countyscore
53.8
County Score
Safety 81.7Health 81.4Lawn Care 69.4

County Report Card

About Schoharie County, New York

Exceeding the National Median

Schoharie County beats the national median with a composite score of 53.8. This indicates a higher level of overall livability than most counties across the country.

Stronger Than the State Average

Scoring 53.8, Schoharie sits well above the New York state average of 47.0. It offers a compelling alternative to the state's more expensive urban centers.

Safe and Healthy Living

Safety and health lead the way with scores of 81.7 and 81.4 respectively. Housing is also quite affordable, with median rents at a low $916.

Tax and Water Quality

Property taxes remain a struggle with a score of 1.9, while water quality scores low at 8.8. Natural risk and school quality are mid-range for the region.

Perfect for Rural Safety

This county is a haven for those seeking safety and affordable housing in a rural setting. It appeals to families willing to trade high property taxes for a lower cost of entry.

Score breakdown

Tax1.9Cost35.7Safety81.7Health81.4Schools67.6Income69.2Risk58.7Water8.8Weather53
🏛1.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.4
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

Montgomery County
New York
40.1
Albany County
New York
35.4
Schenectady County
New York
34.1
Greene County
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51.9
Otsego County
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Fulton County
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Delaware County
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Rensselaer County
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Deep Dives

Schoharie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Schoharie County

via TaxByCounty

Schoharie taxes nearly double U.S. median

Schoharie County's effective tax rate of 2.185% is nearly double the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $3,977 annually on a median home valued at $182,000—relatively low dollar bills reflecting modest property values in this rural county.

Schoharie exceeds New York's average rate

At 2.185%, Schoharie County slightly exceeds the state average of 2.046%, ranking in the upper-middle tier of New York's counties. Rural Schoharie carries a higher tax burden than most downstate areas.

Rural Schoharie taxes competitive with Capital Region

Schoharie's 2.185% rate sits between Rensselaer County (2.193%) and Saratoga County (1.491%), reflecting typical upstate New York tax structures. Among rural counties in the region, Schoharie's burden is neither extreme nor exceptional.

Median home pays $3,977 yearly in taxes

A Schoharie County homeowner with the median property value of $182,000 pays approximately $3,977 in annual property taxes, or about $331 monthly. Rural property values keep absolute tax bills manageable despite elevated rates.

Even modest bills merit assessment review

On a $3,977 annual bill, a 10% overassessment costs $398 yearly—real money for rural homeowners. Free assessment appeals through New York's system could identify errors worth correcting.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Schoharie County

via CostByCounty

Schoharie offers rock-bottom rents, modest incomes

Schoharie residents spend just 15.4% of their $71,188 median income on rent—among the nation's lowest ratios, though the county's median income trails the national average of $74,755 by roughly 5%. Monthly rents of $916 are the region's cheapest, making Schoharie ideal for those prioritizing affordability over earnings potential.

Schoharie among New York's most affordable counties

At 15.4%, Schoharie's rent-to-income ratio beats New York State's 17.6% average by 2.2 percentage points, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties. The county's median rent of $916 is the lowest in this regional comparison, reflecting its rural Catskills character.

Cheapest rents in the upstate comparison set

Schoharie's median rent of $916 is $231 monthly cheaper than Schenectady ($1,159) and $431 cheaper than Saratoga ($1,347), with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats all Capital Region neighbors. However, median income of $71,188 trails every comparable county, reflecting Schoharie's rural economic base.

Rental and ownership costs remain remarkably low

Schoharie renters pay just $916 monthly (15.4% of income) while homeowners dedicate $984 monthly (16.5% of income) to properties valued at $182,000. This county offers the region's lowest absolute housing costs, making entry-level homeownership realistic for working households.

Maximum affordability in rural mountain county

Schoharie is unbeatable for pure housing cost—rent at $916, homes under $182,000, and burdens below 16% of income—but factor in lower wage opportunities and limited employment diversity. Compare Schoharie's affordability to Schuyler County (15.7% ratio, $858 rent) if you're seeking rural upstate living with minimal housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Schoharie County

via IncomeByCounty

Schoharie's income lags national average

Schoharie County's median household income of $71,188 falls nearly 5% below the national median of $74,755, signaling lower earning potential than the typical U.S. county. The per capita income of $38,100 also trails the national average, reflecting more limited individual earning opportunities.

Below-average income for New York state

Schoharie ranks in the lower half of New York's 62 counties with a median income $5,245 below the state average of $76,433. The per capita income of $38,100 falls $3,033 below the state average, indicating economic challenges in this rural county.

Second-lowest income in regional comparison

Schoharie's $71,188 median household income ranks second-lowest among these eight counties, ahead only of Schuyler County ($65,625). The county significantly trails higher-income neighbors like Saratoga ($99,653) and Rockland ($110,631), reflecting its rural character and limited employment centers.

Low housing costs offset modest income

Schoharie's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in this group, with a median home value of just $182,000. These affordable housing costs mean homeownership consumes roughly 20% of gross income, leaving room for basic savings despite below-average earnings.

Strategic saving in a lower-income county

Schoharie residents earning $71,188 should focus on building a solid emergency fund (3-6 months expenses) before investing, given more limited income flexibility. Take full advantage of any employer retirement plans and explore low-cost community development accounts or local economic development incentives to support long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Schoharie County

via CrimeByCounty

Schoharie County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Schoharie County boasts a remarkably low crime rate of 437.1 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.3. Residents live in one of the most secure rural environments in the country.

Outperforming New York Safety Averages

With a safety score of 99.3, Schoharie is significantly safer than the New York state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 437.1 per 100K is less than half of the statewide average of 1074.4. The county stands out as a model for public safety in the state.

Leading the Way in Rural Safety

Schoharie County maintains much lower crime rates than its Capital Region neighbors like Schenectady and Rensselaer. Its rate of 437.1 per 100K reflects the quiet, low-incident nature of the county. Five reporting agencies maintain high coverage for this small population.

Violent Crime is Rare in Schoharie

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 33.4 per 100K, compared to the state average of 125.0. Property crime is also minimal, reported at 403.7 per 100K residents. These numbers suggest a very low probability of crime for the average resident.

Simple Precautions for Continued Safety

Even in low-crime areas, maintaining basic security like locking doors and garages is a smart habit. Schoharie residents should focus on protecting agricultural equipment and outbuildings from opportunistic theft. Community vigilance helps keep these impressive safety numbers stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Schoharie County

via HealthByCounty

Schoharie struggles with rural health challenges

Schoharie County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average by 3.5 years, yet its 17.3% poor/fair health rate—the highest in this sample—exceeds the national average of 16% by a significant margin. This rural county shows both longer lives and higher chronic disease burden.

Schoharie's poor health rates exceed state norms

Schoharie's 78.9-year life expectancy slightly exceeds New York's 77.9-year average, but its 17.3% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds the state baseline, suggesting concentrated chronic illness. At 5.0% uninsured, coverage rates match state levels, but health outcomes suggest systemic challenges.

Schoharie faces rural provider shortage

Schoharie's 30 primary care providers per 100,000—less than half the county average in this sample—represents the starkest rural access gap, while 159 mental health providers per 100,000 also rank among the lowest. Its 17.3% poor/fair health rate ties with Schuyler as the worst in the analysis.

Rural isolation drives health disparities

Schoharie's critical shortage of providers—just 30 primary care per 100,000, far below the 59–85 range seen in other counties—leaves residents traveling long distances for routine care or delaying treatment. The 17.3% poor/fair health rate, highest in this analysis, reflects the compounding effects of provider scarcity and limited preventive care access.

Ensure coverage despite distance barriers

In a rural county with provider shortages, health insurance becomes even more critical—it enables telehealth options and ensures coverage for necessary travel to specialists. Verify your coverage includes telehealth services and call 2-1-1 for assistance finding care in nearby counties.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Schoharie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in a Rural Setting

Schoharie County features a small, tight-knit educational system of 11 public schools across 6 districts. This rural network serves a total of 3,684 students with a focus on personalized community education.

High Investment and Strong Results

The county invests a healthy $15,859 per pupil, surpassing the national average of $13,000 and the state average. This funding supports a solid 87.2% graduation rate and an impressive composite school score of 71.2.

Cobleskill-Richmondville Leads the County

The Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District is the area's largest, enrolling 1,539 students across 4 schools. In this rural county, traditional public districts remain the sole providers of education, with no charter schools present.

A Classic Rural School Experience

With 8 of 11 schools in rural locales, the average school size is just 335 students. The largest school, Cobleskill-Richmondville High, enrolls only 474 students, ensuring a familiar environment where educators know every student.

Find Peace and Quality in Rural Schools

If you value small class sizes and high per-pupil spending, Schoharie County is an ideal place to look for a home. The high graduation rates and community-centric districts like Schoharie Central are major draws for peaceful rural living.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Schoharie County

via RiskByCounty

Schoharie poses very low risk overall

Schoharie County scores 41.35 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and substantially below the national average. This reflects minimal exposure across most hazard types, with flood risk (65.59) as the only moderate concern. Schoharie ranks among America's safest counties for natural disaster exposure.

Among New York's safest counties

Schoharie ranks near the bottom of New York's hazard hierarchy with a score of 41.35—40% below the state average of 69.42. Only Schuyler County (16.25) and a handful of others register lower composite risk in New York. Schoharie's position offers significant advantage over most state peers.

Much safer than surrounding counties

Schoharie (41.35) ranks substantially below all nearby counties, including Schenectady (71.28), Saratoga (73.03), and Rensselaer (82.16). This isolation at the lower end of the regional risk spectrum reflects Schoharie's inland location and distance from seismic and coastal threats. The county stands as a relative haven within the Capital Region.

Flooding is your only real concern

Flood risk (65.59) is Schoharie's lone moderate hazard, while tornado risk (32.98), earthquake risk (37.75), and wildfire risk (11.23) all remain quite low. Hurricane risk reaches 64.83 but carries minimal practical threat to an inland county. Seasonal flooding represents the primary natural hazard to plan for.

Basic flood insurance offers good coverage

Even at 65.59, Schoharie's flood risk is lower than most Northeast counties—but localized flooding still occurs, so NFIP or private coverage for flood-prone areas remains prudent. Your homeowners policy likely covers most other perils adequately. A single conversation with your insurance agent can confirm you're properly protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Schoharie County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Continental Highlands

Schoharie County has an annual average temperature of 45.7°F, reflecting a cool climate compared to the national median. It receives 42.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Below the State Temperature Average

The county's average temperature of 45.7°F is nearly two degrees lower than the New York state average. Precipitation levels are nearly identical to the state average of 43.3 inches.

Colder Than Nearby Schenectady

With an annual average of 45.7°F, Schoharie is cooler than neighboring Schenectady County. It receives a significant 53.5 inches of snow annually.

Snowy Winters and Gentle Summers

Winters average 24.3°F and bring 53.5 inches of snow. Summers are mild with an average of 66.6°F, and only 6 days typically reach 90°F.

Preparing for Winter Accumulation

Residents must be equipped for 53.5 inches of snowfall and cold January nights averaging 21.5°F. Winter-ready vehicles and insulated housing are standard requirements for this climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Schoharie County

via SoilByCounty

Schoharie’s High-Quality Silty Soils

Schoharie County boasts a strong soil score of 65.6 and a pH of 5.74, which is well above the state average of 5.11. While it still trails the national median of 6.5, it represents some of the most balanced soil chemistry in the region. This makes the county a standout for agricultural potential in New York.

Silky and Productive Silt Mix

With 49.3% silt and 17.5% clay, Schoharie soil is heavy and nutrient-dense compared to sandier areas. The 26.0% sand content is low, meaning the soil feels smooth and holds its shape well. This composition is ideal for retaining the minerals necessary for high-yield farming.

Strong Water Retention for Growth

Organic matter is recorded at 10.82%, which is lower than the state average but much higher than the national 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.178 in/in is nearly identical to the state average of 0.182 in/in. This ensures that crops have a steady supply of moisture even during drier spells.

Stable Hydrology for Farming

The combination of high silt and clay suggests a soil that manages water with great efficiency. While specific drainage classes aren't provided, these textures typically indicate a soil that stays moist without being waterlogged. It provides a stable foundation for both large-scale agriculture and residential building.

Lush Growing in Zone 5b

Located in hardiness zone 5b, Schoharie is perfect for cool-weather crops and hardy fruit trees. The silty, nutrient-rich soil is a dream for growing heavy feeders like corn and squash. Take advantage of this high-scoring soil and start a productive garden this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Schoharie County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Success in Schoharie

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.4, Schoharie County is significantly easier to manage than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 5b region provides a cooler, moist environment that favors traditional northern grass species.

Cooler Summers, Steady Growth

The area sees 42.7 inches of rain per year and only 6 days of extreme heat, keeping grass green longer into the summer. The 2,199 growing degree days mean growth is steady but not as aggressive as in warmer southern counties.

Favorable Clay Mix for Turf

Soil pH averages 5.74, which is relatively close to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy lawns. The 17.5% clay content provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity for your turf's root system.

Resilient Against Dry Spells

Schoharie faced 11 weeks of drought last year but currently enjoys zero drought coverage across the county. To stay resilient, use a mulching mower to return moisture-rich grass clippings back to the soil surface.

Starting Your Mountain Lawn

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are the top picks for this Zone 5b climate. Wait until after the late frost date of May 18 to start your lawn projects to avoid any surprise spring freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schoharie County's county score?
Schoharie County, New York has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Schoharie County rank among counties in New York?
Schoharie County ranks #11 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 Schoharie County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Schoharie County is $3,977, with an effective tax rate of 2.19%. This earns Schoharie County a tax score of 1.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schoharie County?
The median household income in Schoharie County, New York is $71,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schoharie County earns an income score of 69.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schoharie County, New York a good place to live?
Schoharie County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in New York. The best way to evaluate Schoharie 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 Schoharie 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.