countyscore
51.3
County Score
Health 80.5Safety 75.6Schools 64.5

County Report Card

About Steuben County, New York

Competitive on the national stage

Steuben County earns a composite score of 51.3, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the upper half of the country for overall livability and resource availability.

A standout among New York counties

Steuben County outperforms the New York state average of 47.0 significantly. It offers a more favorable mix of public safety and health outcomes than the average New York locality.

Top-tier health and safety metrics

Health and safety are the county's primary strengths, with impressive scores of 80.5 and 75.6 respectively. Families benefit from a strong school system score of 64.5 and an affordable median home value of $128,600.

Intense tax pressure and environmental risk

The tax score is nearly zero at 0.6 because of a very high effective tax rate of 2.523%. Residents also face a low risk score of 23.1 and a water score of 28.0, indicating environmental and infrastructure hurdles.

Perfect for safety-first families

This county is best for families who value safe neighborhoods and high-quality healthcare above all else. While the tax burden is heavy, the low cost of living and $64,740 median income provide a sustainable lifestyle for many.

Score breakdown

Tax0.6Cost41.8Safety75.6Health80.5Schools64.5Income53.2Risk23.1Water28Weather50.9
🏛0.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.4
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

Yates County
New York
51.3
Schuyler County
New York
58.2
Livingston County
New York
51.4
Ontario County
New York
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Allegany County
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Chemung County
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Tioga County
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Seneca County
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Deep Dives

Steuben County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Steuben County

via TaxByCounty

Steuben's taxes rank among nation's highest

Steuben County's effective tax rate of 2.523% stands in the 72nd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 2.09%. Its median property tax of $3,245 pairs an above-average rate with below-average home values ($128,600 versus the national median of $281,900).

Above-average taxes for New York state

Steuben's effective rate of 2.523% significantly exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, making it one of the higher-tax counties statewide. The median tax bill of $3,245 remains below the state median of $4,709 only because local homes are valued lower.

Highest rate in the regional group

Steuben County's 2.523% effective rate tops all eight profiled counties, including regional peers Tioga (2.448%), Tompkins (2.348%), and Seneca (2.289%). This makes Steuben the priciest place to own property in the central New York sample.

Annual tax on typical Steuben home

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $128,600 pays approximately $3,245 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $3,754; without one, it drops to $2,750.

Your assessment may be too high

Steuben County homeowners facing above-average tax rates should seriously consider challenging their assessments—high rates make overassessment even more costly. Most counties allow free appeals through the town assessor or board of assessment review, and many successful challenges recover significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Steuben County

via CostByCounty

Steuben rents stay below national norm

Steuben County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits below the national average, indicating residents spend less of their income on housing than typical U.S. households. With median rent at $878 and household income of $64,740—roughly 13% below the national median—this county delivers solid affordability.

Below-average housing burden in New York

Steuben County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio beats New York's statewide average of 17.6%, positioning it among the more affordable counties in the state. The $878 median rent costs $255 less than the state typical, a meaningful difference for household budgets.

Middle ground among upstate peers

Steuben County's $878 rent falls between Tioga ($914) and St. Lawrence ($799), making it a moderate-cost option in the upstate cluster. Its 16.3% rent-to-income ratio compares favorably to Seneca (16.8%) and Tioga (15.3%), reflecting consistent regional affordability.

Balanced costs for renters and owners

Monthly rent averages $878 while homeownership costs $924—remarkably similar figures reflecting an accessible market for both paths. A median household income of $64,740 means residents dedicate about 16% of earnings to rent, leaving ample room for savings and living expenses.

Stable affordability in Steuben County

Steuben County combines sub-$900 median rent with a $129,000 median home value, making it accessible for both renters and first-time buyers. If you're relocating from higher-cost New York regions, this county offers 22% cheaper rent than the state average while maintaining competitive ownership costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Steuben County

via IncomeByCounty

Steuben income falls short nationally

Steuben County's median household income of $64,740 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 13%. While below the U.S. average, Steuben maintains solid middle-class earning power compared to the lowest-income rural counties.

Steuben ranks in lower third statewide

At $64,740, Steuben County sits in the lower third of New York's 62 counties, roughly $11,700 below the state median of $76,433. This reflects the county's mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale industry rather than high-wage urban employment.

Comparable to nearby Southern Tier peers

Steuben's $64,740 income sits between St. Lawrence County ($61,900) and Seneca County ($66,007), placing it squarely in the regional middle. Among Finger Lakes and Southern Tier neighbors, Steuben performs competitively but trails wealthier Hudson Valley counties.

Housing remains within reach

Steuben's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% signals affordable housing, with median home values at $128,600. This affordability cushion allows families to maintain financial stability despite income levels below state and national averages.

Investing in Steuben's financial future

A $64,740 median household income, paired with affordable housing, creates opportunity for strategic savings and investment. Steuben residents should focus on employer-sponsored retirement plans, local business ownership, and education investments to increase lifetime earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Steuben County

via CrimeByCounty

Steuben County maintains exceptional safety standards

Steuben County earns an impressive safety score of 99.1 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 583.4 per 100,000 residents is roughly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming New York safety averages

Steuben's safety score of 99.1 exceeds the New York state average of 98.3. The county's total crime rate is nearly half the state average of 1,074.4 per 100,000 people.

A leader in regional safety

Steuben County's crime rate of 583.4 remains remarkably close to neighboring Tioga County's 575.0. It offers significantly more security than nearby Tompkins County, where crime rates exceed 2,020 per 100,000 residents.

Low violent and property crime rates

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 88.7 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime also stays low at 494.7, meaning residents experience high levels of security for their homes and belongings.

Maintain Steuben's high safety standards

While Steuben is safer than most of the country, local authorities from 11 reporting agencies still encourage standard home security measures. Staying vigilant helps preserve this county's status as a regional safety leader.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Steuben County

via HealthByCounty

Steuben life expectancy below U.S. benchmark

Steuben County residents live to 76.3 years on average, 2.8 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 79.1 years and 1.6 years below New York's state average of 77.9 years. However, only 14.9% report poor or fair health—a relatively encouraging sign compared to national and state averages.

Lower uninsured rate bolsters coverage strength

Steuben's 4.7% uninsured rate stands below New York's 5.3% average, meaning the county has better health insurance coverage than most of the state. Despite this coverage advantage, life expectancy remains below state average, pointing to broader health challenges beyond insurance access.

Healthcare providers outpace similar counties

Steuben's primary care provider density (56 per 100K) significantly exceeds nearby Seneca (27) and trails only Tompkins (80) and Suffolk (71) among regional peers. With 250 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Steuben offers solid mental health infrastructure.

Provider access enables routine preventive care

Steuben's 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide reasonable access for most routine care needs, supporting early detection and prevention. Strong insurance coverage (4.7% uninsured) means most residents can afford to use these services when needed.

Check coverage options today

If you lack health insurance or suspect your current plan could be improved, visit ny.gov/healthplan or call 1-855-355-5777 to explore affordable options and ensure continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Steuben County

via SchoolsByCounty

Regional Education Across the Southern Tier

Steuben County hosts 34 public schools within 13 districts, providing education to 13,738 students. The landscape includes 15 elementary schools and 10 high schools, along with specialized alternative and special education facilities. This diverse array of schools ensures that students across the county's large footprint have varied academic options.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

With a graduation rate of 86.4%, Steuben County exceeds both the state average and the national median for student success. The county invests $15,057 per pupil, significantly more than the national average of $13,000. These factors result in a strong school score of 69.0, reflecting high academic standards and fiscal commitment.

Corning City Schools Lead the Way

The Corning City School District dominates the local landscape, managing nine schools and serving 4,317 students. Wayland-Cohocton and Addison Central also play major roles, educating 1,308 and 1,045 students respectively. Traditional public districts remain the sole providers here, as the county has no charter schools.

A Balance of Rural and Town Life

The average school size in Steuben County is 404 students, though individual campus sizes vary significantly. Corning-Painted Post High School is the largest with 1,463 students, contrasting with the 19 schools located in quiet rural locales. This mix provides families the choice between large-scale town resources and smaller, rural school environments.

Secure a Home in Top-Tier Districts

Buying a home in Steuben County means gaining access to some of the Southern Tier's best graduation rates. Focus your search on the Corning or Wayland areas to benefit from robust school funding and academic success. High-performing schools are a cornerstone of this county's vibrant residential communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Steuben County

via RiskByCounty

Steuben County's Mixed Risk Profile

Steuben County registers 76.88 with a Relatively Low rating, slightly above New York's state average of 69.42, reflecting moderate hazard exposure. The county faces particularly elevated flood (87.53) and hurricane (70.13) risks that warrant attention from residents.

Mid-Tier Risk in New York

With a score of 76.88, Steuben County ranks in the state's middle tier for natural disaster risk, facing greater exposure than counties like Seneca and Tioga. Its flood risk of 87.53 places it among New York's most flood-prone counties.

Similar Risk to Regional Peers

Steuben County's risk profile aligns closely with Sullivan County (78.28) and St. Lawrence County (77.89), all facing comparable multi-hazard exposure. However, Steuben's tornado risk (58.11) significantly exceeds these neighbors, creating a distinct risk signature.

Flooding and Tornadoes Pose Real Threats

Flood risk at 87.53 and tornado risk at 58.11 are Steuben County's most pressing hazards, with flood exposure significantly above the state average. Hurricane risk (70.13) adds another layer of vulnerability, particularly for southern-facing properties.

Flood and Wind Coverage Critical

Steuben County residents should prioritize flood insurance and verify that homeowners policies include robust wind coverage for hurricane and tornado protection. Older homes and properties in floodplains face compounded risk and may require additional structural reinforcement.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Steuben County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier than National Norms

Steuben County has an annual average temperature of 45.8°F. It is notably dry, receiving only 36.7 inches of precipitation per year.

Among the Driest in New York

The county's 36.7 inches of precipitation is well below the New York state average of 43.3 inches. Its 45.8°F average temperature also tracks lower than the state's 47.4°F average.

Warmer than Northern Schuyler

Steuben's 45.8°F average is warmer than neighboring Schuyler County. It is also the driest county among its immediate regional peers.

Icy Winters and Peaked Summers

Winter averages 24.8°F and brings 52.6 inches of snow. Despite a mild summer average of 66.4°F, the county hits 90°F or higher 8 days per year.

HVAC for Heat and Cold

Plan for 8 days of extreme heat and a snowy 52.6-inch winter season. Heating systems must be capable of handling January temperatures that average 22.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Steuben County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity in the Southern Tier

Steuben County averages a pH of 5.52, sitting above the New York state average of 5.11 but below the national 6.5 median. The county earns a soil score of 64.2, indicating solid potential for diverse land use. This acidic profile is typical for the region's forest-derived soils.

Silty Soils for Versatile Use

Silt makes up 47.9% of the soil, followed by 29.6% sand and 15.5% clay. This creates a medium-textured soil that offers a good balance between moisture retention and drainage. It is well-suited for a variety of crops, from field corn to potatoes.

Standard Fertility and Reliable Water Access

Organic matter content is 12.47%, which is healthy but falls short of the high state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is 0.184 in/in, aligning almost perfectly with the state average of 0.182 in/in. These levels provide a predictable environment for consistent plant growth.

Balanced Hydrology for Stable Lands

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the nearly 48% silt content suggests moderate permeability. This soil type generally holds enough water for plants without becoming waterlogged as easily as heavy clay. Maintaining soil health is key to preventing erosion on the county’s many slopes.

Diverse Potential in Zone 5b

The Zone 5b climate supports a wide range of hardy perennials and vegetables. Given the reliable water capacity, this is an excellent place for backyard orchards or vegetable plots. Start your garden today and enjoy the benefits of Steuben's well-balanced soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Steuben County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Steuben County's Lawn Challenges

Steuben County posts a lawn difficulty score of 59.4, placing it slightly below the New York state average of 61.1. Homeowners in this 5b hardiness zone must work a bit harder to keep turf lush compared to higher-scoring neighboring counties.

Dry Air and Moderate Summer Heat

Annual precipitation of 36.7 inches is lower than the state average of 43.3, meaning supplemental irrigation is often necessary. With 8 extreme heat days per year and 2,166 growing degree days, the climate puts moderate stress on cool-season grasses during July. The growing season effectively runs from mid-May through the first frost on October 5th.

Adjusting for Acidic Soil and Low Sand

The local soil pH of 5.52 is below the ideal threshold, which can lock out essential nutrients from your grass. With only 29.6% sand and 15.5% clay, the soil can be prone to compaction if not properly aerated. Periodic lime treatments are recommended to bring the pH closer to the 6.0 sweet spot for optimal growth.

Water Conservation in the Southern Tier

Nearly 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following a year with 24 weeks of drought conditions. To build resilience, keep your grass at least 3 inches tall to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation. This simple mowing adjustment helps the lawn survive with less water during Steuben's drier months.

Sowing for Success in Zone 5b

Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue are the top performers for the local climate and soil conditions. The best window for seeding is mid-May or late August, avoiding the peak summer heat and the October 5th frost. Proper timing ensures a deep root system that can handle the cold January average of 22.2°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steuben County's county score?
Steuben County, New York has a composite county score of 51.3 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 Steuben County rank among counties in New York?
Steuben County ranks #19 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 Steuben County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Steuben County is $3,245, with an effective tax rate of 2.52%. This earns Steuben County a tax score of 0.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Steuben County?
The median household income in Steuben County, New York is $64,740 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Steuben County earns an income score of 53.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Steuben County, New York a good place to live?
Steuben County scores 51.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in New York. The best way to evaluate Steuben 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 Steuben County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.