CountyScore

Schuyler County

New York · NY

#3 in New York
65.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Schuyler County, New York

Schuyler leads all counties in affordability

Schuyler County's composite score of 60.4 is the highest among all eight counties analyzed, ranking 10.4 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This strong position is anchored by exceptional housing cost advantages.

Schuyler ranks among New York's very best

With a score of 60.4, Schuyler ranks 5.7 points above New York's county average of 54.7, placing it firmly in the state's upper tier. This leadership reflects the county's exceptional cost profile.

Unmatched housing affordability in region

Schuyler's cost score of 78.4 is the highest in this analysis, with median home values of just $163,300 and monthly gross rent at $858. These dramatically low housing costs create substantial financial advantages for residents compared to any comparable county.

Income and wages severely lag the region

An income score of 26.2 and median household income of just $65,625 rank lowest among all eight counties, indicating very limited earning potential. A tax score of 47.8 and effective rate of 1.938%, while moderate, still consume a significant share of limited incomes.

Perfect for those prioritizing cost minimization

Schuyler suits retirees, remote workers, and others with independent income sources seeking the absolute lowest cost of living. The county is unsuitable for those dependent on local wages or seeking career growth and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax47.8Cost78.4SafetyComing SoonHealth74.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.2Risk83.8WaterComing Soon
🏛47.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.8
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 Schuyler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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65.9
Median income: $55,499
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65.9
Median income: $72,298
Ness County
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65.9
Median income: $66,107
Boone County
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65.9
Median income: $94,752
Clay County
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65.9
Median income: $77,664

Deep Dives

Schuyler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.