countyscore
53.8
County Score
Health 91.9Safety 76Lawn Care 73

County Report Card

About Tioga County, New York

Tioga County beats national averages

With a composite score of 53.8, Tioga County stands well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing county nationally, offering a balanced mix of economic and social benefits.

One of New York's top choices

Tioga County's score of 53.8 easily surpasses the New York state average of 47.0. It serves as a model for regional livability, providing better outcomes than most counties in the Empire State.

Elite health and high safety

The county excels with a phenomenal health score of 91.9 and a robust safety score of 76.0. An income score of 71.0, backed by a $71,791 median income, ensures residents have strong purchasing power.

High tax rates and environmental risks

Property taxes are a burden, shown by a tax score of 1.0 and a 2.448% effective rate. The risk score of 40.2 and cost score of 34.6 also indicate room for improvement in resilience and housing value.

Perfect for health-conscious professionals

Tioga is an excellent choice for families and professionals who prioritize health outcomes and safety above all else. Its strong income-to-cost ratio, despite high taxes, makes it a very attractive location for middle-class stability.

Score breakdown

Tax1Cost34.6Safety76Health91.9Schools63.2Income71Risk40.2Water50.3Weather52
🏛1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤91.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73
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

Tompkins County
New York
38.4
Chemung County
New York
39.4
Broome County
New York
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Bradford County
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Cortland County
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Schuyler County
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Susquehanna County
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Chenango County
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Deep Dives

Tioga County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tioga County

via TaxByCounty

Tioga's tax rate well above national

Tioga County's effective tax rate of 2.448% sits in the 69th percentile nationally, significantly above the national median of 2.09%. Its median property tax of $3,750 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though Tioga homes average just $153,200—below the national median of $281,900.

Above-average tax burden in New York

Tioga's effective rate of 2.448% substantially exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, making it one of the higher-tax counties statewide. The median tax of $3,750 runs below the state median of $4,709 only because homes here are valued significantly less than the state average.

Second-highest rate in the region

Tioga's 2.448% rate ranks second only to Steuben County (2.523%) among the eight profiled counties, and well above regional neighbors like Tompkins (2.348%) and Seneca (2.289%). This positions Tioga as a higher-tax zone in central New York.

Annual tax on typical Tioga home

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $153,200 pays approximately $3,750 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $4,070; without one, it drops to $3,450.

Challenge assessments at the town level

Tioga County's above-average tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important. Homeowners can appeal their assessments to the town assessor or board of assessment review at no cost—if your assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, an appeal could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tioga County

via CostByCounty

Tioga excels at housing affordability

Tioga County residents enjoy a rent-to-income ratio of just 15.3%—among the best in America—despite median income of $71,791 sitting below the national average of $74,755. At $914 per month, median rent combined with modest household earnings creates exceptional affordability.

Top-tier affordability within New York

Tioga County ranks as one of New York's most affordable counties, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beating the statewide 17.6% average by 2.3 percentage points. The $914 median rent is $219 below New York's typical, positioning Tioga as a standout value in an expensive state.

Among the cheapest in upstate cluster

Tioga County's $914 rent ranks second-lowest among our upstate peer group, surpassed only by St. Lawrence ($799) and undercutting Seneca ($925) and Steuben ($878). Its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ties it with St. Lawrence as the region's best affordability story.

Minimal burden across housing options

Monthly rent is $914 while homeownership costs $1,017—nearly identical, indicating a balanced market where renters and buyers face similar burden. The median household income of $71,791 means renters spend just 15.3% of earnings on housing, among the lowest percentages in our comparison.

Tioga County: Upstate value champion

Tioga County delivers some of New York's best housing affordability, with sub-$915 rents and $153,000 median homes attracting budget-conscious relocators. Compare this 15.3% rent-to-income ratio against Tompkins (22.6%) or Suffolk (20.5%) to see how much your budget stretches in this underrated county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tioga County

via IncomeByCounty

Tioga nearly matches national earnings

Tioga County's median household income of $71,791 sits just 4% below the national median of $74,755, positioning it as a solidly middle-class county. This modest gap reflects a balanced local economy with manufacturing, agriculture, and service-sector jobs.

Tioga ranks near state midpoint

At $71,791, Tioga County hovers close to the New York state median of $76,433, placing it near the middle of the state's 62 counties. The county performs comparatively well for rural and Southern Tier standards.

Strong performer among rural neighbors

Tioga's $71,791 income exceeds nearby St. Lawrence ($61,900), Seneca ($66,007), and Steuben ($64,740) counties, establishing it as the regional income leader among Southern Tier peers. Only Tompkins County ($73,012) slightly edges out Tioga in this geography.

Excellent rent affordability

Tioga County boasts one of the region's lowest rent-to-income ratios at just 15.3%, with median home values of $153,200. This combination means housing costs consume a minimal share of household income, allowing families greater financial flexibility.

Leveraging Tioga's affordable lifestyle

At $71,791 in median income with exceptional housing affordability, Tioga County residents are well-positioned to save and invest. Establishing an investment portfolio, contributing to retirement accounts, and building home equity can help families in Tioga accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tioga County

via CrimeByCounty

Tioga County is among America's safest

Tioga County achieves a top-tier safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 575.0 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the New York safety benchmark

Tioga's safety score of 99.1 outpaces the New York state average of 98.3. The county's crime rate is also much lower than the state average of 1,074.4 per 100,000 people.

Stable safety compared to nearby counties

Tioga's crime rate of 575.0 is nearly identical to Steuben County's 583.4. It remains roughly four times safer than nearby Tompkins County, which sees significantly more property crime.

Property crime remains the primary concern

Tioga maintains a low violent crime rate of 72.4, nearly half the state average of 125.0. Property crime sits at 502.6, which accounts for the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Preserving Tioga's rural security

With only three reporting agencies, the county relies on strong community ties to keep crime low. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and locking gates help maintain Tioga's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tioga County

via HealthByCounty

Tioga exceeds national health benchmarks

Tioga County's 78.6-year life expectancy edges above the U.S. average of 79.1 years, placing it in the healthier half of American counties, though it slightly trails New York's state average of 77.9. Only 13.3% of residents report poor or fair health, below both state and national rates.

Upper-half performer in New York

Tioga ranks in the upper half of New York counties for life expectancy and self-reported health status. At 4.2% uninsured—the lowest rate among its peer counties—Tioga residents enjoy strong health insurance coverage.

Strong health despite lower provider density

Tioga's 78.6-year life expectancy ranks third among its regional peers, trailing only Tompkins (80.9) and Suffolk (79.4). However, its 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents tie with Seneca for the lowest density in the cohort, yet health outcomes remain solid.

Low uninsurance bolsters health stability

Tioga's 4.2% uninsured rate is the lowest among all eight counties, meaning nearly all residents have healthcare access. Though primary care providers are limited at 27 per 100,000, strong insurance coverage and relatively good health status suggest residents successfully navigate available resources.

Keep your coverage strong

Tioga's low uninsured rate is a community asset—maintain it by reviewing your plan annually at ny.gov/healthplan or calling 1-855-355-5777 to ensure your coverage stays aligned with your health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tioga County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small and Steady Education System

Tioga County operates 20 public schools across six districts, educating a total of 7,081 students. The system is comprised of nine elementary, five middle, and six high schools. This streamlined structure serves the county's population with a clear focus on core K-12 academic progression.

Strong Graduation Success with Efficient Spending

Tioga County achieves an 86.2% graduation rate, which beats the New York state average of 85.3%. Spending is efficient at $13,347 per pupil, keeping costs closer to the national average than many neighboring counties. The county maintains a school score of 65.2, reflecting consistent performance across its districts.

Owego-Apalachin and Waverly Drive Enrollment

Owego-Apalachin Central School District is the largest, supporting 1,923 students across four schools. Waverly Central also serves a significant cohort of 1,532 students, followed by Newark Valley with 1,026. Traditional public education is the standard here, with zero charter schools in the county.

Predominantly Rural Schools with Personal Feel

Half of the county's schools are located in rural settings, with seven in towns and three in suburban areas. Owego Free Academy is the largest school with 606 students, though the county average is much smaller at 354. This environment ensures students receive individual attention in campuses that feel like part of the neighborhood.

Find Your Community in Tioga County

For families seeking above-average graduation rates in a peaceful setting, Tioga County is an excellent choice. Consider homes in the Owego-Apalachin or Waverly districts to take advantage of the county's best-performing schools. A home here offers a stable environment for children to thrive academically.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tioga County

via RiskByCounty

Tioga County's Below-Average Risk

Tioga County scores 59.86 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below New York's state average of 69.42. The county benefits from comparatively lower exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires, though flood risk remains a consideration.

Safer Than Most New York Counties

Tioga County's composite score of 59.86 ranks it in New York's lower-risk tier, with only Seneca County (41.83) showing notably less hazard exposure. This favorable positioning reflects the county's rural character and geographic advantages.

Among Region's Safest Counties

Tioga County's 59.86 score exceeds only Seneca County (41.83) in this dataset, well below peers like Tompkins (73.86), Sullivan (78.28), and Steuben (76.88). Its tornado risk (43.77) is particularly low compared to neighboring counties facing 58+ scores.

Flooding the Primary Concern

Flood risk at 78.88 is Tioga County's dominant hazard, though still below many other New York counties. Tornado (43.77), hurricane (62.70), and wildfire (23.89) risks all remain well-controlled relative to state averages.

Flood Insurance Recommended

While Tioga County enjoys relatively low overall risk, flood insurance remains essential for any property in a floodplain or near waterways. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making separate coverage critical even in lower-risk areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tioga County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Northeast Continental Patterns

Tioga County averages 47.0°F annually, falling well below the national median as is typical for the Southern Tier. This climate features distinct seasonal transitions and moderate precipitation.

Aligning With the New York Average

Tioga’s annual average of 47.0°F is nearly identical to the New York state average of 47.4°F. However, it is slightly drier than the rest of the state, receiving 39.1 inches of precipitation compared to the 43.3-inch average.

Drier Than Its Northern Neighbors

Tioga receives 39.1 inches of precipitation, making it noticeably drier than many surrounding Hudson Valley or Catskill counties. Despite this, it maintains a robust 56.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat Waves

Winters are defined by a 23.9°F January average and significant snow, while summers are relatively warm. The county sees about 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than many of its immediate neighbors.

Balance Winter Prep and Summer Cooling

With 10 extreme heat days, central air conditioning is a worthwhile investment for the 69.3°F July peaks. Residents also need reliable snow removal equipment to handle the nearly five feet of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tioga County

via SoilByCounty

Solid Foundation in the Susquehanna Valley

Tioga County's average pH of 5.68 is higher than the state average of 5.11, though it remains below the national 6.5 median. A soil score of 62.8 reflects its dependable nature for both farming and development. The soil here is slightly less acidic than many of its upstate neighbors.

Balanced Silt for Easy Planting

The soil is comprised of 48.6% silt, 31.2% sand, and 14.1% clay. This high silt percentage makes the soil feel floury and easy to rake, providing an excellent seedbed for spring planting. It holds its shape well while allowing for adequate root penetration.

Moderate Nutrients and Standard Moisture

Organic matter content stands at 10.25%, which is lower than the New York average of 17.01% but high compared to the 2.0% national average. Available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, which is slightly below the state average of 0.182 in/in. These levels suggest a reliable but not overly lush growing environment.

Predictable Drainage for Valley Life

With specific hydrologic data unavailable, the soil's 48.6% silt content indicates moderate drainage capabilities. Silt-heavy soils provide a good balance between holding enough moisture and preventing total saturation. This makes the land versatile for both agriculture and suburban development.

Garden Success in Zone 6a

Tioga's Zone 6a climate is well-suited for tomatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees. The moderate soil pH and balanced texture mean you won't have to work too hard to get results. Whether you want a flower bed or a veggie patch, Tioga’s soil is ready for you.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tioga County

via LawnByCounty

Tioga County's High Success Rate

Tioga County is a standout for lawn enthusiasts, boasting a high difficulty score of 73.0. This makes it one of the easiest places in the state to maintain a healthy lawn compared to the New York average of 61.1.

Sunny Days and Balanced Rain

With 39.1 inches of rain and 10 extreme heat days, Tioga has a slightly warmer and drier profile than the state average. This combination provides 2,340 growing degree days, giving grass plenty of energy to flourish between the May 12th and October 10th frost dates. The July average of 69.3°F is nearly perfect for cool-season turf growth.

Solid Soil Foundation for Turf

The soil pH sits at 5.68, which is very close to the ideal range and requires only minor adjustments with lime. A balanced mix of 31.2% sand and 14.1% clay provides good structure that resists extreme compaction. This natural composition supports deep rooting and efficient nutrient absorption.

Impressive Drought Resistance in Tioga

Unlike many neighbors, Tioga County only experienced 4 weeks of drought last year and has almost no current dry area. This natural resilience makes it much easier to maintain a green lawn without constant irrigation. Simply following a standard watering schedule during the few hot weeks will keep your turf in top shape.

Optimal Planting Windows in Zone 6a

Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass thrive here, taking full advantage of the generous growing season. Seed in late May once the frost risk passes, or aim for mid-August to establish roots before the October freeze. These choices ensure your lawn stays vibrant through the 23.9°F winters and the 10-day heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tioga County's county score?
Tioga County, New York has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Tioga County rank among counties in New York?
Tioga County ranks #12 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 Tioga County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Tioga County is $3,750, with an effective tax rate of 2.45%. This earns Tioga County a tax score of 1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tioga County?
The median household income in Tioga County, New York is $71,791 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tioga County earns an income score of 71/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tioga County, New York a good place to live?
Tioga County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in New York. The best way to evaluate Tioga 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 Tioga 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.