countyscore
53.8
County Score
Safety 86.7Health 86Lawn Care 65.2

County Report Card

About Otsego County, New York

Beating the National Livability Median

Otsego County earns an impressive 53.8 composite score, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the top half of American counties for overall quality of life.

One of New York's Premier Counties

With a score of 53.8, Otsego far exceeds the New York state average of 47.0. It distinguishes itself with better-than-average tax scores and exceptional safety ratings.

Leading in Safety and Healthcare

Otsego shines with a safety score of 86.7 and a health score of 86.0. Its effective tax rate of 1.655% is one of the lowest in the region, earning it a tax score of 8.2.

Environmental Risks and Moderate Incomes

The risk score of 24.2 suggests vulnerability to natural hazards that requires attention. Median household income is $67,086, which is lower than some neighboring more urbanized counties.

Top Choice for Safety-Minded Residents

Otsego is ideal for those seeking a safe, quiet environment with a relatively low 1.655% tax rate. It is particularly attractive for retirees and families who value community peace and quality healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax8.2Cost33.6Safety86.7Health86Schools58.8Income59.2Risk24.2Water41.2Weather53.6
🏛8.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.2
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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46.5
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Montgomery County
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Deep Dives

Otsego County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Otsego County

via TaxByCounty

Otsego offers New York's most affordable tax burden

Otsego County's effective tax rate of 1.655% ranks among the lowest in the nation, falling well below the national median of 2.690%. With a median home value of $175,900 and annual taxes of just $2,911, Otsego residents enjoy one of the most tax-friendly environments in America.

Otsego has the lowest rate in New York

At 1.655%, Otsego County has New York's most favorable effective tax rate, running 19% below the state average of 2.046%. The median tax bill of $2,911 is the lowest among comparable upstate counties, making it a haven for tax-conscious homeowners.

Otsego significantly undercuts surrounding counties

Otsego's 1.655% rate stands dramatically below Oneida's 2.131%, Oswego's 2.575%, and Onondaga's 2.593%, positioning it as the region's clear tax leader. At $2,911 median annual taxes, Otsego residents pay the least among all neighboring counties.

What the typical Otsego homeowner pays

The median Otsego County home is worth $175,900, and at the county's 1.655% effective rate, homeowners pay approximately $2,911 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay $3,286 annually, while homeowners without mortgages pay $2,534.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeal checks

While Otsego's rates are among the nation's friendliest, overassessments still happen and can eliminate your tax advantage. Contact your local assessor about reviewing your assessment—even in a low-tax county, correcting an inflated valuation preserves your savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Otsego County

via CostByCounty

Otsego keeps housing costs in check

Otsego County residents spend 16.9% of their income on rent, just below the national affordability threshold and among New York's more livable options. Despite a median household income of $67,086—below national average—the county's $942 median rent creates a balanced housing equation.

Otsego outperforms New York housing norms

Otsego County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 17.6%, placing it among New York's more affordable major housing markets. The median rent of $942 sits $191 below state average, reflecting genuine cost-of-living advantages in the Central Catskills.

Otsego competes in Central NY's value tier

Otsego's $942 rent ranks among the lowest in the region, trailing only Orleans ($877) while beating Ontario ($1,126) and Onondaga ($1,067). The 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Oneida (16.0%) and Ontario (16.9%), marking Otsego as a peer in the affordability stakes.

Lower wages offset by lower housing costs

Otsego households earn $67,086 annually—below state medians—but pay just $942 in rent, creating a sustainable 16.9% housing burden. Owner costs of $989 per month and median home values under $176,000 keep homeownership accessible across income levels.

Otsego delivers rural affordability with culture

For relocators seeking lower costs in a college-town setting, Otsego County's 16.9% rent ratio and $942 median rent offer genuine savings. Compare it to pricier downstate options like Orange (19.9%) or Putnam (17.2%) to see how Central Catskills living stretches your housing budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Otsego County

via IncomeByCounty

Otsego earnings trail the nation

Otsego County's median household income of $67,086 falls 10.3% below the national median of $74,755. Households earn roughly $7,669 less annually than typical American families, placing Otsego in the lower-earning category nationally.

Below New York's income average

Otsego lags the state median of $76,433 by $9,347, ranking near the bottom of these eight counties. The per capita income of $36,506 trails the state average of $41,133 by $4,627.

Third-lowest locally

Only Orleans and Oswego earn less than Otsego; the county significantly trails Ontario ($79,814) and Onondaga ($74,740). Otsego sits firmly in the region's lower-income tier.

Affordable housing provides stability

Otsego's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio and $175,900 median home value make housing accessible despite modest earnings. The favorable housing burden helps households stretch limited incomes further.

Build steady progress deliberately

Otsego residents should leverage affordable housing to prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions despite lower earnings. Work with a community financial advisor to develop patient, achievable wealth-building strategies suited to your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Otsego County

via CrimeByCounty

Otsego is One of the Nation's Safest

Otsego County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 298.2 per 100K is roughly eight times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in New York State

With a safety score of 99.5, Otsego significantly outperforms the New York state average of 98.3. This places it among the very safest counties in the entire state.

Elite Standing Among Rural Neighbors

Otsego's crime rate of 298.2 is comparable to Putnam's 294.0, making both among the lowest in the region. This rate is far below that of more populated counties like Oneida.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

The violent crime rate is just 25.1 per 100K, which is nearly negligible compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also very low at only 273.1 per 100K residents.

Maintain the Safety of Your Community

In an area this safe, staying involved with your neighbors is the best defense. Simple home security habits help ensure Otsego County remains a premier location for public safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Otsego County

via HealthByCounty

Otsego matches national life expectancy

At 77.7 years, Otsego County's life expectancy sits just 1.2 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.5% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 13.4%, suggesting moderate population health.

Slightly below New York average

Otsego's 77.7-year life expectancy falls 0.2 years short of New York State's 77.9-year average. At 5.0% uninsured, the county performs better than the state's 5.3% rate.

Middle performer regionally

Otsego's 77.7-year life expectancy matches Onondaga but trails Ontario (79.8) by 2.1 years and leads Oneida (76.3) by 1.4 years. With 138 primary care providers per 100,000, Otsego leads the region in primary care density.

Strong primary care, solid mental health

Otsego County excels with 138 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in its region—and 228 mental health providers per 100,000. Just 5.0% of residents lack insurance, indicating good coverage baseline.

Maintain coverage in a well-resourced county

With strong healthcare infrastructure in place, keeping your coverage active ensures you can fully access Otsego's primary and mental health services. Review your plan annually on NY State of Health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Otsego County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Small Schools

Otsego County operates 21 public schools across 12 small school districts, serving a total of 6,379 students. The system is unique for its high number of 'other' school types, with eight facilities providing PK-12 or specialized education. This decentralized structure serves a largely rural population with highly localized campuses.

High Investment in Small-Scale Learning

Otsego County spends $14,980 per pupil, which is above the New York state average and far higher than the national average. The graduation rate of 83.5% is slightly below the state average of 85.3%. However, the school score of 67.3 nearly matches the state average, reflecting solid academic standards.

Oneonta City and Cooperstown Districts

Oneonta City School District is the county's primary district, serving 1,651 students across five schools. Cooperstown Central is also notable, providing education for 787 students in the historic village area. All 6,379 students in the county are enrolled in traditional public districts, as no charter schools are present.

Small Classes and Rural Settings

Otsego County features some of the smallest schools in the region, with an average enrollment of just 304 students. Of the 21 schools, 16 are located in rural areas, fostering a tight-knit and personal educational experience. Even the largest school, Oneonta Senior High, serves only 502 students, ensuring a low student-to-teacher feel.

Finding Your Home in a Small District

For families seeking an intimate school environment, Otsego County's small districts are a major draw. The high per-pupil expenditure suggests that even these small schools are well-funded and well-equipped. Real estate in districts like Cooperstown or Oneonta offers the unique benefit of small-town life paired with strong educational support.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Otsego County

via RiskByCounty

Otsego: Moderate Risk by National Measures

Otsego County scores 75.83 on composite disaster risk, placing it above the national median in the relatively low risk category. This score reflects meaningful but not extreme exposure to multiple hazard types, with flooding creating the most significant threat. Otsego residents face natural disaster risks comparable to or slightly above the American average.

Otsego Above New York's Average Risk

Otsego scores 75.83 compared to New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it above the statewide norm and among the mid-to-higher-risk New York counties. This above-average profile reflects the county's particular vulnerability to flooding and earthquake exposure. Otsego residents should consider their risk profile more serious than most state peers.

Otsego: Higher Risk Than Most Peers

Otsego (75.83) trails only the highest-risk central New York counties of Oneida (86.32) and Onondaga (91.25), outpacing Ontario (63.55), Oswego (67.56), and most other regional neighbors. Otsego's profile places it among the higher-risk areas in its immediate region. Your county faces more serious hazard exposure than most surrounding communities.

Flooding and Earthquake Hazards Stand Out

Otsego's two primary threats are flooding (85.85) and tornadoes (46.28), with significant earthquake risk (47.30) also warranting attention. Flooding represents the most frequent and damaging hazard, while earthquakes create a less common but potentially serious secondary threat. Both flooding and seismic activity deserve serious preparation and risk reduction focus.

Flood and Earthquake Coverage Both Important

Otsego residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 85.85 flood risk score and the reality that standard homeowners policies exclude all water damage. Earthquake insurance should also be evaluated given Otsego's 47.30 seismic risk score. Work with an insurance professional to ensure comprehensive protection against both of these significant hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Otsego County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the State's Coldest Counties

Otsego County averages just 44.2°F annually, placing it nearly 10 degrees below the national median. Its higher elevation and inland location contribute to this chilly profile.

Well Below the New York Average

At 44.2°F, Otsego is 3.2 degrees colder than the state average of 47.4°F. It ranks among the coolest counties in the state outside of the Adirondack peaks.

Colder Than Its Regional Neighbors

Otsego is significantly cooler than nearby Putnam and Orange counties. While its 45.6 inches of precipitation is high, its 82.6 inches of snow is double that of Orange County.

Frigid Winters and Brief Summers

January is cold with an average of 19.9°F and very few days of relief. Summers are short and mild, with only 2 days per year reaching 90°F.

Heavy Insulation and Cold-Weather Gear

High-efficiency heating and thick insulation are critical for the 22.7°F average winter. Residents should prepare for 82.6 inches of snow and very rare summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Otsego County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Hills and Steady pH in Otsego

Otsego County holds a soil score of 62.0, placing it slightly above the state average for quality. Its average pH of 5.48 is higher than the state median, though still more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark. This profile supports a healthy mix of dairy farming and forested highlands.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Structural Strength

Silt is the dominant particle here at 48.3%, paired with 29.8% sand and 14.5% clay. This high silt content gives the soil a floury feel and a great ability to hold onto essential plant nutrients. It is a stable texture that provides a firm footing for both crops and infrastructure.

Sustaining Life with Organic Matter

The soil contains 13.51% organic matter, which is lower than the New York average but nearly seven times the national average. The available water capacity is 0.178 in/in, providing a steady supply of moisture to local vegetation. While it may require occasional fertilization, the baseline fertility is quite strong.

A Natural Filter for the Watershed

The silt-dominated profile suggests moderate water movement through the soil, though specific drainage classes are not documented. The 14.5% clay content helps filter water as it moves toward the local aquifers and rivers. This makes the soil an effective natural filter for the county’s vital water resources.

Resilient Planting in Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, Otsego is well-suited for cool-weather crops like kale, peas, and oats. The silty texture is fantastic for established perennials and fruit bushes that need consistent nutrient access. Your land is ready for a beautiful garden—start planting your favorites now.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Otsego County

via LawnByCounty

Otsego County: Easier Lawns in the Highlands

With a lawn difficulty score of 65.2, Otsego County is easier to manage than the average New York county. This 5b hardiness zone offers a cool, consistent climate that favors the homeowner over the national median. Low heat stress makes this one of the more forgiving regions for turf care.

Very Few Heat Waves and Ample Rain

Otsego County experiences only 2 extreme heat days per year, among the lowest in the state. Lawns benefit from 45.6 inches of precipitation and a modest 1,939 growing degree days, meaning grass grows steadily without burning out. This cool environment reduces the need for constant summer watering.

Moderately Acidic Soils with Good Texture

The soil pH here is 5.48, which is slightly acidic compared to the target 6.0-7.0 range. The composition of 29.8% sand and 14.5% clay provides a decent base for root development, even without specific drainage class data. Periodic lime applications will help maximize the effectiveness of your lawn fertilizer.

Excellent Natural Drought Resilience

Otsego County had only 7 weeks in drought over the last year and currently shows 0% abnormally dry area. This makes it one of the most drought-resilient counties in the region, relying mostly on natural rainfall. You can enjoy a green lawn here with far less supplemental watering than in other parts of the state.

A Short but Productive Season

Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the champions of this zone 5b environment. Planting should begin after the last spring frost on May 7 to take full advantage of the cool spring weather. Be mindful that the growing season ends earlier here, with the first fall frost typically occurring on October 6.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otsego County's county score?
Otsego County, New York has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Otsego County rank among counties in New York?
Otsego County ranks #10 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 Otsego County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Otsego County is $2,911, with an effective tax rate of 1.65%. This earns Otsego County a tax score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Otsego County?
The median household income in Otsego County, New York is $67,086 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Otsego County earns an income score of 59.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Otsego County, New York a good place to live?
Otsego County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in New York. The best way to evaluate Otsego 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 Otsego 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.