countyscore
38.4
County Score
Health 94.5Lawn Care 77.7Income & Jobs 74

County Report Card

About Tompkins County, New York

Significant gaps compared to national scores

Tompkins County holds a composite score of 38.4, placing it far below the national median of 50.0. While it is an educational and cultural hub, its metrics for cost and safety drag down its overall national standing.

Struggling relative to New York peers

The county's score of 38.4 is nearly nine points lower than the New York state average of 47.0. This suggests that despite its prestige, the day-to-day livability factors for residents face more pressure here than elsewhere in the state.

Exceptional healthcare and robust incomes

Tompkins County shines in public health with a near-perfect score of 94.5 and a strong income score of 74.0. The median household income of $73,012 supports a highly educated population and quality local services.

Severe affordability and safety concerns

A cost score of 10.5 reflects high rents of $1,374, while a safety score of 21.6 is surprisingly low for the region. High property taxes, with a score of 1.2, add further financial strain on local residents.

Best for high-income health seekers

This county is tailored for individuals who value top-tier healthcare and high earning potential and can overlook safety and cost concerns. It is an ideal spot for those tied to the university economy who prioritize wellness.

Score breakdown

Tax1.2Cost10.5Safety21.6Health94.5Schools63.6Income74Risk26.2Water57.8Weather54.8
🏛1.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.7
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

Schuyler County
New York
58.2
Tioga County
New York
53.8
Chemung County
New York
39.4
Cortland County
New York
38.9
Seneca County
New York
45.3
Yates County
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Cayuga County
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Broome County
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37.3

Deep Dives

Tompkins County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tompkins County

via TaxByCounty

Tompkins taxes above national median

Tompkins County's effective tax rate of 2.348% ranks in the 66th percentile nationally, above the national median of 2.09%. Its median property tax of $6,374 is more than double the national median of $2,690, driven by home values averaging $271,500—close to the national median of $281,900.

Above-average tax rate statewide

Tompkins' effective rate of 2.348% exceeds New York's state average of 2.046%, placing it in the higher tier of New York counties. The median tax of $6,374 surpasses the state median of $4,709, reflecting both an above-average rate and above-average home values.

Moderate taxes among Finger Lakes group

Tompkins' 2.348% rate falls between Seneca County (2.289%) and Tioga County (2.448), and well below Steuben's 2.523%. Its actual tax bills ($6,374 median) exceed most regional peers due to higher home values typical of college-town communities.

Annual tax on typical Tompkins home

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $271,500 pays approximately $6,374 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $6,576; without one, it drops to $6,114.

Appeal if assessed above market value

Tompkins County homes appreciate regularly, but assessments may lag behind or overshoot actual market value. Homeowners can file free appeals with their town assessor if they believe their assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales—successful appeals often yield thousands in cumulative savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tompkins County

via CostByCounty

Tompkins: College towns inflate rents

Tompkins County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% is the highest in our comparison and well above the national average, driven by the Ithaca college market. With median household income of $73,012 and median rent of $1,374, this county reflects the premium pricing created by institutional demand.

New York's priciest county (in our group)

Tompkins County ranks as the most unaffordable by rent-to-income ratio in our dataset at 22.6%, far exceeding New York's statewide 17.6% average. The $1,374 median rent costs $241 more than the state typical, reflecting Ithaca's unique role as a college hub commanding premium pricing.

Significantly pricier than surrounding upstate

Tompkins County's $1,374 rent substantially exceeds all regional upstate peers—Seneca ($925), Steuben ($878), and Tioga ($914)—by 50–55%. Its 22.6% rent-to-income ratio stands alone among the upstate cluster, driven by Cornell and Ithaca College's economic dominance.

College economy drives housing premium

Renters pay $1,374 monthly while homeowners spend $1,390—unusually aligned, suggesting limited rental/ownership gap despite premium rents. With median household income of $73,012, residents dedicate 22.6% of earnings to rent, an unsustainable burden compared to regional peers.

Tompkins suits high-income professionals

Tompkins County's Ithaca-area premium appeals primarily to faculty, professionals, and affluent families; median renters face a 22.6% housing burden unsustainable long-term. If you're relocating, nearby Tioga (15.3% ratio) offers comparable Finger Lakes charm with $460 cheaper monthly rent and half the affordability stress.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tompkins County

via IncomeByCounty

Tompkins approaches national income levels

Tompkins County's median household income of $73,012 trails the national median of $74,755 by just 2%, demonstrating earning power on par with the typical American household. This strength reflects the county's educated workforce centered around Ithaca College and Cornell University.

Tompkins nears statewide income median

At $73,012, Tompkins County sits slightly below New York's median of $76,433, placing it solidly in the middle range of the state's 62 counties. The county's university presence supports higher-than-average education levels and professional employment.

Highest-earning Southern Tier county

Tompkins leads regional peers at $73,012, surpassing Tioga County ($71,791), Seneca ($66,007), and Steuben ($64,740) by clear margins. The county's academic institutions and educated workforce differentiate it from surrounding rural areas.

Income challenges high housing costs

Despite solid income, Tompkins faces the region's highest rent-to-income ratio at 22.6%, with median home values reaching $271,500. The university's presence and appeal as a cultural hub have driven up housing costs faster than incomes.

Strategic planning for Tompkins households

Tompkins residents earning $73,012 must balance higher housing costs with wealth-building strategies like diversified investments and retirement optimization. Consulting with financial professionals about mortgage management, education savings, and long-term asset allocation can help families thrive despite elevated living costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tompkins County

via CrimeByCounty

Tompkins County faces higher crime activity

Tompkins County has a safety score of 96.8, which is lower than many of its neighbors. Its total crime rate of 2,020.4 per 100,000 residents is closer to the national average of 2,385.5 than other rural New York counties.

Below the state safety average

The county's crime rate of 2,020.4 is nearly double the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its 96.8 safety score reflects a more active environment than the 98.3 state average.

A statistical outlier in the region

Tompkins County reports crime rates more than triple those of neighboring Tioga (575.0) and Steuben (583.4). Much of this difference stems from higher property crime rates in the Ithaca area.

Property crime is the major factor

Violent crime in Tompkins is 140.4, which is higher than the state average of 125.0. However, property crime is the primary driver at 1,880.0, suggesting a high frequency of thefts or burglaries.

Enhance your home security in Tompkins

Because property crime rates are elevated, residents should prioritize alarm systems and secure entry points. Eight local agencies work to manage these numbers and protect the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tompkins County

via HealthByCounty

Tompkins County leads New York on longevity

Tompkins County's 80.9-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in the nation—1.8 years above the U.S. average and 3 years above New York's state average of 77.9. Just 13.7% of residents report poor or fair health, well below state and national benchmarks.

Healthiest county in New York

Tompkins ranks at or near the top of all New York counties for life expectancy and overall health status. With a 4.7% uninsured rate below the state average of 5.3%, Tompkins combines excellent health outcomes with strong insurance coverage.

Clear leader among all regional peers

Tompkins's 80.9-year life expectancy and 13.7% poor/fair health rate outperform all neighboring counties, including Suffolk (79.4 years) and Ulster (78.8 years). With 80 primary care providers and 446 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Tompkins has the densest provider network among the eight counties.

Exceptional provider access drives health

Tompkins residents enjoy unmatched primary care access at 80 providers per 100,000—the highest in this cohort—and an extraordinary 446 mental health providers per 100,000. This dense infrastructure, combined with low uninsurance (4.7%), creates ideal conditions for prevention and early intervention.

Maintain Tompkins' health advantage

As New York's healthiest county, Tompkins sets the benchmark—ensure you keep your role in this success by reviewing coverage annually at ny.gov/healthplan or calling 1-855-355-5777.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tompkins County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Innovative Learning Hub

Tompkins County manages 33 public schools across nine districts, serving 10,426 students. The system includes 15 elementary schools and 11 high schools, supplemented by specialized alternative and special education facilities. This variety reflects the county's reputation as an intellectual and educational center.

High Graduation Rates and Scholarly Investment

The county maintains a strong 86.0% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 85.3%. Education is well-funded with a per-pupil expenditure of $16,187, which is over $3,000 above the national median. A school score of 71.3 highlights the county's success in translating these resources into academic results.

Ithaca City Schools Lead the County

The Ithaca City School District is the largest by far, managing 12 schools and 4,969 students. Dryden Central and Lansing Central also provide key educational services for 1,282 and 1,154 students respectively. Tompkins County also features one charter school, offering a specialized alternative to its traditional public districts.

A Unique Mix of City and Rural Schools

Tompkins County offers a diverse locale mix with 20 rural schools, seven city schools, and five suburban campuses. Ithaca Senior High School is the largest campus with 1,341 students, while the average school size across the county is a comfortable 316. This allows families to choose between urban energy and rural tranquility for their children's education.

Put Down Roots in an Academic Center

Tompkins County is a top choice for families who value academic excellence and school diversity. Explore homes in the Ithaca or Lansing districts to ensure your children benefit from the county's high graduation rates and generous funding. Proximity to these quality schools is a major driver of local real estate demand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tompkins County

via RiskByCounty

Tompkins County's Moderate Risk Profile

Tompkins County scores 73.86 with a Relatively Low rating, slightly above New York's state average of 69.42. The county faces moderate flood (86.20) and tornado (58.97) risks, balanced by very low wildfire exposure.

Middle-Tier Risk for New York

With a composite score of 73.86, Tompkins County ranks in New York's moderate-risk group, safer than Suffolk, Ulster, and Sullivan counties but more exposed than Seneca and Tioga. Its flood risk (86.20) aligns with the broader upstate pattern of water-related hazards.

Moderate Risk in Central NY Region

Tompkins County's 73.86 score sits between the safer Tioga County (59.86) and the riskier Steuben County (76.88) and Sullivan County (78.28). Its tornado risk (58.97) is notably higher than Tioga's 43.77, reflecting variable storm exposure across the region.

Flooding and Tornadoes Lead Threats

Flood risk at 86.20 and tornado risk at 58.97 are Tompkins County's primary hazards, both above state averages and reflecting the county's inland water systems and storm patterns. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at 22.23, offering some relief across the hazard portfolio.

Flood and Wind Protection Essential

Tompkins County residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure homeowners policies include tornado and severe wind coverage. Properties near Cayuga Lake, gorges, and floodplain areas face compounded risk and warrant additional protective measures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tompkins County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Finger Lakes Climate

Tompkins County’s 45.8°F annual average is substantially cooler than the national median. The region’s geography creates a climate that stays cold late into the spring compared to much of the country.

Colder and Drier Than the State

Tompkins is roughly 1.6 degrees cooler than the state average of 47.4°F and receives less total precipitation at 38.9 inches. It serves as a classic example of the colder, interior New York climate.

High Snowfall in the Southern Tier

With 63.7 inches of annual snow, Tompkins is significantly snowier than the state average. It shares this high-snow profile with neighbors but remains drier in terms of total rainfall at 38.9 inches.

Frigid Winters and Mild Summers

January temperatures average 21.8°F, contributing to a harsh winter season with heavy snow accumulation. Summers are temperate, with July averaging 68.7°F and only 4 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Focus on Winter Insulation

Due to the 24.5°F winter average, high-quality home insulation is the top priority for residents. Because summer heat is rare, many residents opt for portable cooling rather than full central air systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tompkins County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Soils Near Cayuga Lake

Tompkins County features an average pH of 6.03, one of the closest in the state to the national median of 6.5. This relatively neutral profile contributes to a strong soil score of 67.1. It is significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.11, benefiting local gardeners.

The Silt Capital of the Finger Lakes

At 50.4% silt, Tompkins has a very fine-textured soil, supported by 29.0% sand and 18.4% clay. This high silt content makes the soil extremely workable and excellent for retaining nutrients. It provides a stable, fertile environment that resists the extremes of heavy clay or light sand.

Lean Organic Matter with Stable Water Capacity

Organic matter content is 7.49%, which is lower than the state average of 17.01% but still well above the national 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.175 in/in, trailing just behind the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in. These figures indicate a soil that is efficient but may benefit from additional composting.

Managing Silt for Optimal Flow

While drainage class data is missing, the 50.4% silt content typically provides good moisture retention but can be prone to surface crusting. Careful management of soil cover is important to maintain healthy water movement. This soil type generally supports the diverse agriculture found throughout the county.

Abundant Growth in Zone 5b

USDA Zone 5b is perfect for a wide range of vegetables and hardy fruit like apples and pears. The neutral pH of 6.03 is a major asset, reducing the need for lime in most garden applications. It’s an inviting environment for any aspiring gardener to begin their journey.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tompkins County

via LawnByCounty

Tompkins County: A Lawn Care Leader

Tompkins County earns an impressive 77.7 lawn difficulty score, the highest among the counties analyzed. Maintaining a beautiful yard here is much simpler than the state average of 61.1, thanks to favorable climate and soil conditions.

Gentle Summers and Consistent Rainfall

The county enjoys 38.9 inches of annual rain and only 4 extreme heat days, minimizing the risk of summer dormancy. With 2,207 growing degree days, the growth is steady from the last frost on May 11th until the first freeze on October 8th. The July average of 68.7°F ensures that cool-season grasses remain in their comfort zone all summer.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry for Grass

A soil pH of 6.03 is right in the ideal range, meaning your grass can easily access all the nutrients in the soil. The texture is well-balanced with 18.4% clay and 29.0% sand, providing both moisture retention and adequate drainage. Most homeowners will find they need very few soil amendments to see great results.

Superior Natural Drought Protection

Tompkins County is currently at 0% drought levels and faced only 4 weeks of dry conditions over the entire past year. This lack of water stress is a major contributor to the county's high lawn score. You can focus on routine maintenance rather than emergency irrigation, saving time and money on water bills.

Take Advantage of Tompkins' Conditions

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are perfect for zone 5b, flourishing under the local temperature and soil profiles. The best time to seed is early to mid-May or late August to ensure the lawn is set before the 21.8°F January lows. With such high scores, any effort you put in will likely yield a lush, professional-looking lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tompkins County's county score?
Tompkins County, New York has a composite county score of 38.4 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 Tompkins County rank among counties in New York?
Tompkins County ranks #56 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 Tompkins County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Tompkins County is $6,374, with an effective tax rate of 2.35%. This earns Tompkins County a tax score of 1.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tompkins County?
The median household income in Tompkins County, New York is $73,012 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tompkins County earns an income score of 74/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tompkins County, New York a good place to live?
Tompkins County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in New York. The best way to evaluate Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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.