countyscore
36.8
County Score
Health 83.4Income & Jobs 77Lawn Care 71.4

County Report Card

About Onondaga County, New York

Falling Below the National Performance Baseline

Onondaga County holds a composite score of 36.8, trailing the national median of 50.0 by a wide margin. This ranking suggests the county faces more structural hurdles than the average U.S. county.

Underperforming the New York State Average

At 36.8, Onondaga sits significantly below the statewide average score of 47.0. Despite its status as a regional hub, its high tax rate and safety concerns pull down its relative standing.

Robust Health Systems and Healthy Incomes

The county boasts a strong health score of 83.4 and a resilient income score of 77.0. Median household incomes of $74,740 provide residents with more purchasing power than many neighboring counties.

High Tax Burdens and Safety Concerns

Onondaga struggles with a tax score of 0.4 due to a high 2.593% effective tax rate. A safety score of 20.9 and a risk score of 8.7 highlight areas where the county needs infrastructure and social investment.

Best for Professionals Seeking Amenities

Onondaga suits professionals who value the amenities of Syracuse and high-quality health services. While the 2.593% tax rate is high, the median gross rent of $1,067 remains accessible for middle-income earners.

Score breakdown

Tax0.4Cost20Safety20.9Health83.4Schools57.7Income77Risk8.7Water54Weather53.7
🏛0.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.4
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

Cayuga County
New York
43.8
Oswego County
New York
42.8
Madison County
New York
47.9
Cortland County
New York
38.9
Oneida County
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Seneca County
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Wayne County
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Tompkins County
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Deep Dives

Onondaga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Onondaga County

via CrimeByCounty

Onondaga Maintains Solid National Safety Standing

Onondaga County earns a 96.8 safety score, keeping it safer than many metropolitan areas across the country. Its total crime rate of 2046.6 per 100K is nearly 15% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Trailing New York's Statewide Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 96.8 ranks it below the New York state average of 98.3. While it performs well nationally, it faces more public safety challenges than most other New York counties.

Comparing Onondaga to Regional Neighbors

Onondaga's crime rate of 2046.6 per 100K is higher than Oneida's 1971.8 and Oswego's 1227.6. This reflects the higher activity levels found in the Syracuse metropolitan area compared to surrounding counties.

Higher Violent Crime Relative to Neighbors

The violent crime rate of 346.6 per 100K is the highest among its peers, though it remains below the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up 1700.0 incidents per 100K, mirroring trends in urban centers.

Smart Security for Onondaga Residents

Vigilance is key in more active counties, so consider integrated alarm systems to deter property theft. Simple steps like joining local neighborhood watch groups can significantly improve residential safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Onondaga County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in Central New York

Onondaga County manages a massive system of 123 public schools serving over 67,000 students across 24 districts. The landscape is dominated by 69 elementary schools, supported by a balanced secondary system of 24 middle and 24 high schools. This infrastructure makes it one of the largest educational networks in the state.

Competitive Spending and Performance Benchmarks

The county invests $13,194 per pupil, exceeding the national average of $13,000 but sitting below the New York state average. The graduation rate of 83.5% lags behind the national 87.0% benchmark. However, a composite school score of 63.5 signifies that many local districts outperform the national median of 50.0.

Syracuse City and Suburban Giants

Syracuse City School District is the county's largest, educating 18,352 students across 31 different schools. Four charter schools operate in the area, representing a small but distinct 3.3% share of the total school count. Other major districts include North Syracuse and Liverpool, which together serve over 14,000 students.

Suburban Focus and Large High Schools

With 63 schools in suburban locales, Onondaga offers a classic neighborhood school feel with an average enrollment of 545 students. Liverpool High School is the county's largest facility, housing 2,124 students in a single building. The area maintains a strong suburban identity, though 36 schools serve the urban Syracuse core.

Targeting the Right District for Your Family

The wide range of 24 districts means homebuyers have diverse choices in academic environment and local tax rates. Top-rated suburban districts like Fayetteville-Manlius and West Genesee continue to be primary drivers for regional real estate demand. Exploring these high-performing areas is a smart first step for families relocating to the Syracuse region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Onondaga County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northeast Humid Continental Climate

Onondaga County’s average annual temperature of 47.5°F sits about 7 degrees below the national median. This reflects a typical temperate climate with significant seasonal variation.

Matching the New York State Average

The county’s 47.5°F average almost perfectly mirrors the New York state average of 47.4°F. It represents the quintessential climate profile for central New York.

Snowier Than Its Southern Neighbors

While its 47.5°F average is similar to Oswego, Onondaga sees slightly fewer extreme snow events than its neighbor to the north. However, it remains much colder and snowier than the Hudson Valley counties.

Major Snowfall and Mild Summer Heat

Winter is defined by a staggering 104 inches of annual snowfall and an average low of 23°F in January. Summers stay comfortable with a July average of 70.7°F and only 9 days above 90°F.

Prepare for Serious Winter Maintenance

Residents must invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to handle the 100-plus inches of annual snow. Home heating systems should be rated for prolonged sub-freezing stretches during the 25.6°F average winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Onondaga County

via SoilByCounty

Onondaga's Near-Neutral Agricultural Base

Onondaga County features a pH of 6.06, which is significantly closer to the national median of 6.5 than the New York state average. This gives the county a respectable soil score of 65.9. The chemistry here creates a versatile environment for many plants that struggle in the more acidic soils typical of the Northeast.

Silty Soils Offer Smooth Workability

The soil composition is dominated by 47.3% silt and 35.1% sand, with a moderate 17.0% clay content. This silty texture provides excellent nutrient retention while maintaining better structure than sandy soils. It offers a smooth, reliable medium for both commercial agriculture and home landscaping.

Reliable Nutrients and Moisture

At 6.88%, the organic matter content is lower than the state average of 17.01% but remains triple the national average. The available water capacity (AWC) sits at 0.170 in/in, meaning the soil holds slightly less water than the state median. Growers can expect consistent performance, though supplemental irrigation may be helpful during dry spells.

Steady Hydrology for Development

Without specific drainage class data, the silt-heavy mix indicates moderate permeability for water movement. The 17% clay content helps prevent nutrients from leaching too quickly through the profile. This balance supports healthy root systems while providing a stable base for construction and gardening.

Diversity Thrives in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of perennials and deciduous fruit trees like apples and cherries. Because the pH is relatively high for New York, you can grow diverse vegetables without heavy lime applications. It is a fantastic time to plant a vegetable garden or establish an orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Onondaga County

via LawnByCounty

Onondaga County: A Top-Tier Lawn Environment

Onondaga County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 71.4, making it much easier to maintain than the New York average of 61.1. In this 6a hardiness zone, conditions are highly favorable compared to the national median of 50.0. Most homeowners find that grass grows vigorously here with standard care routines.

Ideal Precipitation for Lush Growth

The county receives 44.4 inches of annual precipitation, placing it right in the sweet spot for healthy turf. While there are 9 extreme heat days annually, the 2,510 growing degree days provide a robust window for grass development. Mowing schedules remain busy throughout the peak season due to these consistent growing conditions.

Superior Soil Chemistry and Texture

Local soil pH averages 6.06, which sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawn health. The soil mix contains 35.1% sand and 17.0% clay, offering a balanced texture for root development even though specific drainage data is unavailable. This natural chemistry reduces the need for heavy chemical amendments compared to more acidic neighbors.

High Resistance to Water Stress

Only 1.1% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and the area only saw 14 weeks of drought over the last year. This high level of resilience means lawns rarely face the severe water restrictions seen elsewhere in the state. Grass maintains its green color longer here with minimal supplemental irrigation.

Optimal Planting for Zone 6a

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for this climate and soil profile. The best time to start your lawn is after the final spring frost on May 4. You have a long growing window until the first fall frost arrives around October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Onondaga County's county score?
Onondaga County, New York has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Onondaga County rank among counties in New York?
Onondaga County ranks #59 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 Onondaga County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Onondaga County is $4,805, with an effective tax rate of 2.59%. This earns Onondaga County a tax score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Onondaga County?
The median household income in Onondaga County, New York is $74,740 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Onondaga County earns an income score of 77/100 on CountyScore.
Is Onondaga County, New York a good place to live?
Onondaga County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in New York. The best way to evaluate Onondaga 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 Onondaga County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.