countyscore
42.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.6Health 85.9Schools 64.3

County Report Card

About Rockland County, New York

Below the National Composite

Rockland County earns a 42.6 composite score, falling short of the national median of 50.0. Its ranking is primarily suppressed by extreme housing and tax costs.

Lagging the State Average

The county remains below the New York state average of 47.0. While wealthy, it is less affordable than many other counties in the state.

Exceptional Income and Health

Rockland boasts an Income Score of 97.6 and a Health Score of 85.9. The median household income is a substantial $110,631, among the highest in the region.

High Cost of Living

Housing costs are a major barrier, resulting in a Cost Score of 1.3 with median rents at $1,826. Tax burdens are also heavy, evidenced by a low Tax Score of 5.5.

Suits Affluent Suburban Families

Rockland is a premier destination for high-earning families who prioritize health and economic stability. Residents must be prepared for some of the highest entry costs in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax5.5Cost1.3Safety51.9Health85.9Schools64.3Income97.6Risk11.6Water49.1Weather59.3
🏛5.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠1.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱11.6
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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45.6
Passaic County
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Putnam County
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Deep Dives

Rockland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rockland County

via TaxByCounty

Rockland taxes significantly exceed U.S. median

Rockland County's effective tax rate of 1.773% surpasses the national median of 1.1% by 61%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $10,001 annually—the highest median tax bill of any county profiled—on a median home valued at $564,200.

Rockland sits above New York's average rate

At 1.773%, Rockland County exceeds the state average of 2.046% but remains mid-range within New York's 62-county landscape. The county's high dollar tax bill reflects both its elevated rate and its substantial median home values.

Suburban Rockland pays steeper bills than neighbors

Rockland's $10,001 median annual tax bill dwarfs Saratoga County's $4,843, despite similar rate structures (1.773% vs. 1.491%). Higher home values in Rockland drive this county into a premium tier for absolute tax dollars.

Median home costs $10,001 yearly in taxes

A Rockland County homeowner with the median property value of $564,200 pays approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes—roughly $833 per month. This is the highest burden of any county in this analysis.

Assessment errors are costly—appeal yours

On a $10,001 annual bill, even a modest 10% overassessment costs $1,000 yearly. Rockland homeowners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales; a successful appeal could recoup significant money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rockland County

via CostByCounty

Rockland's high income buffers housing costs

Rockland residents spend 19.8% of their $110,631 median income on rent—slightly above national norms but exceptional for a New York metro county. With rents at $1,826 monthly and the state's highest median household income, Rockland offers strong purchasing power relative to housing demand.

Rockland slightly above state affordability average

At 19.8%, Rockland's rent-to-income ratio exceeds New York State's 17.6% average by just 2.2 percentage points, placing it in the affordable-to-moderate tier. The county's median rent of $1,826 is 61% above the state average, but robust incomes of $110,631 make the ratio manageable statewide.

Most expensive rents, best income-to-cost ratio

Rockland renters pay the region's highest absolute rents at $1,826, but the 19.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Richmond County's 20.6% and nearly matches Saratoga's 16.2%. Only Rockland's exceptional median income of $110,631—nearly $25,000 above the regional average—makes these rents proportionally manageable.

Mortgages demand a larger slice of income

Rockland renters allocate 19.8% of income to $1,826 monthly rent, while homeowners commit 30.1% to $2,779 monthly owner costs with $564,200 median home values. This steep ownership premium reflects Rockland's premium positioning between the Hudson Valley and New York City real estate markets.

Premium location with strong income potential

Rockland's $110,631 median income—the region's highest—supports both the highest rents and substantial home prices, making it ideal if your salary justifies the premium. Compare Rockland's rental market to Saratoga County (16.2% ratio, $1,347 rent) or Rensselaer (16.4% ratio, $1,182 rent) if you're seeking lower housing burdens with comparable upstate incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rockland County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockland County's exceptional income lead

Rockland County boasts the highest median household income in this analysis at $110,631—a remarkable 48% above the national median of $74,755. This positions Rockland in the nation's top 10% of counties by household income.

Highest-earning county in this eight-county group

Rockland ranks among New York's highest-income counties with a median of $110,631, outpacing the state average by $34,198. The per capita income of $45,538 reflects a workforce earning substantially more than typical New York residents.

Clear income leader among regional counties

Rockland County's $110,631 median household income significantly outpaces all seven comparison counties, exceeding the second-place Saratoga County ($99,653) by $10,978. This premium reflects Rockland's proximity to high-wage jobs in Westchester and beyond.

Housing costs remain challenging despite high income

Even with the highest median income, Rockland residents allocate 19.8% of income to rent—still significant given the median home value of $564,200. High earners here should plan for mortgages consuming 25-30% of gross income while maintaining emergency reserves.

Leverage high income for aggressive wealth-building

Rockland County residents earning $110,631 should maximize tax-advantaged savings: max out 401(k)s ($23,500 in 2024), backdoor Roth conversions, and HSAs. Invest surplus income in diversified portfolios, consider real estate investment beyond primary residence, and work with a tax professional to optimize deductions and retirement planning strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rockland County

via CrimeByCounty

Rockland County Maintains High National Safety Standard

With a total crime rate of 1077.6 per 100K, Rockland County is more than twice as safe as the national average of 2,385.5. The county boasts a high safety score of 98.3. This data suggests a very secure environment for residents and businesses alike.

Rockland Matches New York State Safety Benchmarks

Rockland’s safety score of 98.3 perfectly matches the New York state average. Its total crime rate of 1077.6 per 100K is nearly identical to the statewide average of 1074.4. The county maintains a stable position as a typically safe New York suburban hub.

Competitive Safety Profile in the Hudson Valley

Rockland County maintains a significantly lower crime rate than nearby Rensselaer or Schenectady. Its crime rate of 1077.6 per 100K reflects a suburban safety profile that rivals the safest counties in the state. Local departments coordinate closely to maintain these low incident levels.

Violent Crime Rates Below State Averages

Violent crime in Rockland occurs at a rate of 120.4 per 100K, which is lower than the state average of 125.0. Property crime accounts for 957.2 incidents per 100K residents. Nine reporting agencies provide comprehensive data to keep the public informed on these trends.

Maintaining Security in Your Community

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but residents should remain vigilant against opportunistic property crimes. Installing doorbell cameras and securing first-floor windows are effective ways to deter potential intruders. Community awareness programs continue to play a vital role in Rockland's safety success.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rockland County

via HealthByCounty

Rockland ranks among America's healthiest

Rockland County's 81.0-year life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 75.4 years by nearly 6 years, placing residents among the longest-lived in the nation. However, a 16.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 16%, suggesting pockets of chronic illness within an otherwise robust county.

Rockland leads New York in longevity

At 81.0 years, Rockland's life expectancy ranks among the highest in New York—3.1 years above the state average of 77.9 years. The county's 5.2% uninsured rate matches the state average, balancing strong health outcomes with adequate coverage.

Rockland's mental health capacity stands out

Rockland's 344 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed neighboring Queens (212) and Saratoga (240), reflecting the strongest mental health infrastructure in the region. Its 81.0-year life expectancy nearly matches Queens and exceeds most peer counties.

Exceptional mental health resources

Rockland residents enjoy exceptional access to mental health care with 344 providers per 100,000—the highest in this analysis—alongside 85 primary care providers per 100,000. Despite strong provider networks, the 16.7% poor/fair health rate suggests some residents face socioeconomic or access barriers that providers have not yet fully addressed.

Maximize mental health coverage benefits

Rockland's exceptional mental health infrastructure is an asset only if residents have insurance to access it; verify your mental health coverage is current and reflects your needs. Visit ny.gov/health to explore plans that emphasize behavioral and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rockland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Excellence Across Nine Districts

Rockland County supports 40,175 students through a network of 65 public schools across 9 districts. The county features a strong foundation of 35 elementary schools and 12 high schools, emphasizing a traditional suburban educational path.

High Investment Yields Top Scores

Rockland invests a significant $18,848 per pupil, far exceeding the national average of $13,000. This investment reflects in a high school score of 77.1, though the 86.1% graduation rate sits just below the national benchmark of 87.0%.

Clarkstown and East Ramapo Lead the Way

The Clarkstown Central School District is a major player with 16 schools and 7,754 students. Notably, the county has zero charter schools, as the community primarily focuses on its established public district systems.

Uniformly Suburban Educational Settings

Every school in Rockland County is classified as a suburban locale, offering an average enrollment of 618 students. North Rockland High School stands out as a focal point for the community with a large student body of 2,687.

Invest in High-Performing School Zones

Homebuyers are often drawn to Rockland for its high per-pupil spending and exceptional school scores. Communities like Clarkstown and Suffern remain top choices for families prioritizing a well-funded, suburban educational experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rockland County

via RiskByCounty

Rockland carries elevated moderate risk

Rockland County scores 88.42 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and well above the national average. This reflects substantial exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes without the exceptional coastal focus seen in maritime counties. Rockland's moderate-to-high position demands attentive hazard planning.

Third-highest risk in New York

Rockland County ranks third statewide with a score of 88.42, trailing Queens (99.17) and Richmond (91.00)—27% above New York's average of 69.42. This places Rockland among the state's most hazard-exposed communities, tied closely with other Hudson Valley counties. Only two New York counties register notably higher composite risk.

Riskier than most upstate peers

Rockland (88.42) exceeds Saratoga County (73.03) by 15 points and Schenectady County (71.28) by 17 points. Within the Hudson Valley and Capital Region network, Rockland occupies a distinctly higher-risk position. This elevation reflects both geographic location and regional hazard patterns.

Flooding and earthquakes lead threats

Flood risk reaches 91.79, making water inundation Rockland's dominant hazard, while earthquake risk (88.71) signals significant seismic exposure. Tornado risk (77.51) adds a secondary but meaningful threat. These combined hazards reflect Rockland's location near water bodies and geological fault zones.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage

With flood risk at 91.79, NFIP or private flood insurance is essential for Rockland homeowners—standard policies exclude water damage. Earthquake insurance should be evaluated seriously given the 88.71 risk score. Contact your insurance agent to review all three hazard protections and close any gaps in your coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Rockland County

via SoilByCounty

Rockland’s Acidic Gravelly Loams

Rockland County is dominated by gravelly loam and Entisols, with a notably acidic pH of 3.67. This level is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and falls well below the state average of 5.11. These young soils are still developing and reflect the rugged geological history of the Hudson Valley.

A Gritty Mix for Better Airflow

The soil composition features 38.6% sand, 24.4% silt, and 7.8% clay. The dominant gravelly loam texture provides excellent aeration for plant roots. This grit prevents the soil from compacting easily, making it easier to work for gardening and construction alike.

Rich Organic Reserves in Rockland

Rockland features an exceptional organic matter content of 20.71%, which is significantly higher than the state average of 17.01%. Its available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is nearly on par with the state average of 0.182 in/in. This means the soil is naturally fertile and capable of supporting lush vegetation if pH is managed.

Well-Drained Uplands

The county's soils are classified as 'well drained' and belong to hydrologic group C. This means water moves through the profile at a steady rate, reducing the risk of root rot for most plants. These conditions are ideal for building foundations and maintaining healthy residential lawns.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a

In hardiness zone 7a, Rockland gardeners can enjoy a variety of temperate fruits and vegetables. The well-drained gravelly loam is particularly well-suited for grapevines and perennial shrubs. Dig in and take advantage of these fertile, high-organic soils for your next planting project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rockland County

via LawnByCounty

Rockland's Steep Lawn Care Hurdle

Rockland County faces a very difficult lawn environment with a score of 11.6, far below the national median of 50.0. This Zone 7a region requires intensive care and specialized strategies to overcome significant local hurdles.

Navigating the Transition Zone

While specific county heat and rain data is limited, the region follows a Zone 7a transition pattern that can stress cool-season grasses. Homeowners should monitor local weather stations closely to adjust mowing and watering as temperatures shift.

Well-Drained but Acidic Loam

Well-drained gravelly loam dominates the landscape, though the 3.67 pH is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 ideal. You will need to balance the soil chemistry and manage the 38.6% sand content to keep nutrients from leaching away.

A History of Drought Stress

Drought is a major factor here, with 32 weeks of dry conditions over the past year and a small portion of the county in severe drought. Prioritize water-efficient grass types and use rain barrels to supplement your irrigation needs.

Planning Your Rockland Lawn

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are standard for Zone 7a, though heat-tolerant blends perform better during dry summers. Focus on early fall or late spring for the best establishment success when temperatures are mild.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rockland County's county score?
Rockland County, New York has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Rockland County rank among counties in New York?
Rockland County ranks #46 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 Rockland County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Rockland County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 1.77%. This earns Rockland County a tax score of 5.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rockland County?
The median household income in Rockland County, New York is $110,631 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rockland County earns an income score of 97.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rockland County, New York a good place to live?
Rockland County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in New York. The best way to evaluate Rockland 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 Rockland 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.