countyscore
45.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.6Health 80.2Safety 66.9

County Report Card

About Ulster County, New York

Trailing the national median score

Ulster County scores 45.4 on the composite index, which is below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high incomes, other factors like climate risk and cost of living weigh on its national ranking.

Slightly behind the state average

At 45.4, Ulster County is just below the New York state average of 47.0. It remains a competitive option in the Hudson Valley but faces specific challenges that prevent it from being a state leader.

Strong income and high health rankings

The county earns an impressive income score of 85.6, with a median household income of $81,804. Health outcomes are also high at 80.2, and a school score of 65.0 indicates a solid educational environment.

Housing costs and environmental vulnerability

The cost score is very low at 9.2, as the median home value has climbed to $315,100. Furthermore, a risk score of 12.3 highlights significant exposure to natural hazards that residents must consider.

Ideal for affluent, health-minded commuters

Ulster County is a great match for well-paid professionals who want a healthy lifestyle and strong schools near the Hudson River. It suits those with the financial flexibility to handle high housing costs and environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax3.8Cost9.2Safety66.9Health80.2Schools65Income85.6Risk12.3Water47Weather56.8
🏛3.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.5
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

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Deep Dives

Ulster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ulster County

via TaxByCounty

Ulster's tax rate ranks among nation's lowest

Ulster County's effective tax rate of 1.944% sits in the 35th percentile nationally, below the national median of 2.09%. Its median property tax of $6,124 more than doubles the national median of $2,690 because Ulster homes average $315,100—significantly above the national median.

Second-lowest rate in the state sample

Ulster's effective rate of 1.944% ranks second-lowest among the eight profiled counties (behind only Suffolk's 1.854%) and well below New York's state average of 2.046%. The median tax of $6,124 exceeds the state median of $4,709 due to elevated home values in this Hudson Valley county.

Favorable rate among Hudson Valley

Ulster's 1.944% rate is notably lower than Sullivan County (2.164%) and all upstate peers, from Seneca (2.289%) to Steuben (2.523%). The trade-off: actual tax dollars run higher here due to premium home values, making Ulster a middle-cost option for the region.

Annual tax on typical Ulster home

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $315,100 pays approximately $6,124 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $6,543; without one, it drops to $5,480.

Favorable rate but verify your assessment

Ulster County's below-average tax rate is a plus, but high home values mean assessment errors carry substantial cost. If your property's assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales of similar homes, file a free appeal with your town assessor—even modest reductions yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ulster County

via CostByCounty

Ulster earners lead, but rents follow

Ulster County's median household income of $81,804 ranks highest in our upstate comparison and tops the national average of $74,755, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% significantly exceeds the national norm. At $1,335 per month, median rent reflects Hudson Valley's growing popularity and property demand.

Above-average costs in Hudson Valley

Ulster County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New York's statewide 17.6% average, positioning it among the state's less affordable counties. The $1,335 median rent costs $202 more than the state typical, reflecting Hudson Valley's appeal to New York City commuters and remote workers.

Premium positioning among regional peers

Ulster County's $1,335 rent dramatically exceeds nearby upstate alternatives—Seneca ($925), Steuben ($878), and Tioga ($914)—by 46–53%. Even Sullivan County to its north charges $336 less, though Ulster's higher median income ($81,804) provides greater capacity to absorb these costs.

Ownership substantially more expensive

Renters pay $1,335 monthly while homeowners face $1,571—a $236 gap indicating a significantly pricier ownership market. Despite above-average income of $81,804, residents still dedicate 19.6% to rent; homeowners commit 23% of earnings, requiring substantial financial capacity.

Ulster appeals to NYC-area escapees

Ulster County attracts higher-income relocators seeking Hudson Valley lifestyle near New York City, with $1,335 median rent and $315,000 median homes reflecting this demand. If you're considering this region, verify that your household income exceeds $85,000 to maintain a sustainable 19.6% housing burden and lifestyle balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ulster County

via IncomeByCounty

Ulster exceeds national earning power

Ulster County's median household income of $81,804 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 9%, positioning residents above the typical American household. This advantage reflects Ulster's role as a prosperous Hudson Valley county with strong regional economic ties.

Ulster outearns most New York counties

At $81,804, Ulster County ranks in the upper tier of New York's 62 counties, exceeding the state median of $76,433 by roughly $5,400. The county benefits from Hudson Valley proximity to wealthy Westchester and New York City.

Wealthiest among regional peers

Ulster's $81,804 income substantially outpaces Sullivan County ($69,826), Tompkins County ($73,012), and all Southern Tier neighbors. Only Long Island's Suffolk County ($128,329) significantly exceeds Ulster in the broader region.

Higher income offset by home prices

Ulster's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% reflects manageable housing costs relative to income, though median home values of $315,100 show the county's appeal. The strong income cushion helps families absorb elevated housing prices that reflect the area's desirability.

Capitalizing on Ulster's strong earnings

With median household income at $81,804, Ulster County residents enjoy above-average earnings that support aggressive wealth building. Strategies including diversified investment portfolios, real estate leverage, education funding, and tax-efficient retirement planning can help families amplify their financial advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ulster County

via CrimeByCounty

Ulster County offers high levels of safety

Ulster County scores a 98.8 for safety, representing a very secure environment. Its crime rate of 776.3 per 100,000 is approximately one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Stronger safety rankings than the average

Ulster's safety score of 98.8 beats the state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 776.3 is also significantly lower than the New York average of 1,074.4.

Safest among its southern neighbors

Ulster's crime rate of 776.3 is notably lower than Suffolk County's 1,357.4. It maintains a safe corridor in the Hudson Valley, reporting less crime than Warren County further north.

Violent crime remains very low

The violent crime rate in Ulster is just 74.1, far below the state average of 125.0. Property crime sits at 702.2, which remains the focus for the county's 17 reporting agencies.

Stay protected in Ulster County

Ulster is a very safe place to live, but property crimes do occur occasionally. Utilizing motion-activated cameras can help ensure your home remains as safe as the rest of the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ulster County

via HealthByCounty

Ulster exceeds U.S. health averages

Ulster County residents live to 78.8 years on average—slightly below the U.S. average of 79.1 but 0.9 years above New York's state average of 77.9. With 15.3% reporting poor or fair health, Ulster sits between state and national norms.

Above-average performer for New York

Ulster ranks in the upper half of New York counties for life expectancy and health status. However, its 7% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties and exceeds New York's 5.3% state average, leaving more residents vulnerable to care gaps.

Solid outcomes despite high uninsurance

Ulster's 78.8-year life expectancy ranks fourth among regional peers, ahead of Sullivan, St. Lawrence, and Steuben but trailing Tompkins, Suffolk, and Tioga. With 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Ulster's provider density ranks mid-range, yet its 422 mental health providers per 100,000 rank second only to Tompkins.

Mental health strength offset by uninsurance

Ulster boasts exceptional mental health provider density (422 per 100K), supporting robust behavioral health access. However, the county's 7% uninsured rate—the highest in this cohort—means some residents delay or forgo both physical and mental health care due to cost concerns.

Close Ulster's coverage gap

One in 14 Ulster residents lacks health insurance—the highest rate in this group. If you're uninsured, visit ny.gov/healthplan or call 1-855-355-5777 today to find affordable coverage and access the mental health and primary care resources your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ulster County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Educational Backbone in the Hudson Valley

Ulster County features 43 public schools across 10 districts, educating over 20,198 students. The system is well-distributed with 21 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools. This robust network provides comprehensive academic coverage for families across the county's varied geography.

Exceptional Funding and Academic Success

Ulster County achieves a graduation rate of 86.5%, well above both the state and national averages. The county invests a high $18,662 per pupil, providing significantly more resources than the $13,000 national benchmark. With a school score of 76.9, Ulster stands out as one of the stronger educational performers in the region.

Kingston City Schools Anchor the System

Kingston City School District is the largest in the county, educating 6,017 students across 10 schools. Other major districts include Onteora Central and Wallkill Central, which also serve substantial student populations. The county relies on traditional public education, with no charter schools currently operating in the area.

Suburban Focus with Regional Campus Vibes

More than half of the county's schools are located in suburban settings, with an average school size of 470 students. Kingston High School is the largest facility with 1,856 students, providing a large-scale campus experience for its learners. This mix of suburban and rural schools offers a wide range of environments for Hudson Valley families.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Ulster County's combination of high funding and strong graduation rates makes it a magnet for homebuyers with families. Focus your home search in the Kingston or Wallkill districts to take advantage of the county's premier educational resources. High school scores here are a primary indicator of the long-term value and community health in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ulster County

via RiskByCounty

Ulster County's Elevated Risk Status

Ulster County scores 87.69 with a Relatively Moderate rating, substantially exceeding New York's state average of 69.42 by 18 points. The county faces serious multi-hazard exposure, with extremely high tornado (87.56), flood (91.89), and hurricane (86.86) risks.

Second-Highest Risk in New York

Ulster County's composite score of 87.69 ranks it as New York's second-riskiest county, surpassed only by Suffolk County (97.33). Its tornado exposure (87.56) is the highest among all counties in this dataset, paired with exceptional flood and hurricane vulnerabilities.

Significantly Higher Than Regional Peers

Ulster County's 87.69 score substantially exceeds all neighboring counties in this analysis, including Sullivan (78.28), Steuben (76.88), and Tompkins (73.86). Only Suffolk County's extreme 97.33 score surpasses it, making Ulster the region's second-most hazardous location.

Tornadoes, Floods, and Hurricanes

Ulster County faces extreme tornado risk at 87.56 (the highest in this dataset), compounded by severe flood risk (91.89) and elevated hurricane exposure (86.86). These triple threats reflect the county's Catskill Mountain geography and Hudson Valley positioning, creating variable but intense storm activity.

Comprehensive Insurance Critical

Ulster County residents must secure robust tornado, hurricane wind, and flood insurance to protect against the county's severe multi-hazard exposure. Homes in valleys, near water bodies, and in exposed ridgeline areas face compounded risk and should prioritize structural reinforcement and emergency preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ulster County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and Cool in the Hudson Valley

Ulster County averages 46.8°F annually, falling below the national median in a region characterized by high moisture. The terrain causes significant local variations in weather patterns.

Surpassing State Precipitation Norms

While its 46.8°F average temperature is close to the state's 47.4°F, Ulster is much wetter than average. It receives 53.9 inches of annual precipitation, over 10 inches more than the state benchmark.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Ulster stands out among its neighbors with a staggering 82.0 inches of annual snowfall. This makes it one of the snowiest counties in the Hudson Valley corridor, nearly doubling the state average snowfall.

Deep Snow and Steady Summers

Winters are cold with a January average of 23.1°F, while 82.0 inches of snow define the landscape. Summers remain mild, with only 4 extreme heat days per year where temperatures top 90°F.

Prepare for Heavy Snow Loads

Homeowners must ensure roofs are rated for heavy snow given the 82.0-inch annual average. Waterproofing and sump pumps are also essential to manage the high 53.9-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ulster County

via SoilByCounty

Typical New York Acidity in the Hudson Valley

Ulster County's soil pH of 5.13 aligns almost perfectly with the New York state average of 5.11. This acidic profile results in a soil score of 54.6, which is slightly below the state average of 59.7. Local growers often use amendments to balance this natural acidity for sensitive crops.

Balanced Textures for Valley Farming

The soil contains 43.0% silt, 35.8% sand, and 13.9% clay. This mixture provides a versatile loam-like texture that supports the county's famous apple orchards. The balance of particles ensures the soil is neither too heavy nor too porous for standard agriculture.

Healthy Organic Matter and Average Water Access

Organic matter content is 13.62%, which is robust even if it sits below the state benchmark of 17.01%. Available water capacity is 0.179 in/in, very close to the state average of 0.182 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil with good structural health and reliable water retention.

Consistent Hydrology in the Mid-Hudson

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the 43.0% silt content points to a soil that manages moisture effectively. It provides enough drainage to prevent waterlogging while holding onto the rains of the Hudson Valley. This stability is a key reason for the region's long agricultural history.

The Orchard Expert’s Zone 6a

Ulster County’s Zone 6a climate is legendary for stone fruits, berries, and cider apples. The acidic soil is a natural fit for many native shrubs and specialized orchard varieties. Dive into gardening here to experience the rich agricultural heritage of the Hudson Valley.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ulster County

via LawnByCounty

The Uphill Battle for Ulster Lawns

Ulster County's lawn difficulty score of 48.5 indicates a challenging environment for turf care. This is significantly tougher than the New York state average of 61.1, requiring homeowners to be more proactive with their lawn management.

High Rainfall and a Long Growing Season

Ulster receives a heavy 53.9 inches of rain per year, which is far above the ideal range and can lead to saturated roots. However, the season is long, with 2,322 growing degree days and a frost-free window that lasts until October 27th. This extended period allows for late-season growth, but the excess moisture may require better drainage solutions.

Solving the Acidic Soil Puzzle

The local soil pH is 5.13, which is quite acidic and typically requires significant lime applications to correct. The soil is composed of 35.8% sand and 13.9% clay, creating a texture that needs organic matter to improve nutrient holding capacity. Without correction, grass will struggle to grow deeply and resist common pests.

Managing Unpredictable Dry Stretches

The county spent 22 weeks in drought last year, and 79.2% of the area is currently abnormally dry. When the rain stops, the acidic soil can make it even harder for grass to stay resilient. Deep watering once a week is essential during these dry periods to keep the lawn from thinning out and allowing weeds to take over.

Choosing Hardy Varieties for Ulster

Tall fescues are your best option for zone 6a, as they handle the high 53.9-inch rainfall and acidic soil better than other types. Seed your lawn in early May after the frost or in September to maximize the long fall growing season. These hardy grasses will better withstand the 23.1°F January temperatures and the humid summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ulster County's county score?
Ulster County, New York has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Ulster County rank among counties in New York?
Ulster County ranks #36 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 Ulster County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Ulster County is $6,124, with an effective tax rate of 1.94%. This earns Ulster County a tax score of 3.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ulster County?
The median household income in Ulster County, New York is $81,804 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ulster County earns an income score of 85.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ulster County, New York a good place to live?
Ulster County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in New York. The best way to evaluate Ulster 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 Ulster County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.