countyscore
42.8
County Score
Health 75.1Income & Jobs 62.9Lawn Care 61.9

County Report Card

About Oswego County, New York

Tracking Below the National Average

Oswego County scores 42.8, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. Despite this, the county remains competitive in specific metrics like healthcare access.

Sitting Slightly Below the State Average

The county's score of 42.8 is just below the New York average of 47.0. It provides a more affordable alternative to the state's more expensive metropolitan centers.

Solid Health Services and Decent Incomes

Oswego earns a health score of 75.1 and an income score of 62.9. These numbers are supported by a median household income of $68,461 and reliable local health infrastructure.

High Taxes Dampen Economic Score

A tax score of 0.4 highlights the burden of a 2.575% effective tax rate. The county also faces environmental risk challenges, reflected in a risk score of 32.5.

A Fair Deal for Working Families

Oswego is a solid choice for families looking for homes around $139,600 and manageable $943 rents. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who work in the Central New York region.

Score breakdown

Tax0.4Cost30.9Safety44.8Health75.1Schools58.4Income62.9Risk32.5Water45.2Weather58.8
🏛0.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.9
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

Onondaga County
New York
36.8
Cayuga County
New York
43.8
Oneida County
New York
39
Madison County
New York
47.9
Lewis County
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Jefferson County
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Wayne County
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Seneca County
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Deep Dives

Oswego County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oswego County

via TaxByCounty

Oswego's taxes run above the national norm

Oswego County's effective tax rate of 2.575% edges above the national median of 2.690%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Residents pay a median of $3,595 annually on homes worth $139,600—considerably below the national median home value of $281,900.

Oswego ranks near the top statewide

At 2.575%, Oswego's effective rate substantially exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, ranking it among the higher-tax counties in the state. The median tax bill of $3,595 remains below the state median of $4,709, but the effective rate tells the real story of Oswego's tax burden.

Oswego taxes rival the region's highest rates

Oswego's 2.575% rate nearly matches Onondaga's 2.593%, making it one of the costliest counties in central New York for tax purposes. Only Orleans County's 2.996% exceeds it in the region, while Oneida and Otsego offer substantially lower rates.

What the typical Oswego homeowner pays

The median Oswego County home is worth $139,600, and at the county's 2.575% effective rate, that means an annual property tax of roughly $3,595. Homeowners with mortgages pay $4,012, while those without mortgages pay $2,851.

High rates make assessment accuracy essential

Oswego's elevated tax rate means that assessment errors hit harder than they do in lower-tax counties. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if your home is overvalued is free through your local assessor—and with tax rates this high, the potential savings justify the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oswego County

via CostByCounty

Oswego's housing costs stay well-balanced

Oswego County residents spend 16.5% of their income on rent, below the national affordability stress threshold and among New York's healthier markets. With a median household income of $68,461, the county keeps housing accessible despite below-average earnings.

Better than state average on affordability

Oswego County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 17.6%, positioning it as one of New York's more livable housing markets. The median rent of $943 runs $190 below state average, delivering meaningful monthly savings for typical households.

Oswego competes with Western NY's best

Oswego's $943 rent sits between Orleans ($877) and Onondaga ($1,067), while its 16.5% ratio ties with Orleans for the region's best affordability metrics. The county offers a middle-ground option between Western and Central New York's housing markets.

Modest income supports manageable housing

Oswego households earn $68,461 annually and dedicate just 16.5% to rent at $943 per month, leaving room for other necessities. Owner costs of $1,061 remain reasonable for the income level, making both renting and buying sustainable options.

Oswego offers solid Lake Ontario value

Relocating to Oswego puts you in one of New York's most affordable counties with a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio matching Orleans. Compared to pricier options like Orange County (19.9%) or even Ontario (16.9%), Oswego delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing regional amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oswego County

via IncomeByCounty

Oswego trails the national baseline

Oswego County's median household income of $68,461 falls 8.4% short of the national median of $74,755. Households earn approximately $6,294 less annually than the typical American family, placing the county below the national middle.

Below state average, near low end

Oswego lags the state median of $76,433 by $7,972, ranking among New York's lower-income counties in this group. Per capita income of $35,222 trails the state average of $41,133 by $5,911.

Second-lowest in regional comparison

Only Orleans ($63,838) earns less; Oswego surpasses Otsego ($67,086) but falls significantly behind Ontario ($79,814) and Onondaga ($74,740). The county sits in the lower tier of upstate's income distribution.

Modest housing eases affordability

Oswego's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio and $139,600 median home value keep housing costs manageable despite below-average earnings. The favorable housing ratio provides crucial breathing room for family budgets.

Focus on financial fundamentals

Oswego households benefit from affordable housing but must prioritize building emergency reserves and retirement savings on modest incomes. Meet with a financial counselor to create a realistic plan for long-term security and wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oswego County

via CrimeByCounty

Oswego County Stays Below National Crime Levels

Oswego County earns a safety score of 98.1, representing a secure community for residents. Its total crime rate of 1227.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Under the New York Safety Benchmark

Oswego's safety score of 98.1 falls just short of the New York state average of 98.3. This puts the county in the middle tier of safety rankings within the state.

Safer Alternative to Onondaga County

With a crime rate of 1227.6, Oswego is much safer than neighboring Onondaga, which reports 2046.6. However, it sees more activity than nearby Orleans, which sits at 1016.3.

Property Crime Dominates Local Statistics

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1091.2 per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 136.4. These numbers show that residents are most likely to encounter non-violent property issues.

Strengthen Your Home Defense

Reinforce your home's security with doorbell cameras and smart lighting. Because property crime is the most common issue in Oswego, these visible deterrents are highly effective.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oswego County

via HealthByCounty

Oswego trails national health trends

At 76.2 years, Oswego County residents live 2.7 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 16.5% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 13.4%, indicating substantial population health challenges.

Among New York's lowest performers

Oswego's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks 1.7 years below New York State's 77.9-year average. At 5.0% uninsured, the county slightly underperforms the state's 5.3% rate, though gaps remain.

Lowest-performing in region

Oswego's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks lowest among regional peers, trailing Ontario (79.8) by 3.6 years and Onondaga (77.7) by 1.5 years. The county's 40 primary care providers per 100,000 is among the lowest in the region, compounding access challenges.

Limited primary care, constrained access

Oswego County struggles with just 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below regional norms—while mental health services lag at 185 per 100,000. The 5.0% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 20 residents lacks coverage in a county already stretched for providers.

Get insured, then seek care strategically

In a county with limited primary care, having insurance helps you access available services and navigate care coordination. Use NY State of Health to enroll, and contact local health departments for referrals to available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oswego County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Shores of Oswego

Oswego County supports 17,845 students through 37 public schools and nine school districts. The system includes 20 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and nine high schools. This infrastructure provides a steady educational backbone for the county's diverse lakeside and rural communities.

Consistent Investment and Stable Performance

The county spends $14,219 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the national average of $13,000. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 83.4% sits below the state average of 85.3%. However, the school score of 65.6 indicates that many schools are performing well relative to national benchmarks.

Oswego and Fulton City Districts

Oswego City School District is the largest in the county, with 3,488 students attending seven schools. Fulton City School District follows closely, serving 3,128 students across six schools. Charter schools are not currently part of the county's educational landscape, keeping the focus on local public districts.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Schools

Oswego County schools are primarily rural, with 19 schools located in country settings and 11 in small towns. The average school size is 482 students, providing a moderate environment for learning. Paul V. Moore High School is the largest campus in the county, currently serving 1,101 students.

Living Near Oswego's Public Schools

With nine districts to choose from, families can find homes that range from rural acreage to traditional town lots. The Oswego and Fulton districts offer the most concentrated school services and extracurricular activities. High per-pupil spending across the county ensures that local schools remain well-resourced for new residents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oswego County

via RiskByCounty

Oswego: Moderate Hazard Exposure Nationwide

Oswego County scores 67.56 on composite disaster risk, placing it just slightly below the national average in the relatively low risk category. This score reflects moderate but not extreme exposure to multiple hazard types, with flooding representing the most serious threat. Oswego residents face natural disaster risks that are somewhat lighter than the nation overall.

Oswego Below New York's Average Risk

Oswego scores 67.56 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it slightly below the statewide norm and among the safer New York counties. This below-average profile gives Oswego residents a relative advantage in terms of broad hazard exposure. However, specific localized threats still deserve serious attention and preparation.

Oswego: Mid-Range Risk for Central NY

Oswego (67.56) sits between lower-risk Ontario (63.55) and higher-risk neighbors Oneida (86.32) and Onondaga (91.25), representing a moderate position in central New York's risk spectrum. Oswego's profile is somewhat safer than the densest urban areas nearby. Your county's risk level places it in a comfortable middle ground for the region.

Flooding Dominates the Hazard Profile

Oswego's primary concern is flooding, with a risk score of 82.12 that significantly exceeds all other hazards in the county. Earthquakes (65.30) and hurricanes (60.66) present moderate secondary risks, while tornadoes (43.10) and wildfires (35.69) remain relatively low. Flood preparedness and protection are the clear priority for Oswego households and businesses.

Flood Insurance Protects Your Most Valued Asset

Oswego residents must prioritize flood insurance given the county's 82.12 flood risk score, as standard homeowners coverage excludes flood damage entirely. A comprehensive homeowners policy with solid wind coverage addresses other secondary risks adequately. Contact an insurance agent today to obtain flood insurance quotes—coverage is often affordable and essential for financial protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oswego County

via WeatherByCounty

Heavy Snowfall and Cooler Averages

Oswego County’s 48.0°F annual average temperature is roughly 7 degrees below the national median. The climate is defined by its proximity to Lake Ontario, leading to extreme lake-effect events.

Just Above the New York Average

Despite its reputation for harsh winters, the 48.0°F annual average is 0.6 degrees higher than the state average. This is largely due to the lake’s ability to moderate extreme cold.

New York’s Snow Leader

Oswego’s 140.1 inches of snow dwarfs neighboring Ontario’s 55.7 inches. It receives nearly triple the snowfall of Hudson Valley counties like Orange.

Extreme Snow and Rare Heat

With a massive 140.1 inches of annual snow, winter is the dominant season here. Summers are exceptionally mild, seeing only 5 days of extreme heat and a July average of 70.8°F.

Extreme Winter Readiness Required

Structural roof reinforcements and professional-grade snow equipment are essential for the 140 inches of snowfall. Heating systems must run efficiently to counter the 26.8°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oswego County

via SoilByCounty

The Sandy Acidic Soils of Oswego

Oswego County has an average pH of 5.14, mirroring the New York state average of 5.11. With a soil score of 55.9, it offers a distinct growing environment compared to its more neutral neighbors. The soil chemistry here is typical of the northern woodlands and lake-adjacent plains.

High Sand Content for Fast Drainage

Oswego stands out with a high sand content of 51.3%, making it much coarser than many New York counties. Silt makes up 25.4% and clay only 9.2%, resulting in a light, loose soil texture. This composition allows for quick warming in the spring and easy cultivation.

Rich Organic Reserves in Sandy Ground

Despite the high sand content, organic matter is very high at 21.37%, well above the state average. This organic boost helps maintain an available water capacity of 0.178 in/in, preventing the sand from drying out too rapidly. This unique blend creates a highly fertile environment for specific crop types.

Managing Rapid Percolation

With over 50% sand, water moves through this soil quickly, which reduces the risk of root rot but increases the need for consistent watering. While specific hydrologic group data is missing, the physical makeup suggests it is a well-drained profile. This makes the county excellent for building, but gardeners should mulch to retain moisture.

Hardy Growing in Zone 5b

Oswego’s Zone 5b is perfect for berries, root vegetables, and coniferous trees that prefer sandy, acidic conditions. Blueberries and strawberries especially love the high organic matter and fast-draining sand found here. Dig into your sandy soil today and see how quickly your garden can grow.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oswego County

via LawnByCounty

Oswego County's Typical New York Lawn

Oswego County has a lawn difficulty score of 61.9, which aligns perfectly with the New York state average. In this hardiness zone 5b, conditions are significantly better for lawn care than the national median of 50.0. The cooler climate and ample rain make it a reliable place for cool-season grasses.

Cooler Summers and Plentiful Rain

Annual precipitation of 45.2 inches keeps lawns well-hydrated throughout the year. With only 5 extreme heat days and 2,544 growing degree days, the grass faces very little of the scorching heat seen elsewhere. These conditions are ideal for maintaining a green lawn without excessive irrigation costs.

Sandy Soils and High Acidity

Oswego's soil is notably sandy at 51.3%, which likely leads to fast drainage but poor nutrient retention. The pH is quite acidic at 5.14, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. Frequent, light fertilization and regular lime treatments are necessary to manage this sandy, acidic profile.

Low Drought Risk and Reliable Moisture

Only 3.5% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 14 weeks of drought over the last year. The consistent rainfall generally offsets the fast-draining nature of the sandy soil. Even so, keep an eye on soil moisture during the occasional dry weeks to prevent grass from entering dormancy.

Building a Durable Oswego Lawn

Cool-season mixes containing Fine Fescue are ideal for these sandy, acidic soils. You can safely start your lawn once the threat of frost passes on May 2. The growing season typically remains active until the first frost arrives on October 29.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oswego County's county score?
Oswego County, New York has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Oswego County rank among counties in New York?
Oswego County ranks #43 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 Oswego County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Oswego County is $3,595, with an effective tax rate of 2.58%. This earns Oswego County a tax score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oswego County?
The median household income in Oswego County, New York is $68,461 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oswego County earns an income score of 62.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oswego County, New York a good place to live?
Oswego County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in New York. The best way to evaluate Oswego 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 Oswego 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.