countyscore
45.3
County Score
Health 78.4Soil Quality 68.5Lawn Care 68.5

County Report Card

About Seneca County, New York

Seneca County trails the national median

Seneca County earns a composite score of 45.3, falling nearly five points below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced but slightly lower-than-average performance across major livability metrics compared to counties nationwide.

Underperforming the New York state average

The county's 45.3 score sits below the New York state average of 47.0, indicating it faces tougher conditions than many of its peers. While it remains competitive in some areas, it struggles to match the overall benchmarks set by the rest of the state.

Exceptional health and environmental resilience

Seneca County excels in public health with a score of 78.4 and environmental risk management at 58.2. Residents benefit from a median home value of $142,700, which keeps the entry point for homeownership relatively accessible compared to downstate regions.

High tax burdens and water quality concerns

The county faces a significant challenge with a tax score of only 1.4, driven by a high effective tax rate of 2.289%. Additionally, the water quality score of 28.8 suggests that local infrastructure requires more attention to meet higher standards.

A healthy choice for budget-conscious families

This county suits families looking for affordable housing and a healthy environment who can manage a high property tax load. With a median income of $66,007 and solid school scores of 55.6, it provides a stable foundation for rural living.

Score breakdown

Tax1.4Cost33.9Safety52.5Health78.4Schools55.6Income56.9Risk58.2Water28.8Weather55.8
🏛1.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.5
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

Yates County
New York
51.3
Cayuga County
New York
43.8
Schuyler County
New York
58.2
Ontario County
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Tompkins County
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Wayne County
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Onondaga County
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Cortland County
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Deep Dives

Seneca County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Seneca County

via TaxByCounty

Seneca's tax rate beats national norm

Seneca County's effective tax rate of 2.289% sits above the national median of 2.09%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. Despite higher rates elsewhere, Seneca's median property tax of $3,267 remains modest because home values here average just $142,700—far below the national median of $281,900.

Mid-range taxes among New York counties

Seneca ranks in the middle tier statewide, with an effective rate of 2.289% compared to New York's state average of 2.046%. Its median tax bill of $3,267 is significantly lower than the state median of $4,709, reflecting both lower home values and a slightly above-average tax rate.

Higher taxes than upstate neighbors

Seneca's 2.289% rate edges above St. Lawrence County (2.283%) but trails Steuben County's 2.523% in the region. Compared to the Finger Lakes area, Seneca falls between Tompkins County (2.348%) and Tioga County (2.448%), making it a moderate-tax zone for upstate New York.

Annual tax on typical Seneca home

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $142,700 pays approximately $3,267 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $3,331; without one, it drops to $3,158.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many Seneca County homeowners are unaware they can challenge their property assessments if they believe them inflated. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill—it's worth exploring if your home's assessed value seems out of line with recent sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Seneca County

via CostByCounty

Seneca renters fare better than America

Seneca County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With median household income at $66,007—about 12% below the national average of $74,755—residents still enjoy relatively affordable rental costs at $925 per month.

A rental bargain in New York State

Seneca County ranks as one of New York's most affordable counties for renters, with a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio beating the statewide average of 17.6%. The median rent of $925 is substantially lower than New York's typical $1,133, making this county an outlier in the state's expensive housing market.

Competitive with similar upstate counties

Seneca County's $925 median rent aligns closely with nearby Steuben County ($878) and Tioga County ($914), though both neighbors have slightly lower housing-income ratios. Compared to upstate peers, Seneca offers balanced affordability for renters seeking stability without migrating to much cheaper regions.

Rent versus ownership in Seneca

Monthly rent averages $925 while homeownership costs $1,012—a narrow gap reflecting affordability across both markets. With median income of $66,007, the typical Seneca household dedicates about 17% of income to rent, leaving reasonable breathing room for other expenses.

Consider Seneca for balanced housing

If you're relocating from pricier New York counties but want to stay within the state, Seneca offers a rare combination: rents $208 below the state average and an ownership market centered around $143,000. Compare this stability against state leaders like Tompkins (22.6% rent-to-income ratio) or Suffolk (20.5%) to see your true savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Seneca County

via IncomeByCounty

Seneca lags behind national earnings

Seneca County's median household income of $66,007 falls about 12% below the national median of $74,755. This gap suggests residents here earn notably less than the typical American household, though the county still maintains a stable middle-class foundation.

Below average for New York State

At $66,007, Seneca County ranks in the lower third of New York's 62 counties, trailing the state median of $76,433 by roughly $10,400. The gap reflects Seneca's more rural character compared to wealthier urban and suburban regions upstate.

Stronger than nearby St. Lawrence

Seneca outearns neighboring St. Lawrence County by $4,107 annually, though it falls slightly short of comparable Steuben County ($64,740). Among its regional peers, Seneca holds a middle position in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes income ladder.

Rent remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.8%, Seneca County residents spend a healthy portion of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $142,700 further signal that homeownership remains within reach for working families.

Building wealth in Seneca County

A $66,007 household income provides a solid base for saving and investing, especially given affordable housing costs. Starting an emergency fund, exploring tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and consulting a financial advisor can help Seneca families bridge the income gap and build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Seneca County

via CrimeByCounty

Seneca County Beats the National Average

Seneca County reports a total crime rate of 1066.8 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a strong safety score of 98.3. This performance indicates a secure environment for residents of the Finger Lakes area.

Aligning with New York State Averages

Seneca’s safety score of 98.3 is identical to the New York state average. The total crime rate of 1066.8 per 100K sits just below the statewide average of 1074.4. The county maintains a consistent safety profile relative to the rest of the state.

Regional Trends in the Finger Lakes

Seneca County has a higher crime rate than neighboring Schuyler County, which reports just 235.2 incidents per 100K. However, it remains safer than many urbanized counties across the state. Four reporting agencies track these local statistics.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime in Seneca is reported at 169.4 per 100K, slightly above the state average of 125.0. Property crime makes up the bulk of incidents at 897.4 per 100K. These rates reflect a typical mix of rural and small-town safety challenges.

Smart Security for Seneca Residents

Residents should focus on securing homes against property crime by using smart security systems and adequate lighting. Locking vehicles and storing outdoor equipment securely are effective ways to prevent theft. Staying active in local safety forums can help keep crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Seneca County

via HealthByCounty

Seneca's life expectancy lags national pace

Seneca County residents live to an average of 77.6 years, slightly below New York's state average of 77.9 years and about 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 79.1 years. While 16% of Seneca residents report poor or fair health, this aligns closely with national trends, suggesting the county faces familiar health challenges across the state and country.

Middle-of-pack health outcomes statewide

Seneca ranks mid-range among New York's 62 counties for life expectancy and health status. The county's 6% uninsured rate edges above the state average of 5.3%, meaning more residents lack coverage than most New York counties.

Stronger than some upstate neighbors

Seneca's 77.6-year life expectancy outpaces nearby St. Lawrence (76.8) and Sullivan counties (76.1), though it trails the stronger performance of Steuben (76.3) and Tioga counties. Seneca's primary care provider density of 27 per 100,000 residents trails regional leaders like Steuben (56 per 100K) and Tompkins (80 per 100K).

Primary care shortage limits daily access

With just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 people, Seneca residents face longer waits and harder travel for basic care compared to state averages. Mental health support is robust at 241 providers per 100,000, though the primary care gap means many residents may delay seeking preventive services.

Cover the uninsured gap today

One in 17 Seneca residents lacks health insurance. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit ny.gov/healthplan or call 1-855-355-5777 to explore affordable coverage options and ensure you can access the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Seneca County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Network of Focused Learning

Seneca County operates a lean educational network of 11 public schools across four specialized districts. The system serves 3,720 students through a mix of five elementary, two middle, and three high schools. This compact infrastructure ensures students remain within a tight-knit community throughout their academic careers.

Competitive Spending and Targeted Graduation Goals

The county invests $14,666 per pupil, which exceeds the national average and sits just below the New York state average. While the 81.2% graduation rate trails the state's 85.3%, the county maintains a solid school score of 65.5. These figures reflect a dedicated investment in resources even as the district works to close performance gaps.

Waterloo and Seneca Falls Lead the County

Waterloo Central School District stands as the largest provider, educating 1,433 students across four schools. Seneca Falls Central follows closely with 1,202 students, while South Seneca Central serves a smaller cohort of 636. There are currently no charter schools in the county, keeping all 3,720 students in traditional public districts.

Cozy Learning in Town and Rural Settings

The county features an average school size of 338 students, offering an intimate environment for learners. Eight schools sit in town locales while three remain strictly rural, including the county's largest school, Romulus Central, which serves 449 students. Smaller campuses like Mynderse Academy provide focused high school experiences with just 377 students.

Build Your Future Near Quality Seneca Schools

Families looking for a community-oriented lifestyle will find Seneca County's manageable school sizes highly appealing. Explore local real estate to find a home near top-rated facilities like those in the Waterloo or Seneca Falls districts. School quality remains a vital pillar for property value and long-term family stability in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Seneca County

via RiskByCounty

Seneca County's Natural Disaster Risk

With a composite risk score of 41.83 and a Very Low rating, Seneca County sits well below the national average and is among New York's safest counties. This exceptionally low risk profile reflects minimal exposure across most major hazard types, from wildfires to tornadoes.

Lowest Risk in New York

Seneca County's score of 41.83 is dramatically lower than New York's state average of 69.42, ranking it in the state's safest tier. This 27-point advantage means residents face significantly reduced exposure to natural disasters compared to most other New York counties.

Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Seneca County's risk score is substantially lower than neighboring Tioga County (59.86) and Tompkins County (73.86). This safety advantage extends across most hazard categories, making it one of the region's most resilient areas.

Watch for Flooding and Hurricanes

Flood risk (63.65) and hurricane risk (59.41) are Seneca County's top concerns, though both remain moderate compared to state averages. Tornado risk is minimal at 30.79, and wildfire exposure presents little threat to most properties in the county.

Insurance Remains Essential Protection

Even in low-risk Seneca County, flood and hurricane coverage should be part of your insurance strategy, particularly near water bodies and low-lying areas. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude both flood and wind damage, requiring separate coverage for complete protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Seneca County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Rainfall in the Finger Lakes

Seneca County receives 37.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the national average. While specific temperature data is limited, the region follows a continental climate pattern.

Drier than the New York Average

The county's 37.7 inches of precipitation is lower than the New York state average of 43.3 inches. Temperature data is not currently recorded for this specific FIPS location.

Drier than Eastern Neighbors

Seneca is noticeably drier than Schuyler County, which receives 38.9 inches of precipitation. Regional data suggests it shares the same four-season cycle common to the Finger Lakes.

Seasonal Data Limited for Seneca

Specific seasonal averages and snowfall figures are not currently available for the county. Historically, the area experiences snowy winters and mild, humid summers like its neighbors.

Plan for 37 Inches of Rain

Residents should focus on drainage and moisture management for 37.7 inches of annual rain. Without specific temperature data, it is best to prepare for the broad regional average of cold winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Seneca County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Heart of the Finger Lakes

Seneca County's average soil pH of 6.07 is notably higher than the New York state average of 5.11. This puts it closer to the national median of 6.5, making it less acidic than many neighboring counties. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, the soil score of 68.5 indicates high agricultural potential.

A Silty Mix for Reliable Workability

The soil contains 47.6% silt, 31.2% sand, and 19.3% clay. This high silt content ensures a smooth texture that is easier to work than heavy clay. The balanced mix provides a stable base for root systems across the county's rolling terrain.

Moderate Fertility and Efficient Water Use

Organic matter sits at 8.40%, which far exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls below the state average of 17.01%. An available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in. This suggests a need for consistent moisture management to reach peak yields.

Managing the Flow in the Lake District

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not provided for the whole county, local growers manage the silt-rich profile to prevent compaction. The soil score of 68.5 suggests the land naturally supports healthy plant life without extreme intervention. Farmers typically focus on maintaining soil structure to optimize drainage between the lakes.

Bountiful Harvesets in Zone 6b

Seneca County enjoys a mild climate in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, perfect for the region's famous vineyards and orchards. This combination of silty soil and lake-moderated air creates an ideal environment for grapes and stone fruits. Grab a spade and start your garden to take advantage of these fertile, neutral soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Seneca County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Lawn Success in Seneca County

Seneca County earns a lawn difficulty score of 68.5, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the New York state average of 61.1. Situated in hardiness zone 6b, the local climate provides a more temperate environment for grass than the national median score of 50.0.

Predictable Rainfall Supports Steady Growth

The county receives 37.7 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the 30 to 50-inch ideal range for healthy lawns. While specific temperature and frost data are limited for this area, the rainfall levels suggest a reliable watering schedule for most of the year. Mowing frequency typically follows the consistent moisture patterns seen across the Finger Lakes region.

Ideal Soil pH for Nutrient Absorption

The soil pH in Seneca County averages 6.07, hitting the perfect sweet spot for grass nutrient uptake. With a clay content of 19.3% and sand at 31.2%, the earth provides a stable structure that retains moisture without becoming overly compacted. Homeowners likely need fewer chemical adjustments compared to neighbors with more acidic soil.

Managing Dry Spells in the Finger Lakes

Despite the high difficulty score, the county faced 24 weeks of drought over the past year, with 95.3% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. To preserve your lawn, focus on deep, infrequent watering during early morning hours to encourage root depth. These practices help turf survive prolonged periods without rain while minimizing evaporation loss.

Start Your Seneca County Lawn Today

In zone 6b, tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for their resilience and deep green color. Aim to seed in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to dip and natural moisture increases. This timing allows roots to establish firmly before the winter ground freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seneca County's county score?
Seneca County, New York has a composite county score of 45.3 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 Seneca County rank among counties in New York?
Seneca County ranks #37 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 Seneca County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Seneca County is $3,267, with an effective tax rate of 2.29%. This earns Seneca County a tax score of 1.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Seneca County?
The median household income in Seneca County, New York is $66,007 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Seneca County earns an income score of 56.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Seneca County, New York a good place to live?
Seneca County scores 45.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in New York. The best way to evaluate Seneca 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 Seneca 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.