CountyScore

Seneca County

New York · NY

#18 in New York
61
County Score

County Report Card

About Seneca County, New York

Seneca Beats National Average

Seneca County scores 55.7 on the CountyScore composite index, outpacing the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a county that delivers solid livability across measurable dimensions, even as data collection continues on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors.

Middle of the New York Pack

Seneca's composite score of 55.7 edges just slightly above New York's state average of 54.7, positioning it as a solid mid-tier performer among the state's counties. It holds its ground against regional peers without standing out as a clear leader.

Affordability Is the Real Draw

Seneca excels in cost, with a score of 76.3 reflecting a median home value of $142,700 and median rent of just $925 monthly—well below state norms. These affordable housing options make the county appealing to budget-conscious families and first-time homebuyers seeking stability without breaking the bank.

Income and Taxes Need Work

Seneca's income score of 26.5 and tax score of 37.9 are the county's weak points, with a median household income of $66,007 trailing state expectations. Additional data on safety, health, and schools is still being compiled, so a fuller picture of livability challenges will emerge soon.

Best For Budget-First Families

Seneca County suits families and individuals prioritizing affordability and lower housing costs over maximum earning potential or extensive amenities. It's a practical choice for those seeking stable, modest-income communities where a dollar stretches further than in urban or wealthy suburban areas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax37.9Cost76.3SafetyComing SoonHealth76.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk58.2WaterComing Soon
🏛37.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡58.2
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 Seneca County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Northwest Hills Planning Region
Connecticut
61
Median income: $91,035
Hendry County
Florida
61
Median income: $53,044
Richmond County
Georgia
61
Median income: $53,197
Whiteside County
Illinois
61
Median income: $64,536
Johnson County
Iowa
61
Median income: $74,721

Deep Dives

Seneca County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.