CountyScore

Rockland County

New York · NY

#60 in New York
49.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Rockland County, New York

Rockland trails the national baseline

Rockland County's composite score of 42.8 falls nearly 8 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 43rd percentile nationally. This below-average score signals livability challenges that offset the county's stronger income profile.

Rockland ranks well below state average

With a score of 42.8, Rockland ranks substantially below New York's county average of 54.7, placing it among the weaker-performing counties in the state. The gap suggests this county faces challenges that other New York counties have better managed.

Highest household income in this group

Rockland boasts the highest median household income of any county analyzed here at $110,631, with an income score of 55.6 reflecting strong earning potential. This economic strength provides residents with above-average purchasing power.

Tax burden and housing costs are severe barriers

Rockland's tax score of 52.4 and effective tax rate of 1.773% consume household resources, while a cost score of just 32.4 reflects median home values at $564,200 and rents at $1,826 monthly. The combination leaves limited discretionary income despite high salaries, creating stress for many households.

Only suited to the highest earners

Rockland works primarily for affluent households whose high incomes can absorb both elevated taxes and housing costs. For middle-income families, the cost-tax combination typically outweighs the county's economic advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax52.4Cost32.4SafetyComing SoonHealth79.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome55.6Risk11.6WaterComing Soon
🏛52.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.6
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 Rockland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Orange County
New York
49.1
Median income: $96,497
Atlantic County
New Jersey
49
Median income: $76,819
Kendall County
Illinois
49.6
Median income: $110,474
Cumberland County
New Jersey
48.9
Median income: $64,499
Dallas County
Texas
49.8
Median income: $74,149

Deep Dives

Rockland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.