countyscore
58.2
County Score
Safety 88.8Disaster Risk 83.8Schools 80.5

County Report Card

About Schuyler County, New York

High National Livability Rank

Schuyler County excels with a composite score of 58.2, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It represents some of the highest livability in the state.

Outperforming New York State

At 58.2, the county is a standout performer compared to the New York state average of 47.0. It ranks highly for its exceptional balance of safety and affordability.

Elite Safety and Schools

The county boasts an elite Safety Score of 88.8 and a Risk Score of 83.8. Schools are also a major asset, scoring high at 80.5.

Tax and Water Concerns

While housing is affordable, the Tax Score is low at 3.8. Water quality is also a weaker point, scoring 24.6 compared to other dimensions.

Ideal for Family Stability

Schuyler County is perfect for families prioritizing safety and high-quality education. It offers an exceptionally stable environment with low natural risk and affordable homes.

Score breakdown

Tax3.8Cost42Safety88.8Health72.3Schools80.5Income56.3Risk83.8Water24.6Weather55.1
🏛3.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.1
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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Nearby counties

Chemung County
New York
39.4
Tompkins County
New York
38.4
Yates County
New York
51.3
Seneca County
New York
45.3
Steuben County
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Tioga County
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Ontario County
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Tioga County
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53

Deep Dives

Schuyler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Schuyler County

via TaxByCounty

Schuyler taxes run nearly 76% above U.S. median

Schuyler County's effective tax rate of 1.938% towers 76% above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $3,165 annually on a median home valued at $163,300—low dollar amounts reflecting rural property values in New York's Finger Lakes region.

Schuyler slightly exceeds New York's average rate

At 1.938%, Schuyler County runs slightly above the state average of 2.046% by less than a percentage point. The county sits in the middle tier of New York's 62 counties by effective rate.

Schuyler offers rural bargain among upstate counties

Schuyler's 1.938% rate sits well below Schenectady County (2.459%) and Rensselaer County (2.193%), approaching Saratoga County's 1.491%. Among rural Finger Lakes counties, Schuyler is comparatively tax-friendly.

Median home pays $3,165 yearly in taxes

A Schuyler County homeowner with the median property value of $163,300 pays approximately $3,165 in annual property taxes, or roughly $264 monthly. Rural property values keep absolute tax bills the lowest of any county in this analysis.

Assessment accuracy matters at any price point

Even on a $3,165 annual bill, a 10% overassessment costs $317 yearly. Schuyler homeowners should verify their assessments match recent comparable sales; appeals are free and could recoup meaningful dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Schuyler County

via CostByCounty

Schuyler's ultra-low rents offset modest earnings

Schuyler residents spend 15.7% of their $65,625 median income on rent—well below the national burden and among the nation's most affordable counties, despite the lowest median income in this comparison. Monthly rents of $858 are the region's cheapest, making Schuyler the affordability leader for cost-of-living conscious relocators.

Schuyler ranks among state's most affordable

At 15.7%, Schuyler's rent-to-income ratio beats New York State's 17.6% average by 1.9 percentage points, placing it firmly in the affordable tier statewide. The county's median rent of $858 is the region's lowest, making Schuyler accessible for low-to-moderate income households.

Lowest rent in the region, lowest income too

Schuyler's $858 median rent is the cheapest among all eight counties and $58 lower than Schoharie's $916, but the county's $65,625 median income is also the region's lowest. The 15.7% rent-to-income ratio edges out Schoharie's 15.4%, reflecting rental costs scaled to Schuyler's rural wage base.

Ownership and rental costs track nearly identically

Schuyler renters pay $858 monthly (15.7% of income) while homeowners dedicate $960 monthly (17.5% of income) to properties valued at $163,300—the region's lowest home prices. The tight margins between renting and owning make Schuyler exceptionally accessible for first-time buyers or those transitioning to homeownership.

Most affordable option for budget-first relocators

Schuyler delivers maximum affordability: cheapest rents at $858, homes under $163,300, and housing costs taking just 15-17% of income, but the county offers the region's lowest wage base at $65,625. Only relocate to Schuyler if you have remote income, strong job prospects in Finger Lakes, or are downsizing in retirement.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Schuyler County

via IncomeByCounty

Schuyler County's income well below national

Schuyler County's median household income of $65,625 falls 12.2% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning U.S. counties. The per capita income of $36,356 trails the national average by 11%, indicating systemic income constraints.

Lowest-income county in this eight-county group

Schuyler ranks near the bottom of New York's 62 counties with a median income $10,808 below the state average of $76,433. The per capita income of $36,356 falls $4,777 below the state average, reflecting limited job opportunities and lower wage levels.

Lowest income among regional peers

Schuyler County's $65,625 median household income is the lowest among these eight comparison counties, trailing the next-lowest (Schoharie at $71,188) by $5,563. The county faces significant economic headwinds compared to suburban and higher-income neighbors.

Affordable housing provides crucial relief

Schuyler residents allocate just 15.7% of income to rent, the second-best ratio in this group, with a median home value of only $163,300. This affordability is essential, as homeownership typically consumes 20% of these lower household incomes.

Build wealth thoughtfully on modest income

Schuyler County residents earning $65,625 should prioritize building emergency savings first, then contribute even small amounts—$100-200 monthly—to retirement accounts to benefit from long-term compounding. Investigate local economic development programs, small business incentives, and training opportunities that could increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Schuyler County

via CrimeByCounty

Schuyler County: A National Safety Leader

Schuyler County features an incredibly low crime rate of 235.2 per 100K, a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. It is statistically one of the safest places to live in the entire United States.

Setting the Standard for New York Safety

Schuyler’s safety score of 99.6 easily beats the New York state average of 98.3. The total crime rate of 235.2 per 100K is roughly 78% lower than the statewide average of 1074.4. The county is a top-tier performer in state safety rankings.

Exceptional Safety Compared to Neighbors

Schuyler County is even safer than nearby Seneca County, which has a crime rate of 1066.8. Its rate of 235.2 sets it apart as an exceptionally peaceful enclave in the Finger Lakes region. Only two reporting agencies handle these sparse incidents.

Minimal Property and Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 39.2 per 100K, while property crime is also remarkably low at 196.0. These figures mean that crime is an infrequent event for the county's residents. The data highlights a strong community-police dynamic.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

With such low crime rates, residents can focus on preventative habits like securing seasonal properties and boats. Simple motion-sensor lights can deter the rare instance of opportunistic theft. Maintaining close ties with neighbors is the best way to preserve Schuyler's safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Schuyler County

via HealthByCounty

Schuyler faces serious life expectancy gap

At 76.5 years, Schuyler County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 75.4 years by just 1.1 years, but its 17.5% poor/fair health rate—the second-highest in this sample—sharply exceeds the national average of 16%. This rural county faces concentrated chronic disease burdens.

Schuyler underperforms state averages

Schuyler's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 1.4 years below New York's average of 77.9 years, ranking it among the state's weakest health performers alongside Schenectady. Its 5.5% uninsured rate marginally exceeds the state average of 5.3%, adding insurance barriers to existing health challenges.

Schuyler has lowest life expectancy overall

Schuyler's 76.5-year life expectancy is the lowest in this entire eight-county sample, while its 17.5% poor/fair health rate ties with Schoharie as the worst. At 62 primary care providers per 100,000, Schuyler has more provider capacity than Schoharie (30) but faces steeper health outcome challenges.

Multiple crises converge in rural Schuyler

Schuyler residents face the lowest life expectancy (76.5 years), among the highest poor/fair health rates (17.5%), and above-average uninsured rates (5.5%) despite having 62 primary care providers per 100,000. This combination suggests deep socioeconomic distress, limited health literacy, or behavioral health crises that provider supply alone cannot address.

Reach out for health coverage support

With 5.5% uninsured and the state's worst health outcomes, expanding coverage in Schuyler could improve access to preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management. Call 2-1-1 or visit ny.gov/health to find free enrollment assistance and explore Medicaid expansion eligibility.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Schuyler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Big Results

Schuyler County operates one of the smallest school systems in the state with only 6 public schools across 3 districts. This focused network serves 1,926 students through a mix of elementary and secondary facilities.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates in the Finger Lakes

Schuyler County boasts an exceptional 91.8% graduation rate, far outperforming the national average of 87.0%. With $13,851 spent per pupil, the county exceeds national spending benchmarks and maintains a strong school score of 69.3.

Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour Districts

The Watkins Glen Central School District serves 900 students across two schools, making it the county's largest district. The educational landscape is entirely comprised of traditional public schools, with no charter options available.

Rural Roots and Community Focus

The county features four rural schools and two town schools, with an average enrollment of only 321 students. Watkins Glen Elementary is the largest building with 468 students, fostering a close-knit atmosphere across the county.

Exceptional Schools in a Scenic Landscape

Families seeking high academic performance in a quiet setting should explore homes near Watkins Glen. The county's stellar graduation rates and personal school sizes make it a hidden gem for educational quality in the Finger Lakes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Schuyler County

via RiskByCounty

Schuyler poses exceptionally low risk

Schuyler County scores just 16.25 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and far below the national average. This reflects minimal exposure across virtually all hazard types, with all individual risk scores in the low-to-very-low range. Schuyler ranks among America's safest counties for natural disaster vulnerability.

New York's safest county

Schuyler County registers the lowest composite risk in New York at 16.25—76% below the state average of 69.42. No other New York county approaches this level of hazard safety. This exceptional position reflects Schuyler's inland location, distance from seismic zones, and minimal exposure to coastal and severe storm threats.

Dramatically safer than all peers

Schuyler (16.25) sits far below every surrounding county, including Schoharie (41.35), Saratoga (73.03), and Schenectady (71.28). This massive gap reflects Schuyler's unique geographic advantages within the Finger Lakes region. The county stands virtually alone at the safety end of the state risk spectrum.

Hurricane risk tops a low list

Even Schuyler's highest hazard—hurricane risk at 57.82—remains below the national average and reflects only distant coastal storm effects. Flood risk (39.09), tornado risk (22.14), and earthquake risk (19.66) all rank as minor concerns. Wildfire risk (6.93) is negligible across this inland county.

Standard coverage likely suffices

Schuyler's exceptional safety means a standard homeowners policy provides solid protection for most residents, with optional flood coverage only needed in specific flood-prone pockets. The county's minimal hazard exposure allows you to focus insurance dollars on other priorities. A brief conversation with your agent can confirm adequate coverage at competitive rates.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Schuyler County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier than Median

Schuyler County's 45.3°F annual average is well below the national median. It receives 38.9 inches of precipitation, making it drier than many other northeastern regions.

One of New York's Cooler Counties

The county is significantly cooler than the New York state average of 47.4°F. It is also drier than the state average of 43.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Moderate Compared to Steuben

Schuyler is slightly cooler than neighboring Steuben County's 45.8°F. However, it receives more precipitation than Steuben's 36.7 inches.

Mild Summers with Rare Heat

Summer averages 65.5°F, and the county experiences only 2 extreme heat days per year. Winters are cold, with a December-February average of 24.8°F.

Minimal Need for Air Conditioning

With only 2 days of extreme heat per year, cooling is less critical than robust heating for the 22.3°F January average. Snowfall data is limited, so residents should track local winter storm warnings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Schuyler County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Schuyler County

Schuyler County features a respectable soil score of 65.3 and a pH of 5.72. This pH is significantly higher than the state average of 5.11, making it more hospitable to a variety of plants. It remains below the national median of 6.5, though it is among the more balanced soils in New York.

Silt-Heavy Soils of the Finger Lakes

The soil contains a high silt percentage of 51.3% and 17.9% clay, with sand making up only 24.9%. This silty texture is common in the Finger Lakes region and provides a smooth, fertile base for agriculture. It offers excellent nutrient-holding capacity thanks to the higher clay and silt concentrations.

Consistent Moisture for Healthy Crops

Organic matter levels sit at 11.05%, providing a solid biological foundation for plant health. The available water capacity is 0.178 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.182 in/in. This suggests that the soil can reliably support plants through various weather conditions without extreme stress.

Moisture-Retentive Land Profiles

The dominance of silt and clay means water moves through the profile slowly, allowing plants more time to absorb nutrients. While official drainage classes are not listed, this mix is generally known for its ability to stay moist. Gardeners should watch for heavy saturation during early spring thaws.

Zone 6a: A Gardener's Haven

Schuyler County's hardiness zone 6a and silty soil make it a premier location for vineyards and orchards. The soil's ability to hold moisture and nutrients supports high-value crops like grapes and stone fruits. Whether you are planting a few rows or a full orchard, the soil is ready to grow.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Schuyler County

via LawnByCounty

New York's Easiest Lawn Maintenance

Schuyler County earns a top-tier lawn difficulty score of 74.1, making it the easiest county in this group for homeowners. This score far exceeds the New York state average of 61.1 and the national median of 50.0.

Minimal Heat Stress Advantage

Low heat stress is a major advantage here, with only 2 extreme heat days recorded annually. While precipitation is slightly lower than the state average at 38.9 inches, the cool summers keep moisture requirements manageable.

Solid Foundation for Grass

A soil pH of 5.72 and a clay content of 17.9% create a solid foundation for turfgrass. This balanced texture holds onto nutrients well, though a light application of lime can help you reach the ideal 6.0 pH level.

Navigating Current Dry Conditions

Currently, 40.4% of the county is abnormally dry, though it only experienced 4 weeks of drought in the past year. Focus on efficient irrigation during these dry windows to maintain the county's naturally high lawn quality.

Perfect Setup for Cool-Season Grass

The Zone 6a climate is ideal for durable cool-season mixes of bluegrass and fescue. Prepare to seed after May 10, once the spring frost risk has subsided, to maximize your 2,073 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schuyler County's county score?
Schuyler County, New York has a composite county score of 58.2 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 Schuyler County rank among counties in New York?
Schuyler County ranks #6 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 Schuyler County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Schuyler County is $3,165, with an effective tax rate of 1.94%. This earns Schuyler County a tax score of 3.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schuyler County?
The median household income in Schuyler County, New York is $65,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schuyler County earns an income score of 56.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schuyler County, New York a good place to live?
Schuyler County scores 58.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in New York. The best way to evaluate Schuyler 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 Schuyler 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.