countyscore
47.6
County Score
Health 93.9Income & Jobs 83.6Soil Quality 72.9

County Report Card

About Ontario County, New York

Matching the National Livability Standard

Ontario County earns a composite score of 47.6, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high quality of life that is competitive with top counties across the country.

Outperforming the New York State Average

Ontario County’s 47.6 score beats the state average of 47.0, marking it as a premier destination in Upstate New York. It maintains a better balance of income and school quality than many of its peers.

Exceptional Health and Education Outcomes

Ontario shines with a health score of 93.9 and a school score of 71.4, indicating elite public services. Residents benefit from high median household incomes of $79,814 and a strong local economy.

Persistent Tax and Affordability Pressure

The county faces a low tax score of 1.9 due to an effective tax rate of 2.198%. Housing affordability is also tightening, reflected in a cost score of 18.7 as home values rise to $202,900.

A Top Choice for Growing Families

With top-tier schools and incredible health scores, Ontario is perfect for families who can manage the 2.198% tax rate. It offers a premium lifestyle without the extreme costs found in downstate New York.

Score breakdown

Tax1.9Cost18.7Safety53.1Health93.9Schools71.4Income83.6Risk36.5Water29Weather55.8
🏛1.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤93.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.5
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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Deep Dives

Ontario County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ontario County

via TaxByCounty

Ontario sits slightly above the national average

Ontario County's effective tax rate of 2.198% runs modestly above the national median of 2.690%, placing it in the upper-middle range across America. The median home value of $202,900 is closer to the national median of $281,900, and residents pay $4,460 annually in taxes.

Ontario ranks in the upper tier statewide

At 2.198%, Ontario's effective rate exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, putting it in the higher-tax segment of the state's counties. The median tax bill of $4,460 sits just below the state median of $4,709, reflecting Ontario's relatively higher property values.

Ontario's rates reflect central New York trends

Ontario's 2.198% rate falls between Oneida's 2.131% and Onondaga's 2.593%, positioning it in the moderate-to-high range for the region. The median tax of $4,460 is the highest among nearby counties in proportion to regional home values.

What the typical Ontario homeowner pays

The median home in Ontario County is worth $202,900, and at the county's 2.198% effective rate, that amounts to roughly $4,460 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay $4,641 annually, while homeowners without pay $4,047.

Assessment appeals can offset higher tax rates

With rates above the state average, Ontario homeowners benefit especially from contesting inflated assessments. Many properties are overvalued relative to market conditions, and challenging your assessment through your local assessor's office costs nothing and often yields substantial savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ontario County

via CostByCounty

Ontario's rent ratio stays below national stress

Ontario County residents spend 16.9% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability crisis threshold and among the healthiest ratios statewide. With a median household income of $79,814—higher than the national average—Ontario residents have solid earning power relative to housing costs.

One of New York's more affordable options

Ontario County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 17.6%, positioning it among New York's more livable housing markets. The median rent of $1,126 sits modestly above the state average, reflecting a slight price premium justified by better incomes and affordability metrics.

Ontario leads region in balanced affordability

Ontario's $1,126 rent ranks between Onondaga ($1,067) and the costlier Putnam County markets, while its 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average. The county offers higher earning potential than Oneida or Oswego while maintaining comparable affordability to its regional peers.

Strong incomes offset slightly higher rents

Ontario households earn $79,814 annually—$5,059 above the national median—while paying $1,126 in rent, resulting in a healthy 16.9% housing-cost ratio. Owner costs of $1,199 per month remain manageable relative to this county's stronger wage base.

Ontario rewards higher earners seeking value

If your household income exceeds state medians, Ontario County delivers strong affordability with above-average earnings and rent-to-income ratios better than the state. The combination of $79,814 median income and 16.9% rent burden makes it an attractive alternative to pricier downstate counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ontario County

via IncomeByCounty

Ontario earns above the national mark

Ontario County's median household income of $79,814 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $5,059—a 6.8% advantage. This solid performance places the county in the upper-middle tier of American earnings.

Comfortably above state average

Ontario surpasses the state median of $76,433 by $3,381, ranking well within New York's upper-income counties. The per capita income of $44,500 also outpaces the state average of $41,133 by $3,367.

A earnings leader in central NY

Ontario exceeds all nearby counties except Putnam ($127,405), outearning Orange ($96,497), Onondaga ($74,740), and Oneida ($68,819). The county stands as a strong income hub in the region.

Housing costs remain stable

Ontario's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio reflects healthy housing affordability with $13,500 median home value compared to household income. Residents enjoy above-average earnings with responsible housing-cost burdens.

Invest your earnings advantage

Above-average income positions Ontario households to accelerate wealth building through investments and homeownership. Work with a financial advisor to capitalize on your earning strength through diversified portfolios and long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ontario County

via CrimeByCounty

Ontario County Beats National Crime Rates

Ontario County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1060.7 per 100K is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the New York State Average

Ontario's safety score of 98.3 perfectly matches the New York state average. This places the county right in the middle of the pack for safety among New York's 62 counties.

Safety Levels Mirror Nearby Orange County

Ontario's crime rate of 1060.7 per 100K is remarkably similar to Orange County's 1072.9. It remains slightly higher than Orleans County, which reports a rate of 1016.3.

Low Violent Crime Across the County

Violent crime is rare in Ontario, with a rate of 132.7 per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for 928.0 incidents per 100K, highlighting a relatively calm environment for homeowners.

Maintain Your Finger Lakes Peace

While rates are low, basic security habits like locking all entry points and using outdoor cameras prevent opportunistic property crime. Consistent awareness helps Ontario County maintain its high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ontario County

via HealthByCounty

Ontario leads on U.S. life expectancy

Ontario County residents live to 79.8 years on average—nearly a full year longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 13.6% poor or fair health rate sits just 0.2 percentage points above the national average, reflecting strong population health.

Outshines New York State average

At 79.8 years, Ontario County's life expectancy exceeds New York State's 77.9-year average by 1.9 years. The county's 4.3% uninsured rate also beats the state's 5.3%, making it one of New York's healthier, better-insured counties.

Regional health leader

Ontario's 79.8-year life expectancy outpaces all regional peers, beating nearby Onondaga (77.7) by 2.1 years and Otsego (77.7) by 2.1 years. With 83 primary care providers per 100,000 and solid mental health infrastructure, Ontario combines strong clinical access with longevity outcomes.

Well-resourced, well-insured county

Ontario offers 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 301 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting robust healthcare capacity. Only 4.3% of county residents lack insurance, among New York's lowest rates.

Keep coverage current and accessible

Even in a well-insured county like Ontario, lapses happen. Review your plan annually and use NY State of Health or local navigators to update coverage if you change jobs or income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ontario County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Schooling in the Finger Lakes

Ontario County provides education through 27 public schools organized into nine focused school districts. These facilities serve 14,537 students with a streamlined structure of 11 elementary, 7 middle, and 9 high schools. The layout emphasizes local community access across the county's rural and suburban landscapes.

Strong Graduation Rates and High Scores

Ontario County excels with an 89.1% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 85.3%. Investment is also high, with $13,545 spent per pupil annually. These figures result in a solid school score of 67.2, which aligns closely with the New York state average.

Victor and Canandaigua Lead the Way

Victor Central School District is the largest by enrollment, serving 4,278 students across five schools. Canandaigua City School District also maintains a major presence, housing the county's largest single school, Canandaigua Primary-Elementary, with 1,475 students. The county does not currently host any charter schools, keeping all students within the nine public districts.

A Rural and Suburban Learning Environment

Over half of the county's schools are located in rural settings, reflecting the region's Finger Lakes heritage. Average school size is 538 students, which provides a balanced environment that is neither too crowded nor too isolated. Schools like Victor Senior High illustrate the area's ability to support large, modern campuses within this rural-suburban mix.

Investing in Homes Near Top Schools

High graduation rates and strong per-pupil spending make Ontario County a premier choice for education-minded homebuyers. Districts like Victor and Canandaigua are often top of mind for families seeking high-performing schools in a scenic setting. When searching for a home here, these academic metrics serve as a reliable indicator of long-term property value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ontario County

via RiskByCounty

Ontario: Below-Average National Disaster Risk

Ontario County scores 63.55 on composite disaster risk, placing it below the national average and in the relatively low risk category. While this favorable ranking reflects lower exposure to major hazards compared to most American counties, specific threats like flooding still warrant serious attention. Ontario residents can feel somewhat assured overall, but preparation remains important for localized hazards.

Ontario Below New York's Average Risk

Ontario scores 63.55 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it as one of the safer counties in New York by disaster risk. This below-average profile gives Ontario an advantage in terms of overall hazard exposure compared to state peers. However, specific risks like flood vulnerability still require local attention and preparedness.

Ontario: Lower Risk Than Surrounding Counties

Ontario (63.55) has meaningfully lower risk than neighbors Oneida (86.32), Onondaga (91.25), and Otsego (75.83), making it one of the safer spots in central New York. Only Oswego County (67.56) compares closely in the regional risk picture. Ontario's relatively favorable position offers residents an opportunity to focus preparation efforts on the most serious localized threats.

Flooding Stands Out as Primary Threat

Ontario's dominant risk is flooding, with a score of 78.85—significantly higher than other local hazards like tornadoes (43.96) and earthquakes (53.09). While earthquakes and tornadoes pose some concern, water-related disasters represent the county's most serious and frequent natural hazard. Flood preparedness should be Ontario's top priority for household and community safety.

Flood Insurance Should Be Your Priority

Ontario residents should prioritize obtaining flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and Ontario's flood risk score of 78.85 reflects real exposure. Even properties outside formal flood zones can experience water damage from heavy rains and local flooding. Get a flood insurance quote today—it's often more affordable than you expect and protects your biggest investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ontario County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Living Near the Finger Lakes

Ontario County records an annual average temperature of 48.0°F, placing it well below the national median. This climate supports the region's famous agricultural and viticultural industries.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Median

At 48.0°F, the county is roughly 0.6 degrees warmer than the New York state average. It ranks as one of the more moderate climates in the upstate region.

Drier Conditions Than Central New York

Ontario’s 35.7 inches of annual precipitation is significantly lower than Onondaga’s 44.4 inches. It also enjoys much lighter snowfall, receiving about 48 inches less than its neighbors to the east.

Moderate Snow and Consistent Summers

The county experiences a manageable 55.7 inches of snow annually compared to the lake-effect belts. Summer remains mild with 7 days of extreme heat and a July average of 70.5°F.

Versatile Gear for Changing Seasons

With 35.7 inches of rain, residents should plan for consistent but not overwhelming precipitation. The 27.2°F winter average requires reliable home insulation and standard winter apparel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ontario County

via SoilByCounty

Premium Soil Quality in Ontario

Ontario County earns an impressive soil score of 72.9, making it one of the top agricultural regions in the state. Its average pH of 6.16 is nearly neutral compared to the state's acidic 5.11 average. This provides an ideal chemical baseline for high-yield farming and diverse gardening.

The Power of High Silt Content

Silt makes up 45.5% of the soil, providing a silky texture that retains nutrients effectively. With 35.0% sand and 18.0% clay, the soil offers a robust structure that resists erosion better than sandier counties. This mix is highly prized for its ability to support intensive crop rotations.

Balanced Organic Matter and Storage

The organic matter content stands at 7.66%, which is healthy and well above the national average of 2%. Its available water capacity of 0.185 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, offering a reliable reservoir for thirsty plants. This combination ensures that the land remains productive even when rain is inconsistent.

Optimized Water Flow for Roots

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 18% clay content helps maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. The high silt percentage facilitates capillary action, pulling water to plant roots when they need it most. These characteristics make the county's hydrology very favorable for large-scale agriculture.

A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 6b

Ontario’s 6b hardiness zone and superior soil quality support everything from vineyards to heirloom tomatoes. The mild pH means you spend less on soil amendments and more time enjoying your harvest. Start your garden today and take advantage of this top-tier New York soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ontario County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing in Ontario County

With a lawn difficulty score of 64.5, Ontario County is slightly easier for lawn care than the New York state average. This zone 6b region offers better conditions than the national median, though it is drier than many of its neighbors. Success here depends on managing moisture during the warmer summer months.

Lower Rainfall and Moderate Heat

Ontario County receives 35.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the New York average of 43.3 inches. The area experiences 7 extreme heat days and 2,522 growing degree days, requiring a strategic watering schedule to prevent dormancy. Monitoring local weather forecasts is essential to supplement the lower-than-average rainfall.

Balanced Soils Support Healthy Roots

The soil pH is a healthy 6.16, falling right into the ideal window for turfgrass growth. A blend of 35.0% sand and 18.0% clay provides a stable foundation for root systems, even without specific drainage class data. Because the pH is naturally balanced, you can focus your lawn budget on fertilization rather than corrective lime.

Preparing for Frequent Dry Periods

The county faced 30 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. This makes Ontario County more susceptible to water stress than many surrounding areas. To conserve water, mow at a higher setting to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Planting Success in Zone 6b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue thrive in these conditions. Plan your seeding or sodding projects after the last spring frost on May 2. You can expect a productive season until the first fall frost typically occurs on October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ontario County's county score?
Ontario County, New York has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Ontario County rank among counties in New York?
Ontario County ranks #27 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 Ontario County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Ontario County is $4,460, with an effective tax rate of 2.20%. This earns Ontario County a tax score of 1.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ontario County?
The median household income in Ontario County, New York is $79,814 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ontario County earns an income score of 83.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ontario County, New York a good place to live?
Ontario County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in New York. The best way to evaluate Ontario 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 Ontario 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.