CountyScore

Queens County

New York · NY

#40 in New York
56.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Queens County, New York

Queens ranks solidly above the national median

Queens County's composite score of 56.5 places it 13 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability by national standards. This performance reflects the county's position as a major urban center with significant economic activity and infrastructure.

Queens edges out the New York average

With a score of 56.5, Queens ranks slightly above New York's county average of 54.7, placing it in the stronger half of the state's counties. This reflects Queens' role as one of New York's most economically significant regions.

Tax burden is notably competitive

Queens excels in tax burden with a score of 77.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.877%, among the lowest in the state. The county also supports median household incomes of $84,961, demonstrating solid earning potential for residents.

Housing costs and income growth lag

Housing affordability is Queens' primary weakness, with a cost score of 45.1 and median home values reaching $699,200 and gross rents at $1,915 monthly. Income scores of 38.8 suggest wage growth has not kept pace with the housing market, creating affordability challenges for many residents.

Best for tax-conscious urban professionals

Queens suits established professionals and higher-income families who value urban density and can weather substantial housing costs in exchange for low tax burden. The county is less ideal for first-time homebuyers or families prioritizing housing affordability over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost45.1SafetyComing SoonHealth76.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.8Risk0.8WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡0.8
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 Queens County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McLean County
Illinois
56.9
Median income: $78,329
Essex County
Massachusetts
56.9
Median income: $99,431
San Bernardino County
California
57
Median income: $82,184
Champaign County
Illinois
56.8
Median income: $63,091
Rock Island County
Illinois
57
Median income: $66,768

Deep Dives

Queens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

ByCounty Network

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