countyscore
52.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.2Health 80.6

County Report Card

About Orleans County, New York

Leading the Pack in National Rankings

Orleans County achieves a composite score of 51.8, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more livable counties in the country based on environmental and cost factors.

A Top Performer in New York State

Exceeding the state average of 47.0, Orleans County’s 51.8 score ranks it highly among its New York peers. It offers a unique combination of safety and affordability that is hard to find elsewhere.

Exceptional Safety and Water Quality

Orleans excels with a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 82.2, indicating a very stable environment. It also maintains a strong school score of 76.5 and a safety score of 55.4.

Struggling with the Highest Tax Rates

The county’s tax score is nearly zero at 0.1, driven by a very high effective tax rate of 2.996%. Median household income remains modest at $63,838, limiting overall financial flexibility.

Best for Environment-Focused Bargain Hunters

With home values at just $126,200, Orleans is perfect for those who want low entry costs and high environmental quality. It suits retirees or remote workers who value safety over low tax rates.

204060801000.138.555.480.676.550.982.28657.2Tax0.1Cost38.5Safety55.4Health80.6Schools76.5Income50.9Risk82.2Water86Weather57.252.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Orleans County DNA

Foverall

How Orleans County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Orleans County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (82.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (0.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.1-51.9
Cost
38.5-9.5
Safety
55.4
Health
80.6+30.599999999999994
Schools
76.5+22.5
Income
50.9
Risk
82.2+35.2
Water
86+28
Weather
57.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Orleans County?

Many homeowners in Orleans County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$140,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$874/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$140,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,969/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Orleans County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Orleans County

via CrimeByCounty

Orleans County Ranks High for Safety

Orleans County achieves a high safety score of 98.4, signaling a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 1016.3 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Safety Average

With a score of 98.4, Orleans County sits slightly above the New York state average of 98.3. This ranking makes it one of the safer rural counties in Western New York.

Leading Nearby Counties in Safety

Orleans County's crime rate of 1016.3 is lower than Ontario's 1060.7 and significantly lower than Oswego's 1227.6. It stands out as a regional leader in keeping crime rates suppressed.

Low Rates of Both Crime Types

Violent crime in Orleans is minimal at 112.1 per 100K, while property crime is recorded at 904.2. Both metrics are substantially lower than national averages, indicating a peaceful local atmosphere.

Keep Orleans County Secure

Even in safe areas, home security systems provide valuable peace of mind. Keeping shed doors locked and using motion sensors can help maintain the county's excellent property crime statistics.

Weather & Climate in Orleans County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Breezes Along Lake Ontario

Orleans County averages 49.3°F annually, keeping it cooler than the national median. The lake influence regulates temperatures, preventing the extreme spikes seen in the midwest.

Ranks Above the State Average

The county’s 49.3°F average is nearly two degrees warmer than the statewide average of 47.4°F. It is one of the more temperate counties along the Great Lakes shoreline.

The Drier Side of the Region

Orleans is the driest county in this group, receiving only 35.2 inches of annual precipitation. This is nearly 10 inches less than Oswego or Onondaga.

Lakeside Summers and Steady Snow

July averages a warm 72.2°F with 9 days exceeding 90°F. Winter brings 67.0 inches of snow, which is significant but lighter than the lake-effect totals found further east.

Plan for Steady Winter Snowfall

Homeowners should maintain reliable snow blowers for the 67 inches of annual accumulation. The 27.8°F winter average necessitates well-sealed windows to block lake winds.

Soil Quality in Orleans County

via SoilByCounty

Orleans County’s Balanced Soil Profile

Orleans County reports a respectable soil score of 66.9, supported by an average pH of 5.85. This pH is higher than the state average of 5.11, making it less acidic and more hospitable to traditional garden crops. The land here provides a stable and productive agricultural base near the Lake Ontario shore.

Reliable Silt and Sand Blend

The soil is composed of 44.0% silt and 37.9% sand, striking a middle ground between drainage and retention. With 17.0% clay, the soil has enough body to hold onto fertilizers without being too heavy to till. This balance makes the land versatile for both orchards and row crops.

Consistent Yields and Water Storage

At 9.56% organic matter, Orleans exceeds the national average but falls below the New York state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is 0.178 in/in, which is just slightly below the state average of 0.182. Despite these lower-than-average stats for the state, the soil remains highly productive.

Predictable Hydrology for Home and Farm

The absence of specific drainage class data is offset by the known silt-to-clay ratio which suggests moderate permeability. This soil typically avoids extreme waterlogging, making it easier to manage for building projects and perennial plantings. It provides a reliable foundation that responds well to standard management practices.

Fruit and Vegetable Success in Zone 6b

Orleans is part of a premier fruit-growing belt in Zone 6b, where apples and peaches thrive. The relatively high pH and good texture are perfect for starting a home orchard or a diverse vegetable plot. Don't wait to plant—your soil is ready to support a thriving garden.

Lawn Care in Orleans County

via LawnByCounty

Orleans County's Strong Growing Advantage

Orleans County earns a lawn difficulty score of 66.5, making it easier to maintain than both the state average and the national median. This zone 6b region provides a stable environment for most common turfgrasses. While it is on the drier side, the overall climate is very lawn-friendly.

Sunny Days and Moderate Precipitation

The county receives 35.2 inches of annual rainfall, which is roughly 8 inches less than the New York state average. Despite 9 extreme heat days, the 2,831 growing degree days offer a robust season for grass to flourish. Supplemental irrigation is often necessary during the peak of summer to compensate for the lower precipitation.

Solid Foundation with Moderate Acidity

With a soil pH of 5.85, Orleans County is just shy of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawns. The soil texture features 37.9% sand and 17.0% clay, providing a good balance for root stability. A light application of lime can easily correct the acidity to reach peak growing potential.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

The area spent 25 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 45.3% of the county is abnormally dry. This moderate drought frequency requires homeowners to be vigilant about moisture levels. Using rain barrels or smart irrigation controllers can help manage these dry periods effectively.

Seeding for Success in Orleans

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass perform exceptionally well in this zone 6b climate. Wait until the final spring frost on May 1 to begin your lawn renovation or new seeding projects. Your lawn will enjoy a healthy growing window until the first fall frost around October 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orleans County's county score?
Orleans County, New York has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Orleans County rank among counties in New York?
Orleans County ranks #15 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 Orleans County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Orleans County is $3,823, with an effective tax rate of 2.72%. This earns Orleans County a tax score of 0.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orleans County?
The median household income in Orleans County, New York is $65,969 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orleans County earns an income score of 50.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orleans County, New York a good place to live?
Orleans County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in New York. The best way to evaluate Orleans 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 Orleans County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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