countyscore
47.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.9Health 91Weather & Climate 71.3

County Report Card

About Richmond County, New York

Staten Island Nears National Median

Richmond County holds a composite score of 47.1, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It represents one of the more balanced urban profiles in the New York City region.

Meeting the New York Standard

The county aligns almost perfectly with the New York state average of 47.0. It remains competitive by balancing high incomes against the typical costs of the metropolitan area.

Top-Tier Wealth and Wellness

Economic health is a standout with an Income Score of 94.9 and a median household income of $98,290. Physical health is also excellent, reflected in a Health Score of 91.0.

Affordability and Coastal Risk

Housing remains expensive, yielding a Cost Score of 2.5 with home values averaging $658,500. Environmental risk is also a factor, scoring low at 9.0.

Perfect for High-Income Commuters

Richmond County is best for households seeking city access combined with elite health and income metrics. It offers a more stable profile than many neighboring boroughs despite high housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax43.6Cost2.5SafetyComing SoonHealth91Schools55.4Income94.9Risk9WaterComing SoonWeather71.3
🏛43.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤91
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.5
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

Kings County
New York
55.2
Union County
New Jersey
35.3
Hudson County
New Jersey
33.6
Essex County
New Jersey
33.3
Middlesex County
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41.9
New York County
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Queens County
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Bergen County
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48

Deep Dives

Richmond County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Richmond County

via TaxByCounty

Staten Island's rate beats national median

Richmond County's effective tax rate of 0.922% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, ranking in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties by burden. Despite a median home value of $658,500—more than double the national median—homeowners pay $6,074 annually, reflecting Staten Island's tax advantages.

New York's second-lowest rate statewide

Richmond County's 0.922% effective rate ranks second-lowest in New York State, exceeded only by Queens County at 0.877%. Both boroughs benefit from state tax structures that favor high-density urban areas, paying roughly half the state average of 2.046%.

Staten Island rivals Queens in tax advantage

Richmond and Queens counties—both at roughly 0.92%—form the lowest-tax tier in the region, standing apart from every other New York County profiled here. This stark contrast reflects the economies of scale in serving millions of residents across concentrated areas.

Median home pays $6,074 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with Richmond County's median property value of $658,500 pays approximately $6,074 in annual property taxes, or about $506 monthly. Even on high-value property, Staten Island's tax rate keeps annual bills manageable.

Verify your assessment despite low rates

Low tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments—many Staten Island homeowners are still overvalued relative to comparable sales. A free assessment appeal through New York's informal process could identify thousands in potential savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richmond County

via CostByCounty

Richmond balances high income with housing costs

Richmond County residents spend 20.6% of their $98,290 median income on rent—above the national norm but reasonable given one of New York's highest regional incomes. Rents averaging $1,689 monthly are nearly 23% above national medians, but the county's strong income base absorbs the costs more comfortably than most areas.

Richmond ranks middle of New York's pack

At 20.6%, Richmond's rent-to-income ratio exceeds New York State's 17.6% average by roughly 3 percentage points, placing it in the less affordable half statewide. The county's median rent of $1,689 is 49% above the state average of $1,133, reflecting its Staten Island position in the New York metro housing market.

Richmond less affordable than nearby Saratoga

Richmond residents allocate 20.6% of income to rent compared to just 16.2% in nearby Saratoga County, despite Richmond's higher median income of $98,290 versus Saratoga's $99,653. However, Richmond's median home value of $658,500 reflects its suburban New York City positioning versus Saratoga's upstate location.

Homeownership carries steeper costs than renting

Richmond renters pay $1,689 monthly (20.6% of income), while homeowners face $2,255 in monthly costs (27.5% of income) with median homes valued at $658,500. This significant gap makes Richmond more accessible for renters but increasingly expensive for prospective home buyers.

Rent-friendly if buying remains out of reach

Richmond offers better renting value than Queens at 7 percentage points lower rent-to-income ratio, but home buyers should budget carefully for $2,255 monthly costs. Consider Rockland County (19.8% rent ratio, $564,200 homes) or Saratoga (16.2% rent ratio, $324,800 homes) if home ownership is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richmond County

via IncomeByCounty

Richmond County's strong income advantage

Richmond County's median household income of $98,290 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 31.5%, placing it well above typical American earnings. This 23-point advantage reflects Staten Island's growing professional workforce and proximity to New York's job centers.

Top-third income earner in New York

Richmond County ranks in the top third of New York's 62 counties with a median income $21,857 above the state average of $76,433. The per capita income of $44,368 remains solid and slightly above state average, showing broad-based earning power.

Strong income in regional comparison

Richmond's $98,290 median household income ranks second only to Rockland County ($110,631) among these eight counties, outpacing Saratoga County ($99,653) by $637. The county benefits from its position as New York City's most suburban borough, attracting both residents and employers.

Housing costs require significant commitment

At 20.6% of household income, Richmond's rent-to-income ratio remains manageable but reflects the median home value of $658,500. Households earning $98,290 can afford homeownership but should plan for mortgages consuming 25-30% of gross income.

Build long-term wealth through homeownership

Richmond County residents earning $98,290 should leverage strong home equity as a wealth-building strategy, as property values often appreciate in suburban locations. Combine mortgage payments with automatic contributions to retirement accounts and consider tax-loss harvesting in investment portfolios to maximize after-tax returns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Richmond County

via HealthByCounty

Richmond ranks solidly above U.S. average

Richmond County's 79.0-year life expectancy outpaces the national average of 75.4 years by nearly 4 years, with a 13.8% poor/fair health rate slightly below the U.S. average of 16%. These metrics reflect a healthier-than-average population overall.

Richmond County leads most New York peers

At 79.0 years, Richmond's life expectancy exceeds New York's average of 77.9 years and ranks among the state's stronger health performers. With an uninsured rate of just 5.0%—below the state average of 5.3%—the county shows solid health security for most residents.

Richmond's healthcare resources shine

Richmond's 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed regional peers and its 266 mental health providers per 100,000 rank among the highest in the sample. Life expectancy of 79.0 years places it above neighbors like Schoharie (78.9) and Rensselaer (77.8).

Strong provider network serves Staten Island

Richmond County benefits from 81 primary care providers per 100,000—well above national standards—and 266 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring most residents can access care without long delays. At 5.0% uninsured, coverage is near the state average, though vulnerable populations may still face barriers.

Secure health insurance for continuity

With robust provider networks already in place, maintaining health insurance allows Richmond residents to fully leverage local resources for preventive and mental health care. Check your current plan at ny.gov/health or explore new options if you lack coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richmond County

via SchoolsByCounty

Staten Island's Comprehensive Public System

Richmond County, encompassing Staten Island, features 88 public schools serving a total of 61,846 students. The landscape is primarily composed of 55 elementary schools and 15 high schools operating within 9 districts.

Measuring Performance and Educational Spending

The county maintains a graduation rate of 82.2% and a school score of 61.0, both slightly below state averages. Spending sits at $12,346 per pupil, which is just under the national average of $13,000 but fuels a robust city-wide system.

District 31 and Charter Innovations

New York City Geographic District #31 dominates the county, managing 74 schools and 56,788 students. Charter schools have a significant presence here, accounting for 9.1% of all schools, including the 858-student John W. Lavelle Preparatory.

Large City Schools with Big Opportunities

All schools in the county are situated in city locales, with a high average enrollment of 703 students. Tottenville High School is the largest campus in the borough, providing a massive secondary education environment for 3,783 students.

Discover Suburban Comfort within the City

Prospective homeowners often look toward the South Shore for access to large, established high schools like Tottenville. School quality and district stability are major drivers for families relocating to Staten Island's diverse neighborhoods.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richmond County

via RiskByCounty

Richmond faces moderate-to-high risk

Richmond County scores 91.00 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category but near the top of that band. This score exceeds the national average and signals genuine multi-hazard exposure, particularly from coastal and seismic activity. Richmond's risk profile demands serious preparation despite the "moderate" label.

Second-highest risk in New York State

Richmond County ranks second in New York's hazard hierarchy with a score of 91.00, trailing only Queens County at 99.17—31% above the state average of 69.42. This position places Richmond among the state's most vulnerable communities. Only one New York county carries demonstrably higher disaster risk.

Riskier than all nearby counties

Richmond (91.00) outpaces Rockland County (88.42) and sits well above Saratoga (73.03) and Schenectady (71.28). Among counties within reasonable distance, Richmond stands as the clear leader in composite risk exposure. This isolation at the top of the regional risk chart underscores local hazard intensity.

Coastal threats and earthquakes dominate

Flood risk scores 91.95 and hurricane risk hits 90.24, reflecting Richmond's exposure as a Staten Island-based county surrounded by water. Earthquake risk (91.83) adds critical seismic vulnerability. These three hazards together create a uniquely challenging risk profile for the region.

Flood and wind coverage are essential

With flood risk at 91.95 and hurricane risk at 90.24, NFIP flood insurance and windstorm coverage are non-negotiable for Richmond homeowners. Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given the 91.83 risk score. Bundle these protections and review your policy annually, especially before hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Richmond County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity on Staten Island

Richmond County has some of the most acidic soil in the region, with a pH of only 3.16. This is dramatically lower than the state average of 5.11 and the national median of 6.5. Such extreme acidity creates a unique chemical environment that heavily influences plant selection and soil management.

Coarse Texture and Low Clay

The soil consists of 33.1% sand and 15.2% silt, with a very low clay content of 5.3%. This composition creates a coarse texture that allows for high permeability but provides very little natural structural integrity. The lack of clay means the soil has a limited ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.

Impressive Organic Matter Levels

Despite its acidity, the soil boasts a high organic matter content of 19.86%, surpassing the New York state average of 17.01%. However, its available water capacity is lower at 0.133 in/in compared to the state's 0.182 in/in. This combination suggests rich biological potential but requires careful monitoring of soil moisture.

Fast-Moving Water Dynamics

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the low clay and high organic matter facilitate rapid water movement. Gardeners should be aware that water may move through the soil profile quickly, potentially leading to dry conditions. Managing this soil requires frequent additions of compost to stabilize water levels.

Zone 7b: A Coastal Opportunity

With a hardiness zone of 7b, Richmond County enjoys a mild climate and a long growing season. Acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas can thrive in this naturally low-pH environment. Embrace the unique coastal conditions by planting a diverse urban garden this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richmond County

via LawnByCounty

Staten Island's Moderate Lawn Challenge

Richmond County presents a moderate challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 51.5, trailing the New York state average of 61.1. This Zone 7b coastal area requires careful management to overcome significant soil and drought obstacles.

Coastal Rains and Summer Heat

The county receives a generous 47.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average. However, 14 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn will likely need supplemental watering during peak summer to prevent dormancy.

Extremely Acidic Coastal Soil

The soil pH of 3.16 is exceptionally low, representing one of the most acidic profiles in the region. With only 5.3% clay, these sandy grounds need heavy lime and compost amendments to support healthy turf growth.

Drought Trends in Richmond

Despite high rainfall, the county experienced 16 weeks of drought last year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Focus on mulching clippings back into the lawn to retain moisture and build up thin topsoil.

Selecting Turf for Zone 7b

Heat-tolerant varieties like tall fescue are best suited for this Zone 7b environment. While local frost dates vary by site, late spring is typically the safest window to begin new seeding in the city.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richmond County's county score?
Richmond County, New York has a composite county score of 47.1 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 Richmond County rank among counties in New York?
Richmond County ranks #29 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 Richmond County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Richmond County is $6,074, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Richmond County a tax score of 43.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richmond County?
The median household income in Richmond County, New York is $98,290 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richmond County earns an income score of 94.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richmond County, New York a good place to live?
Richmond County scores 47.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in New York. The best way to evaluate Richmond 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 Richmond 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.