countyscore
34.1
County Score
Health 87.1Income & Jobs 80Lawn Care 70.1

County Report Card

About Schenectady County, New York

Well Below National Median

With a score of 34.1, Schenectady County falls significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This low ranking is driven by significant tax and safety pressures.

Trailing New York Averages

The county trails the New York state average of 47.0 by nearly 13 points. It faces tougher socio-economic headwinds than its immediate neighbors in the Capital Region.

Solid Health and Income

Public health is a bright spot with a score of 87.1, and the Income Score remains respectable at 80.0. The median household income is a steady $76,989.

Tax and Safety Burdens

A Tax Score of 0.9 is among the lowest in the state, driven by an effective rate of 2.459%. Safety is also a concern, with a score of 9.1.

Best for Health-Conscious Workers

Schenectady suits residents who work in the Capital Region and value access to high-quality healthcare. It requires a tolerance for high property taxes and urban safety challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax0.9Cost13.7Safety9.1Health87.1Schools55.1Income80Risk28.7Water47.4Weather51.5
🏛0.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.1
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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34

Nearby counties

Albany County
New York
35.4
Saratoga County
New York
50.6
Montgomery County
New York
40.1
Schoharie County
New York
53.8
Rensselaer County
New York
39.9
Fulton County
New York
43.2
Greene County
New York
51.9
Warren County
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46

Deep Dives

Schenectady County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Schenectady County

via TaxByCounty

Schenectady taxes rank among America's highest

Schenectady County's effective tax rate of 2.459% sits in the top 10% of U.S. counties, more than doubling the national median of 1.1%. Homeowners pay $5,486 annually on a median home valued at $223,100—a substantial rate on more modest property values.

New York's highest rate among counties profiled

At 2.459%, Schenectady County tops all eight counties in this analysis and significantly exceeds the state average of 2.046%. The county ranks among the highest-burden places in New York State.

Schenectady leads Capital Region in tax burden

Schenectady's 2.459% rate exceeds Rensselaer County (2.193%) and far outpaces Saratoga County (1.491%), making it the most tax-heavy spot in the Capital Region. Only a handful of upstate New York counties match or exceed this burden.

Median home costs $5,486 yearly in taxes

A Schenectady County homeowner with the median property value of $223,100 pays approximately $5,486 in annual property taxes, or roughly $457 monthly. Despite lower home values than Queens or Staten Island, Schenectady residents pay comparable absolute dollars.

High rates make appeal payoff even bigger

On a $5,486 annual bill, a 15% overassessment costs $822 per year—substantial savings if recovered through appeal. Schenectady homeowners should scrutinize assessments closely; the potential upside is significant.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Schenectady County

via CostByCounty

Schenectady offers modest means, modest housing costs

Schenectady residents spend 18.1% of their $76,989 median income on rent—roughly matching the national burden while earning slightly above the national median of $74,755. Monthly rents of $1,159 are below state and national norms, making Schenectady accessible for working-class families.

Schenectady slightly above state affordability norm

At 18.1%, Schenectady's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds New York State's 17.6% average, placing it in the moderate-affordability tier. The county's median rent of $1,159 nearly matches the state average of $1,133, while median income of $76,989 trails the state's wealthier counties.

Less affordable than Saratoga and Rensselaer

Schenectady's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio trails both Saratoga County's 16.2% and Rensselaer County's 16.4%, despite similar median rents. The county's lower median income of $76,989—roughly $10,000 below neighboring Rensselaer's $86,663—accounts for the tighter housing burden.

Ownership costs climb steeply in median market

Schenectady renters pay $1,159 monthly (18.1% of income), while homeowners face $1,439 (22.4% of income) with median home values at $223,100. The 4.3 percentage-point gap suggests ownership remains attainable for those with down payments, but monthly costs strain tighter household budgets.

Budget-friendly option for cost-conscious movers

Schenectady delivers sub-state-average rents with honest income levels—ideal if you're relocating without high-wage employment lined up or seeking maximum affordability. However, renters considering ownership should budget carefully: mortgage costs jump 4+ percentage points, and median incomes lag wealthier Capital Region counties like Saratoga and Rensselaer.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Schenectady County

via IncomeByCounty

Schenectady's income slightly above national

Schenectady County's median household income of $76,989 edges past the national median of $74,755 by just 3%, positioning it near the U.S. average. The per capita income of $41,529 closely matches the national baseline, reflecting steady but not exceptional earning power.

Just above New York state average

Schenectady's median household income of $76,989 marginally exceeds the state average of $76,433 by $556, ranking it in the middle of New York's 62 counties. The per capita income of $41,529 slightly outpaces the state average of $41,133.

Mid-range income among regional peers

Schenectady's $76,989 median household income ranks fifth among these eight counties, ahead only of Schoharie ($71,188) and Schuyler ($65,625). The county falls well behind high-income leaders like Rockland and Saratoga but exceeds the lowest-income rural counties in this group.

Affordable housing supports family budgets

Schenectady residents allocate just 18.1% of income to rent, well below both recommended guidelines and this region's higher-income counties. The median home value of $223,100 makes homeownership genuinely accessible, with mortgages typically consuming 22-26% of household income.

Build savings with Schenectady's affordable housing

Schenectady households earning $76,989 should prioritize establishing emergency savings covering 3-6 months of expenses before aggressive investing. With affordable housing and near-average income, contribute steadily to 401(k)s and IRAs, take advantage of any employer matching, and consider low-cost index funds for long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Schenectady County

via CrimeByCounty

Local Crime Rates Exceed National Averages

Schenectady County reports a total crime rate of 2878.1 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.5. These figures indicate a higher frequency of criminal incidents compared to many other U.S. counties.

Below the New York Safety Benchmark

The county's safety score of 95.5 is notably lower than the New York state average of 98.3. Schenectady's total crime rate of 2878.1 per 100K is more than double the statewide average of 1074.4. Law enforcement faces more incidents per capita here than in most New York counties.

Highest Crime Rate Among Nearby Counties

Schenectady’s crime rate of 2878.1 is significantly higher than neighboring Saratoga at 927.5 and Rensselaer at 1964.7. These regional disparities highlight specific challenges faced within the county's borders. Local officials continue to address these localized crime trends through targeted initiatives.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime is the most prevalent issue, with a rate of 2508.7 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate of 369.4 is nearly triple the state average of 125.0. Six reporting agencies provide the data used to track these public safety challenges.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

High property crime rates mean residents should invest in robust home security systems and surveillance cameras. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles and ensure all entry points are well-fortified. Awareness and preventative measures are critical for safety in Schenectady.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Schenectady County

via HealthByCounty

Schenectady trails national health average

Schenectady County's 77.1-year life expectancy falls 2.3 years below the U.S. average of 75.4 years, while a 13.3% poor/fair health rate runs below the national average of 16%. The county shows mixed health signals: lower chronic disease rates but shorter overall life expectancy.

Schenectady slightly behind state average

At 77.1 years, Schenectady's life expectancy trails New York's average of 77.9 years by 0.8 years, ranking below most state peers. Its 4.5% uninsured rate beats the state average of 5.3%, but overall health outcomes suggest room for improvement.

Schenectady lags in Capital Region rankings

Schenectady's 77.1-year life expectancy ranks below neighboring Saratoga (80.3) and Rensselaer (77.8), making it the weakest performer in the Capital Region. However, its strong provider base—80 primary care and 285 mental health providers per 100,000—offers potential to improve outcomes.

Providers available, outcomes lag behind

Schenectady has 80 primary care and 285 mental health providers per 100,000—among the best supply in this analysis—yet life expectancy remains below state and peer averages. This gap suggests barriers to care access, health literacy challenges, or socioeconomic factors limiting effective use of available providers.

Bridge coverage gaps in Schenectady

With 4.5% of residents uninsured and life expectancy below state averages, ensuring full coverage across the county could improve preventive care access and early intervention. Call 311 or visit ny.gov/health to check eligibility for free or low-cost coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Schenectady County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Versatile Education Hub in the Capital Region

Schenectady County operates 40 public schools serving 21,527 students across 8 districts. The county infrastructure includes 24 elementary schools and 6 high schools, catering to a diverse student body.

Navigating Graduation and District Spending

The county graduation rate is 82.1%, while per-pupil expenditure is $12,242, which is slightly below the national average of $13,000. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 60.7 for the county's public system.

Schenectady City and Niskayuna Districts

The Schenectady City School District is the largest, supporting 8,879 students across 15 schools. While traditional schools are the norm, the county does include one charter school as part of its educational mix.

A Blend of City and Suburban Settings

With 21 suburban schools and 16 city schools, the county offers a distinct mix of educational atmospheres. The average school size is 538 students, though Schenectady High School is a massive outlier with 2,743 students.

Discover Competitive Schools in the Mohawk Valley

Families often prioritize homes in the Niskayuna Central School District for its strong academic reputation. Schenectady County offers a range of residential options near both large city campuses and smaller suburban schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Schenectady County

via RiskByCounty

Schenectady carries low-to-moderate risk

Schenectady County scores 71.28 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and just slightly above the national average. This reflects moderate flooding and tornado exposure without significant seismic or coastal threats. Schenectady's position represents one of the more favorable hazard profiles in the Northeast.

Below-average risk for New York

Schenectady ranks among New York's safer counties with a score of 71.28, just 3% above the state average of 69.42—making it essentially at the state baseline. The county sits in the safer half of New York's 62 counties, well below highest-risk areas like Queens and Richmond. This positioning offers moderate peace of mind within the state context.

Among the safest in Capital Region

Schenectady (71.28) sits nearly tied with Saratoga County (73.03) and well below Rensselaer County (82.16) and Rockland County (88.42). Within the Capital Region and surrounding areas, Schenectady occupies one of the safer positions. This relative advantage reflects fewer acute hazard concentrations compared to adjacent counties.

Flooding and tornadoes pose main threats

Flood risk reaches 82.92, making water inundation Schenectady's primary concern, while tornado risk (70.71) presents a secondary but meaningful hazard. Earthquake and wildfire risks remain relatively modest for the region. Seasonal flooding and spring storm preparedness should anchor your hazard planning.

Flood insurance is your priority

With flood risk at 82.92, NFIP or private flood insurance is recommended, especially for residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas. Standard homeowners policies exclude water damage, so closing this gap is essential. Review your coverage with an agent to ensure adequate flood protection before the next heavy rainfall season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Schenectady County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler with Moderate Precipitation

Schenectady County averages 46.3°F annually, making it significantly cooler than the national median. It receives 42.6 inches of precipitation, which is high by national standards.

Colder and Drier than Average

The county's 46.3°F average temperature is over a degree cooler than the state average of 47.4°F. Its 42.6 inches of precipitation also falls just below the New York average of 43.3 inches.

High Heat Relative to Neighbors

Schenectady experiences 9 extreme heat days per year, more than neighbors like Saratoga or Schoharie. Its 46.3°F average is slightly warmer than Schoharie County to the south.

Biting Winters and Hot Peaks

The winter average is 24.1°F, with January dipping to 21.6°F. While the summer average is 67.7°F, the county frequently hits 90°F during its 9 extreme heat days.

Managing High Summer Heat

Homeowners should prioritize air conditioning to manage the 9 days of extreme heat above 90°F. While snow data is unavailable, preparing for 21.6°F January lows is a winter necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Schenectady County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity in Schenectady

Schenectady County features a pH of 5.63, which is actually less acidic than the New York state average of 5.11. However, it still sits below the national median of 6.5, suggesting a slight acidic leaning. This more balanced pH makes it easier to manage for a wide variety of garden plants.

Silt-Dominant Soil Structure

The soil is comprised of 48.4% silt, 33.0% sand, and 16.5% clay. This high silt content gives the soil a silky texture and provides excellent surface area for holding onto nutrients. The significant clay percentage adds more body and structural stability compared to neighboring sandy counties.

Lower Organic Reserves, Solid Capacity

Organic matter in Schenectady is relatively low at 6.25%, falling far short of the state average of 17.01%. Available water capacity stands at 0.157 in/in, which is also below the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in. Gardeners should prioritize adding compost and mulch to boost these levels for better productivity.

Balanced Water Dynamics

The high silt and moderate clay percentages indicate a soil that holds water well but may drain slowly after heavy rain. Without a formal drainage classification, the data suggests a medium-textured soil that requires careful management to avoid compaction. Proper aeration is key to maintaining healthy soil health here.

Planting Opportunities in Zone 6a

Schenectady sits in hardiness zone 6a, allowing for a diverse range of vegetables and ornamental shrubs. The silty texture is ideal for root crops like carrots and parsnips that prefer stone-free, smooth soil. Improve your soil with organic amendments and start your planting season early.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Schenectady County

via LawnByCounty

Schenectady Leads in Lawn Ease

Schenectady County is one of the easier places to maintain a lawn, boasting a high difficulty score of 70.1. This outperforms both the national median of 50.0 and the New York state average of 61.1.

Ideal Precipitation for Growth

The county receives 42.6 inches of rain annually, which is almost perfectly aligned with the state average. With 9 extreme heat days and 2,350 growing degree days, the environment supports consistent and healthy turf growth.

Better Soil Balance and Texture

While still acidic at 5.63, the soil pH here is much closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal than many neighboring counties. A higher clay content of 16.5% helps the soil retain water and fertilizers more effectively than sandier soils.

Consistently Moisture-Rich Conditions

The county currently has no drought impact and saw only 7 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Maintaining a three-inch mowing height will help keep the soil cool and resilient during the brief dry spells.

Spring Seeding in Zone 6a

Zone 6a is perfect for a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Mark May 7 on your calendar as the typical safe date to begin seeding after the final spring frost passes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schenectady County's county score?
Schenectady County, New York has a composite county score of 34.1 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 Schenectady County rank among counties in New York?
Schenectady County ranks #62 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 Schenectady County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Schenectady County is $5,486, with an effective tax rate of 2.46%. This earns Schenectady County a tax score of 0.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schenectady County?
The median household income in Schenectady County, New York is $76,989 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schenectady County earns an income score of 80/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schenectady County, New York a good place to live?
Schenectady County scores 34.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in New York. The best way to evaluate Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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.