CountyScore

Tompkins County

New York · NY

#50 in New York
55.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Tompkins County, New York

Tompkins Near the National Midpoint

Tompkins County scores 48.5 on the composite index, falling just shy of the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the middle range of U.S. counties. This near-average score masks significant variation: the county excels on income but struggles with housing costs.

Below New York Average

Tompkins's composite score of 48.5 falls below New York's state average of 54.7, placing it among the lower-performing counties in this analysis. Housing costs are the primary driver of this gap relative to other New York counties.

Higher Incomes Support Growth

Tompkins boasts the highest income score (31.0) among these eight counties, with a median household income of $73,012 reflecting the presence of Cornell University and robust local institutions. This earning power provides households with greater financial flexibility.

Housing Costs Bite Hard

Tompkins's cost score of only 62.1 reflects median home values of $271,500 and monthly rent of $1,374—significantly higher than most upstate counties. These costs consume much of the income advantage, making housing affordability the county's primary challenge.

For Educated, Higher-Earning Professionals

Tompkins County suits college-educated professionals and university-affiliated workers with above-average incomes who can absorb its high housing costs. The vibrant college-town culture and strong job market make it attractive for those whose salaries justify the premium pricing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax36.2Cost62.1SafetyComing SoonHealth82.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk26.2WaterComing Soon
🏛36.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡26.2
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 Tompkins County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Patricio County
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Broward County
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55.2
Median income: $74,534
Schenectady County
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55.2
Median income: $76,989
Ulster County
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55.2
Median income: $81,804
Delaware County
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Median income: $88,576

Deep Dives

Tompkins County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.