countyscore
41.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.5Health 75Weather & Climate 69.8

County Report Card

About Queens County, New York

Queens Trails the National Median

Queens earns a composite score of 41.6, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the intense economic and environmental pressures common in major urban centers.

Below the New York Average

The county's score of 41.6 sits below the New York state average of 47.0. It faces steeper cost and risk challenges than many of its upstate counterparts.

High Earnings and Robust Health

Economic opportunity drives an Income Score of 88.5, supported by a median household income of $84,961. The county also excels in healthcare access with a strong Health Score of 75.0.

Cost and Environmental Risk

Housing affordability is a major hurdle with a Cost Score of 3.0 and median rents of $1,915. Natural risk also scores low at 0.8, while safety and water data are currently unavailable.

Best for High-Earning Urbanites

Queens is ideal for professionals who prioritize high income and urban vitality over housing costs. Its strong health and economic metrics compensate for a very high cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax47.1Cost3SafetyComing SoonHealth75Schools43.6Income88.5Risk0.8WaterComing SoonWeather69.8
🏛47.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.1
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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Webster County
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Lincoln County
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Bristol city
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Nearby counties

New York County
New York
56.5
Kings County
New York
55.2
Bronx County
New York
42.6
Nassau County
New York
46.3
Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
Bergen County
New Jersey
48
Richmond County
New York
47.1
Essex County
New Jersey
33.3

Deep Dives

Queens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Queens County

via TaxByCounty

Queens taxes rank far below national average

Queens County's effective tax rate of 0.877% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $6,130 annually on a median home valued at $699,200—far more than the national median home value of $281,900, yet their rate remains one of the most favorable in the country.

New York's lowest rate among major counties

Queens County has the lowest effective tax rate in New York State at 0.877%, compared to the state average of 2.046%. This 57% savings versus the state average makes Queens one of the most tax-friendly places to own property in New York.

Queens outpaces Staten Island and the Bronx combined

Richmond County (Staten Island) has a 0.922% rate—nearly identical to Queens—while both New York City boroughs dramatically undercut suburban neighbors like Rockland County at 1.773% and Rensselaer County at 2.193%. This reflects the economics of high-density urban centers versus lower-density regions upstate.

Median home pays about $6,130 yearly

A homeowner with Queens County's median property value of $699,200 pays approximately $6,130 in annual property taxes. This translates to roughly $510 per month, a manageable burden given the borough's real estate values.

Even low-rate counties have appeal opportunities

Despite Queens' favorable tax rate, many homeowners remain overassessed—meaning their property's assessed value exceeds its market value. Filing a tax assessment appeal could lower your bill further, and the process is free through New York's informal review procedure.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Queens County

via CostByCounty

Queens rents outpace national norms

Queens residents spend 27.1% of their income on rent, significantly above the national average of roughly 28% (based on median income), but driven by the county's higher-than-average incomes of $84,961 versus the nation's $74,755. This elevated rent-to-income ratio reflects New York City's housing market gravity pulling rents toward $1,915 monthly.

Queens ranks among state's priciest

At 27.1%, Queens' rent-to-income ratio sits well above New York State's 17.6% average, making it one of the least affordable counties in the state for renters. The county's median rent of $1,915 is 69% higher than the state average of $1,133, reflecting its position in the New York metro housing market.

Queens stretches budgets harder than neighbors

Richmond County residents pay less proportionally (20.6% of income on rent) despite similar home values, while Rockland County renters allocate just 19.8% of income to housing despite higher absolute rents. Queens' 27.1% ratio makes it the least affordable among these comparable downstate counties.

Housing consumes nearly a third of income

With median rent at $1,915 and owner costs at $1,830 monthly, Queens households earning $84,961 annually dedicate more than a quarter of their income to housing. Renters shoulder a heavier burden than owners: at 27.1% of income, rent takes up nearly 500% more of household budgets than the state average.

Consider your housing priorities before relocating

If housing affordability is your move, Queens offers urban amenities but demands premium rents; Saratoga and Rensselaer counties offer 37-40% lower rent-to-income ratios while maintaining strong median incomes above $86,000. Compare your salary trajectory against these counties' job markets before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Queens County

via IncomeByCounty

Queens earns above the national average

Queens County's median household income of $84,961 sits 13.6% above the national median of $74,755, positioning it solidly in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects the borough's diverse economy and dense urban employment base.

Mid-tier income rank within New York

Queens ranks in the middle of New York's 62 counties with a median income $8,528 above the state average of $76,433. The county's per capita income of $41,160 matches the state average, reflecting a balanced income distribution across its population.

Queens outpaces most neighboring counties

Queens' $84,961 median household income exceeds Schenectady ($76,989) and Schoharie ($71,188), though it trails Richmond County ($98,290) and Rockland County ($110,631) in the region. Among the eight counties analyzed, Queens ranks fourth, benefiting from its proximity to Manhattan's job market.

Housing costs demand careful budgeting

At a 27.1% rent-to-income ratio, Queens residents dedicate more than one-quarter of household income to rent—the highest among these counties and above the recommended 30% threshold for homeownership. The median home value of $699,200 means homeownership requires substantial down payments and strong financial reserves.

Build wealth despite high housing costs

Queens residents earning $84,961 annually can accelerate wealth-building by maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring homeownership assistance programs specific to New York City. Consider automating savings of 10-15% of income and consulting a financial advisor about tax-advantaged investment strategies suited to your income bracket.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Queens County

via HealthByCounty

Queens lives longer than most Americans

At 81.2 years, Queens County residents live nearly 6 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Only 16.2% report poor or fair health, roughly matching the national rate of 16%, signaling a population in relatively strong overall health.

Queens leads New York in longevity

Queens residents live 3.3 years longer than the New York state average of 77.9 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's poor/fair health rate of 16.2% aligns with statewide trends, showing Queens performs above typical state outcomes.

Queens outpaces most regional peers

Queens' 81.2-year life expectancy beats Rockland County (81.0) and Saratoga County (80.3), though it faces higher uninsured rates at 8.7% compared to Saratoga's 3.8%. Mental health providers are abundant at 212 per 100,000, though primary care access lags at 59 per 100,000.

Insurance gaps persist in diverse county

Queens' uninsured rate of 8.7% exceeds New York's average of 5.3%, affecting nearly 1 in 11 residents and suggesting barriers in a county with significant immigrant and low-income populations. While mental health providers are well-distributed, primary care availability at 59 per 100,000 falls below optimal levels for a dense, diverse urban area.

Explore affordable health coverage now

With 8.7% of Queens residents uninsured, exploring coverage options through New York's health marketplace or Medicaid expansion could lower costs and improve access to preventive care. Check ny.gov/health or call 311 to find enrollment assistance in your language.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Queens County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Infrastructure

Queens manages a vast network of 387 public schools, including 226 elementary and 90 high schools, organized across 34 geographic districts. This system supports a staggering 262,741 students, making it one of the largest educational hubs in the country.

Investment Challenges and Graduation Trends

The county's graduation rate stands at 80.7%, trailing both the New York state average of 85.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $8,804, Queens invests significantly less than the national average of $13,000, resulting in a composite school score of 52.5.

Large Geographic Districts and Charter Growth

New York City Geographic District #24 is the county's largest, serving 49,065 students across 57 schools. Charter schools are an established part of the landscape, with 27 institutions representing 7% of the total school count.

High-Capacity Schools in a City Setting

Every public school in Queens is classified as a city locale, with an average enrollment of 679 students. Massive campuses like Francis Lewis High School serve 4,265 students, creating a bustling, high-energy environment for learners.

Find Your Home in a Diverse Borough

Families looking for specific educational opportunities should explore homes near District #26, home to top-rated schools like Benjamin N. Cardozo High. School proximity remains a vital factor for buyers in this densely populated, culturally rich borough.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Queens County

via RiskByCounty

Queens faces above-average disaster risk

Queens County scores 99.17 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively High category—well above the national average. This ranking reflects elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and seismic activity. Residents here face notably higher risk than most American counties.

Highest-risk county in New York State

Queens County ranks as New York's most hazard-prone county with a score of 99.17, compared to the state average of 69.42. This 43% gap above the state mean signals Queens as an outlier even within one of the nation's most vulnerable states. Only a handful of New York counties approach similar risk levels.

Far riskier than surrounding boroughs

Queens (99.17) significantly outpaces Richmond County (91.00) and faces roughly 12 points more risk than nearby Rockland County (88.42). Among the five boroughs and closest counties, Queens stands alone at the top of the risk hierarchy. This elevated profile demands immediate attention to hazard mitigation and preparedness.

Flooding and earthquakes top your list

Flood risk dominates at 99.33—nearly perfect exposure—while earthquake risk sits at 98.09, reflecting Queens' coastal and seismic vulnerability. Tornado risk (90.59) also ranks as a significant secondary hazard. Together, these three hazards drive Queens' exceptional composite score.

Flood insurance is not optional here

With flood risk at 99.33, standard homeowners policies won't cover inundation—National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage is essential regardless of mortgage requirements. Earthquake insurance should also be evaluated given the 98.09 risk score. Review your current coverage immediately and discuss additional protections with your insurance agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Queens County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Urban Coastal Climate

Queens County averages 55.5°F annually, which is slightly above the national median. The urban heat island effect and coastal location make it the warmest county in this group.

Far Above the State Average

At 55.5°F, Queens is 8.1 degrees warmer than the New York state average. It represents the warmest climate tier found within the state's borders.

Much Warmer Than Upstate Neighbors

Queens is over 11 degrees warmer than Otsego County on average. It experiences double the extreme heat days of Onondaga and far less snow than any inland county.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Queens sees 16 days of extreme heat annually and a balmy July average of 77.7°F. Winters are the mildest in the group, with a January average of 33.6°F and only 27.9 inches of snow.

Invest in High-Capacity Cooling

With 16 days above 90°F, reliable air conditioning is a necessity for health and comfort. Winter gear can be lighter here, as snowfall is a third of what upstate counties receive.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Queens County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Urban Soils in Queens

Queens soil is extremely acidic with a pH of 4.02, falling well below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.11. While specific taxonomic classifications are limited in this urban landscape, the high acidity defines the local chemistry. Gardeners here must frequently manage pH levels to support healthy plant growth.

A Sandy Foundation with Low Clay

The soil composition is 44.2% sand, 16.3% silt, and only 5.6% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration but means the soil lacks the structural stability found in clay-heavy regions. Such a mix requires careful management to prevent nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

Organic matter reaches 11.11%, which is five times higher than the national average but below the New York state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is a low 0.106 in/in, significantly trailing the state average of 0.182 in/in. Plants in Queens likely require more frequent irrigation than those in neighboring counties.

Rapid Drainage in the City

Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, yet the 44.2% sand content suggests very fast water movement. This rapid drainage prevents pooling but can lead to drought stress for shallow-rooted plants. Urban growers should focus on improving water retention through consistent mulching.

Gardening Success in Zone 7b

Queens sits in hardiness zone 7b, offering one of the longest growing seasons in the state. Heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes thrive here if the acidic soil is properly amended with lime. Start your city garden today to take advantage of this mild coastal climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Queens County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Urban Lawn in Queens

Queens earns a 56.1 lawn difficulty score, making it slightly easier than the national median of 50.0 but more challenging than the New York state average of 61.1. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 7b environment requires navigating higher-than-average heat for the state.

Heat and Rain in the City

The county experiences 16 extreme heat days annually, more than double the state average of 7 days. With 44.3 inches of rain and 3,802 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but requires careful monitoring during the hot July peak.

Acidic Soils Require Special Care

Soil here is highly acidic with a pH of 4.02, falling well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. The low clay content of 5.6% means you should add organic matter to help the ground hold onto vital nutrients.

Fighting Dry Spells in Queens

Residents managed 25 weeks of drought conditions over the past year, and 100% of the county currently sits in abnormally dry status. To conserve water, homeowners should irrigate deeply but infrequently during the early morning hours.

Seeding for the Queens Climate

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in Zone 7b’s warmer transition climate. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 2 to give your lawn time to establish before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Queens County's county score?
Queens County, New York has a composite county score of 41.6 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 Queens County rank among counties in New York?
Queens County ranks #48 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 Queens County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Queens County is $6,130, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Queens County a tax score of 47.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Queens County?
The median household income in Queens County, New York is $84,961 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Queens County earns an income score of 88.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Queens County, New York a good place to live?
Queens County scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in New York. The best way to evaluate Queens 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 Queens 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.