CountyScore

Richmond County

New York · NY

#32 in New York
58.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Richmond County, New York

Richmond outperforms the national average

Richmond County's composite score of 56.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 6 percentage points, placing it in the top 56th percentile nationally. This solid position reflects a county with competitive advantages in taxes and income.

Richmond ranks above the New York median

With a score of 56.0, Richmond ranks above New York's county average of 54.7, placing it in the stronger portion of the state's counties. The county benefits from significant urban and suburban economic activity.

Low taxes and strong household incomes

Richmond shines with a tax score of 76.3 and an effective tax rate of 0.922%, offering residents excellent tax relief. Median household income of $98,290 provides strong earning potential, among the highest in the region.

Housing affordability remains constrained

Despite low taxes, Richmond's cost score of 43.0 reflects significant housing pressures, with median home values at $658,500 and gross rents at $1,689 monthly. This affordability gap suggests housing costs have outpaced income growth for many households.

Suits successful families seeking tax relief

Richmond is ideal for established families and professionals with solid incomes who can afford substantial housing costs in exchange for minimal tax burden. The county is less attractive for first-time homebuyers or lower-income residents without existing wealth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.3Cost43SafetyComing SoonHealth80.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome47.5Risk9WaterComing Soon
🏛76.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9
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 Richmond County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
58.2
Median income: $90,625
Sullivan County
New Hampshire
58.2
Median income: $75,929
Chenango County
New York
58.2
Median income: $62,093
Niagara County
New York
58.2
Median income: $67,809
Northampton County
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58.2
Median income: $86,687

Deep Dives

Richmond County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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