CountyScore

Orleans County

New York · NY

#34 in New York
58
County Score

County Report Card

About Orleans County, New York

Orleans trails national livability norms

Orleans County scores 47.9 out of 100, falling below the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The score indicates below-average livability compared to national benchmarks.

Underperforms within New York State

At 47.9, Orleans County falls 6.8 points below New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it among the state's lower-performing counties. The gap signals meaningful livability disadvantages compared to neighboring counties.

Exceptional housing affordability

The Cost Score of 76.1 makes Orleans a standout for budget-conscious residents, with a median home value of just $126,200 and rent at $877 monthly—the lowest rents in this county set. Housing costs pose virtually no barrier here.

Taxes and income growth weigh heavily

The Tax Score of 18.0, driven by a 2.996% effective tax rate, represents the highest tax burden in this group and a significant drag on livability. The Income Score of 25.1 and median household income of $63,838 lag peers, limiting wealth-building potential.

Best for retirees on fixed incomes

Orleans County suits retirees and fixed-income households who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and can navigate higher tax rates. Its exceptional affordability and community stability make it viable for those with modest earnings but strong livability priorities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax18Cost76.1SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.1Risk82.2WaterComing Soon
🏛18
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.2
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 Orleans County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Placer County
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Median income: $114,678
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58
Median income: $72,281
Grafton County
New Hampshire
58
Median income: $84,021
Albany County
New York
58
Median income: $83,149
Lucas County
Ohio
58
Median income: $60,095

Deep Dives

Orleans County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Orleans County

via TaxByCounty

Orleans has the nation's steepest effective rates

Orleans County's effective tax rate of 2.996% stands as one of the highest in the nation, far exceeding the national median of 2.690% and ranking in the top tier nationally. Despite a modest median home value of $126,200—well below the national median of $281,900—residents pay $3,781 annually, reflecting the county's aggressive tax approach.

Orleans has New York's most punishing tax rate

At 2.996%, Orleans County has the highest effective tax rate among New York's counties, nearly 50% above the state average of 2.046%. The median tax of $3,781 on lower-valued homes illustrates how heavily the county taxes its residents relative to property values.

Orleans far outpaces surrounding counties

Orleans's 2.996% rate dwarfs Oswego County's 2.575% and Oneida County's 2.131%, making it by far the highest-taxing county in western upstate New York. Despite smaller tax bills due to lower home values, Orleans residents bear a disproportionate burden relative to what they own.

What the typical Orleans homeowner pays

The median Orleans County home is worth $126,200, and at the county's 2.996% effective rate, that equals an annual property tax of approximately $3,781. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $4,132, while those without mortgages pay $3,282.

High effective rates make assessments critical to review

With the state's most aggressive tax rate, Orleans homeowners face an extra incentive to scrutinize their assessments for errors. Even a modest overestimation of your home's value translates to significant annual overpayment—making an assessment appeal to your local assessor highly worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orleans County

via CostByCounty

Orleans offers some of New York's best deals

Orleans County residents spend just 16.5% of their income on rent, beating the national affordability benchmark and offering genuine housing relief. With a median rent of $877 and median household income of $63,838, the county delivers value despite lower-than-average wages.

Among New York's most affordable counties

Orleans County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 17.6%, placing it among New York's most livable housing markets. At just $877 per month median rent—$256 below state average—Orleans delivers clear cost-of-living advantages for budget-conscious families.

Orleans undercuts neighbors on all fronts

Orleans's $877 rent ranks lowest among all comparison counties, beating even Oneida ($917) and Oswego ($943) by substantial margins. The 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ties with Oswego while beating the state average, making Orleans an exceptional value play in Western New York.

Lower income, lower costs create balance

Orleans households earn $63,838 annually—below state and national medians—but pay just $877 in rent, creating a sustainable 16.5% housing burden. Owner costs of $1,082 per month pair with modest home values of $126,200, keeping both rental and ownership accessible.

Orleans delivers Western NY's best value

For relocators prioritizing affordability, Orleans County offers the lowest rents ($877) and strongest rent-to-income ratio (16.5%) in Western New York. Compared to Orange County's 19.9% burden or even Ontario's 16.9%, Orleans frees up income for savings or quality of life across all earning levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orleans County

via IncomeByCounty

Orleans significantly lags national earnings

Orleans County's median household income of $63,838 falls 14.6% below the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap places Orleans among America's lower-earning counties, with households making $10,917 less annually than the typical American family.

Lowest-earning county in this group

Orleans trails the state median of $76,433 by $12,595—the widest gap among these eight counties. The per capita income of $34,352 severely lags the state average of $41,133, indicating broad-based economic challenges.

Struggles most in the region

Orleans earns less than every comparison county, with Oswego at $68,461 and Otsego at $67,086 both outpacing it significantly. The county faces the steepest income challenge among upstate New York peers.

Affordable housing offers relief

Orleans' 16.5% rent-to-income ratio and $126,200 median home value provide housing affordability—a critical advantage given lower earnings. Housing stability helps offset income constraints for local families.

Build resilience from a strong foundation

Orleans households must prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction to build financial stability on more modest incomes. Partner with a nonprofit credit counselor or community financial advisor to develop realistic wealth-building strategies tailored to your situation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Orleans County

via HealthByCounty

Orleans faces significant health gaps

At 76.9 years, Orleans County residents live 2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.0% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.4%, reflecting widespread health challenges.

Well below New York standard

Orleans' 76.9-year life expectancy trails New York State's 77.9-year average by a full year. At 5.7% uninsured, the county exceeds the state's 5.3% rate, indicating insurance access barriers.

Struggling in regional comparison

Orleans' 76.9-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in the region, trailing Ontario (79.8) by 2.9 years and Onondaga (77.7) by 0.8 years. The county faces a critical provider shortage: just 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of New York's lowest.

Severe healthcare access crisis

Orleans County is in acute need of primary care: only 8 providers per 100,000 residents, forcing many to travel for routine care. Mental health services are also strained at 77 per 100,000, and the 5.7% uninsured rate leaves roughly 1 in 17 county residents without coverage.

Healthcare access starts with coverage

In a county facing healthcare shortages, having insurance is critical to accessing available services. Contact NY State of Health or local community health centers to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, and local care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orleans County

via RiskByCounty

Orleans: Among America's Safest Counties

Orleans County scores just 17.88 on composite disaster risk, placing it in the very low risk category and among the safest counties nationally. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal exposure to the major hazard types that threaten many American communities. Orleans residents can feel genuinely reassured about overall natural disaster risk compared to most of the nation.

New York's Lowest-Risk County

Orleans County scores 17.88 compared to New York's state average of 69.42—by far the lowest risk profile in the state and a dramatic divergence from most New York peers. This exceptional safety ranking reflects Orleans' geography and exposure patterns, which spare it from the serious hazards affecting most other New York counties. Orleans residents enjoy an unusually protected disaster risk profile.

Orleans Exceptionally Safe in Western NY

Orleans (17.88) has dramatically lower risk than all surrounding counties in western New York, making it a clear standout for disaster safety. Even the next-lowest-risk peers in the region score substantially higher than Orleans. Your county represents a genuine refuge from natural disaster exposure in this part of New York.

Hurricane Risk Tops a Moderate Threat List

Orleans County's most serious hazard is hurricane risk at 51.86, followed by flood exposure at 39.85—both notably modest compared to other New York counties. Wildfire (12.47) and tornado (22.39) risks remain very low here. Even Orleans' highest-risk hazard trails the state average, allowing residents to focus preparation on a narrower range of concerns.

Standard Coverage Often Sufficient Here

Orleans residents have an advantage: a comprehensive homeowners policy typically addresses your primary risks, though flood insurance is still recommended given any elevation in flood-prone zones. Earthquake insurance is unlikely to be a priority given Orleans' minimal seismic risk. Review your current coverage with an agent to confirm adequacy, then focus on other community investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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