $185,300 and rent of $1,067 monthly—reasonably accessible for working families. With a median household income of $74,740 and an Income Score of 32.2, the county offers modest middle-class stability.

Tax burden outpaces regional norms

The Tax Score of 29.3, driven by a 2.593% effective tax rate, represents one of the county's weakest dimensions and a significant cost burden relative to peers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting a comprehensive assessment.

Solid base for pragmatic relocations

Onondaga County works best for those seeking middle-of-the-road livability without exceptional advantages or drawbacks. It's a reasonable choice for families and workers who value stability and moderate costs, though higher-performing New York counties may offer better value elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax29.3Cost70.3SafetyComing SoonHealth77.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.2Risk8.7WaterComing Soon
🏛29.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡8.7
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 Onondaga County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Contra Costa County
California
53.5
Median income: $125,727
Willacy County
Texas
53.5
Median income: $45,645
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin
53.7
Median income: $62,118
Orange County
California
53.8
Median income: $113,702
New York County
New York
53.8
Median income: $104,553

Deep Dives

Onondaga County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Onondaga County

via TaxByCounty

Onondaga taxes among the nation's steepest

Onondaga County's effective tax rate of 2.593% ranks in the top tier nationally, significantly exceeding the national median of 2.690%—meaning residents shoulder a heavier tax burden than most Americans. The median annual tax bill of $4,805 on a $185,300 home underscores this reality.

Onondaga has New York's highest tax rates

At 2.593%, Onondaga's effective rate far exceeds the New York state average of 2.046%, ranking among the highest in the state. Residents pay a median of $4,805 annually—slightly above the state median of $4,709—despite lower property values.

Onondaga outpaces similar upstate counties

Onondaga's 2.593% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Oswego County's 2.575% and Oneida County's 2.131%, though actual tax bills vary by home value. At $4,805 median tax, Onondaga homeowners pay the highest among nearby counties when accounting for typical property values.

What the typical Onondaga homeowner pays

The median Onondaga home is worth $185,300, and at the county's 2.593% effective rate, that means an annual property tax of about $4,805. Homeowners with mortgages pay $5,141, while those without pay $4,234.

High taxes make appeals especially worthwhile

With tax rates this steep, even small overassessments cost Onondaga homeowners hundreds annually. A successful assessment appeal could reduce your annual tax burden significantly, and the process is free through your local assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Onondaga County

via CostByCounty

Onondaga's rent burden stays manageable

Onondaga County residents spend 17.1% of their income on rent, just slightly above the national affordability threshold of 16%. The county's $1,067 median rent represents solid middle ground in New York State, accessible to households earning around the state median.

On par with New York's housing standards

Onondaga's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 17.6%, positioning it among moderately affordable New York counties. The median rent of $1,067 tracks nearly in line with the state average of $1,133, reflecting a balanced market.

Central hub with moderate housing costs

Onondaga's $1,067 rent falls between more affordable Oneida County ($917) and pricier Ontario County ($1,126), making it the region's middle option. The rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% compares favorably to statewide metrics while keeping housing accessible for Syracuse-area residents.

Middle-income households manage the balance

Onondaga's median household income of $74,740 aligns almost exactly with the national median, while rent consumes 17.1% of that income. Owner costs average $1,228 per month, placing homeownership in reach for many county families without squeezing budgets.

Onondaga balances affordability and access

Relocating to Onondaga gives you housing costs close to state averages with slightly better affordability than New York overall. Compare the county's 17.1% rent ratio to higher-cost neighbors like Orange (19.9%) or Putnam (17.2%) to gauge your real savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Onondaga County

via IncomeByCounty

Onondaga matches the national baseline

Onondaga County's median household income of $74,740 virtually matches the national median of $74,755—a remarkable alignment. This positions the county right at the heart of American earnings distribution.

Slightly below New York's average

Onondaga earns $1,693 less than the state median of $76,433, placing it just shy of the state average. The county's per capita income of $41,538 slightly exceeds the state average of $41,133, showing more balanced earnings across residents.

Outearns struggling neighbors

Onondaga surpasses Orleans ($63,838), Oswego ($68,461), and Otsego ($67,086) while trailing Ontario ($79,814) and Putnam ($127,405). The county sits comfortably in the middle-to-upper tier of central New York's income range.

Housing costs are reasonable

At 17.1%, Onondaga's rent-to-income ratio stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though slightly higher than some neighbors. Residents enjoy relative housing stability despite earnings close to the national average.

Leverage average income strategically

Matching national earnings gives Onondaga households access to wealth-building strategies proven across America. Prioritize diversifying investments and consider consulting with a financial planner to optimize your position.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Onondaga County

via HealthByCounty

Onondaga slightly outpaces national trends

At 77.7 years, Onondaga County's life expectancy sits just below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.9% poor or fair health rate closely mirrors the national 13.4% figure, indicating health outcomes roughly aligned with America overall.

Nearly matches New York average

Onondaga's 77.7-year life expectancy falls just 0.2 years short of New York State's 77.9-year average. At 4.4% uninsured, the county outperforms the state's 5.3% rate and stands among the state's better-insured counties.

Middle of the pack regionally

Onondaga's 77.7-year life expectancy matches Otsego County but trails Ontario (79.8 years) by 2.1 years and leads Oneida (76.3 years) by 1.4 years. With 92 primary care providers per 100,000, Onondaga offers strong access compared to western New York neighbors.

Strong healthcare infrastructure

Onondaga County boasts 92 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an impressive 354 mental health providers per 100,000—well above regional averages. Just 4.4% of residents lack insurance, suggesting good baseline coverage across the population.

Make sure your coverage is solid

While Onondaga's 4.4% uninsured rate is low, ensuring you have active coverage protects against unexpected medical costs. Check your current plan on NY State of Health or contact local health insurance navigators to confirm your options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Onondaga County

via RiskByCounty

Onondaga: Among America's Riskier Counties

Onondaga County scores 91.25 on composite disaster risk, placing it significantly above the national average and in the relatively moderate risk category. This high score reflects acute vulnerability to flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Your county faces a broader range of serious natural hazards than most American communities.

New York's Second-Highest Risk County

Onondaga ranks as one of New York's highest-risk counties with a score of 91.25 compared to the state average of 69.42, reflecting hazards that far exceed typical statewide exposure. This places Onondaga among the most hazard-prone regions in New York, ahead of most peer counties. Residents here face disaster risks that demand serious attention and preparation.

Onondaga Leads Central New York in Risk

Onondaga (91.25) significantly outpaces all neighboring counties, including Oneida (86.32), Oswego (67.56), and Otsego (75.83). This elevated profile reflects Onondaga's particular vulnerability to flooding and tornado activity across a densely populated region. Your county's risk level is notably higher than surrounding areas, making disaster preparedness especially critical.

Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Loom Large

Onondaga faces exceptional flood risk (95.17), extreme tornado exposure (87.28), and significant earthquake hazard (81.39). Flooding poses the most frequent and costliest threat, with tornado risk creating additional seasonal danger during spring and early summer. These three hazard types together demand comprehensive preparation and ongoing risk reduction efforts.

Flood, Wind, and Earthquake Insurance Essential

Onondaga residents need more than standard homeowners coverage—you must separately secure flood insurance (given the 95.17 flood risk) and earthquake protection. A strong homeowners policy with high wind and hail coverage is equally critical for tornado season. Contact an insurance professional today to audit your coverage gaps and protect your family's most valuable asset.

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.