countyscore
45.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.2Health 95.2Schools 73.4

County Report Card

About Westchester County, New York

High Costs Impact National Standing

Westchester County scores 45.6, falling below the national median of 50.0. While its services are elite, the extreme cost of living lowers its overall composite rank.

Trailing the New York Average

The county sits below the state average of 47.0 due to significant affordability hurdles. Despite its wealth, it faces structural challenges that impact general livability.

Elite Incomes and World-Class Health

The county earns a near-perfect 98.4 income score with a $118,411 median household income. It also features a top-tier health score of 95.2.

Extreme Costs and High Risk

Westchester’s cost score is just 1.1, with median home values reaching $638,400. Its risk score of 3.8 also highlights significant exposure to social or environmental stressors.

A Hub for High-Earning Professionals

Westchester is ideal for high-income earners who want the best healthcare and schools in the nation. It caters to those for whom lifestyle and opportunity outweigh cost concerns.

2040608010010.71.153.795.273.498.23.832.459.7Tax10.7Cost1.1Safety53.7Health95.2Schools73.4Income98.2Risk3.8Water32.4Weather59.745.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Westchester County DNA

Foverall

How Westchester County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Westchester County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.2/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.7-41.3
Cost
1.1-46.9
Safety
53.7
Health
95.2+45.2
Schools
73.4+19.400000000000006
Income
98.2+47.2
Risk
3.8-43.2
Water
32.4-25.6
Weather
59.7
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Whether buying or refinancing in Westchester County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$663,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,951/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$663,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$78,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $118,976/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

47.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Rockland County
New York
42.7
Bronx County
New York
42
Bergen County
New Jersey
48.1
New York County
New York
55.9
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
38.3
Nassau County
New York
46.3
Queens County
New York
41.1
Putnam County
New York
55.4

Deep Dives

Westchester County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Westchester County

via TaxByCounty

Westchester's tax rate beats nation

Westchester County's effective tax rate of 1.567% sits below the national median, giving high-value properties a tax-efficiency advantage. The median property tax of $10,001 reflects homes worth $638,400—far above both national and state averages—but the low rate keeps the tax burden manageable for affluent residents.

Lower rate than most New York counties

Westchester County ranks in the bottom tier for effective tax rates among New York's 62 counties, a significant advantage for a high-wealth area. Its 1.567% rate undercuts the state average of 2.046%, making Westchester a tax haven relative to upstate regions.

Favorable compared to upstate peers

Westchester's 1.567% rate essentially ties Warren County (1.530%) while significantly undercutting Washington County (2.082%), Wayne County (2.551%), and Wyoming County (2.299%). Though Westchester homes cost 3-4 times more, the lower rate provides substantial tax savings for luxury property owners.

Median home costs $10,001 yearly

On Westchester County's median home value of $638,400, you'll pay approximately $10,001 in annual property taxes—about $833 per month. While the absolute dollar amount is high, the effective rate of 1.567% offers relative efficiency compared to other New York counties.

High values make appeals worthwhile

Even small percentage reductions on Westchester properties yield significant savings; a 5% assessment overcharge costs $500+ annually on the median home. Filing a free assessment appeal is highly recommended for any Westchester homeowner, as overvaluation is common in fast-appreciating markets.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Westchester County

via IncomeByCounty

Westchester ranks among America's wealthiest

Westchester County's median household income of $118,411 soars $43,656 above the national median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the top 5% of U.S. counties. This reflects a highly educated, economically dynamic region anchored in finance, healthcare, and corporate headquarters near New York City.

New York's wealthiest county by far

Westchester's median household income of $118,411 ranks it 1st among New York's 62 counties, towering $42,978 above the state average of $76,433. The county is the undisputed wealth leader in New York, more than $40,000 ahead of its closest peers.

Westchester dwarfs nearby upstate counties

Westchester's $118,411 income exceeds Warren County ($78,239) by $40,172, Washington County ($72,342) by $46,069, and Wayne County ($73,914) by $44,497. The vast income gap reflects fundamentally different regional economies: suburban NYC wealth versus rural Upstate resilience.

High income cushions steep housing costs

Westchester households spend 19.0% of income on rent—above the 30% affordability standard but manageable given exceptional earnings. However, median home values of $638,400 mean homeownership requires substantial wealth; many median-income families face barriers despite high absolute earnings.

Leverage premium incomes for wealth building

Westchester's $118,411 median income creates extraordinary capacity for investment, estate planning, and generational wealth creation. Maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, explore real estate investment beyond primary residence, and consider working with a financial advisor to optimize your wealth strategy in this high-income environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Westchester County

via CrimeByCounty

Westchester Maintains Strong National Safety Standing

Westchester County reports 1,049.0 crimes per 100,000 residents, a rate far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a safety score of 98.3, signaling a secure environment relative to the rest of the country.

Matching the New York State Average

Westchester's safety score of 98.3 perfectly mirrors the New York state average. Its total crime rate of 1,049.0 per 100,000 is slightly below the statewide average of 1,074.4.

Higher Activity Compared to Rural Neighbors

Westchester's crime rate of 1,049.0 is higher than surrounding rural counties like Wayne at 930.7 or Wyoming at 513.2. This higher frequency reflects its status as a densely populated metropolitan hub with 42 reporting agencies.

Violent Crime Trends in Westchester

The county's violent crime rate of 150.6 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 125.0 and the rates of nearby rural counties. Property crime accounts for 898.4 incidents per 100,000, which is still well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Stay Vigilant in Denser Communities

With property crime as the primary concern, Westchester homeowners benefit from robust alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs. Maintaining visibility around entry points remains a key strategy for suburban safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Westchester County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Profile than the National Median

Westchester County maintains an annual average temperature of 51.6°F, placing it slightly below the national median for temperate zones. While it experiences traditional Northeast cycles, it remains warmer than many of its northern counterparts.

One of New York's Warmest Counties

At 51.6°F, Westchester sits more than four degrees above the New York state average of 47.4°F. This makes it one of the milder regions in the state, benefitting from its coastal proximity and southern location.

Wetter Conditions than Inland Neighbors

The county receives 49.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 43.3 inches. This surplus moisture distinguishes it from drier neighboring regions further inland.

A Balance of Summer Heat and Snow

Westchester experiences 13 extreme heat days over 90°F each year, largely during its 71.3°F average summer. Winter brings 36.1 inches of snow as temperatures drop to a chilly January average of 29.1°F.

Preparing for Humidity and Winter Chill

Residents should maintain efficient cooling systems to handle 13 days of extreme heat and July highs of 73.6°F. Robust drainage and winter tires are also wise given the 49.8 inches of annual rainfall and seasonal snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Westchester County

via SoilByCounty

Ultra-Acidic Soils in the Hudson Valley

Westchester County has an average pH of 3.14, representing some of the most acidic soil in the state. This is dramatically lower than the New York average of 5.11 and the national median of 6.5. Such intense acidity often indicates a landscape dominated by organic peat or heavy forest litter.

Low Clay and High Organic Influence

The mineral composition is 29.2% sand and 24.8% silt, but it is notably low in clay at just 6.0%. This low clay content means the soil lacks a heavy mineral grip, making it feel light and porous. However, the extreme organic levels dominate the physical behavior of the soil more than the mineral particles do.

Unrivaled Organic Matter Richness

Westchester boasts a massive organic matter content of 29.86%, nearly double the New York average of 17.01%. This richness drives an available water capacity of 0.178 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.182 in/in. This soil is packed with carbon, making it a powerful but chemically complex medium for plants.

Complex Drainage in Organic Soils

While official drainage classes are not provided, the high organic matter and low clay suggest a soil that can act like a sponge. It likely holds moisture well but may become saturated in low-lying areas due to the lack of mineral structure. Proper site planning is essential for any construction or landscape project in this region.

Vibrant Growing in Hardiness Zone 7a

Zone 7a offers a long, warm growing season that is perfect for a wide variety of ornamental and edible plants. To succeed in this ultra-acidic soil, focus on acid-loving species or use lime to balance the pH for typical garden vegetables. Your soil is incredibly rich in organic material, providing a rare and fertile head start for any gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Westchester County

via LawnByCounty

Westchester's High-Maintenance Turf

With a lawn difficulty score of 50.9, Westchester is one of the more challenging counties in New York to keep green. This Zone 7a area faces longer growing seasons and harsher soil conditions than the national median of 50.0.

High Rainfall and Intense Growth

Westchester sees 49.8 inches of rain annually, well above the state average. However, the 3,036 growing degree days and 13 extreme heat days mean the grass grows faster and faces more heat stress than in any other county in this group.

Extreme Acidity in Suburban Soil

The soil pH is remarkably low at 3.14, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf. Because the soil has only 6.0% clay, it lacks the natural capacity to buffer against this extreme acidity, making heavy lime applications essential.

Drought Stress in the South

Despite high rainfall, the county spent 23 weeks in drought last year and is currently 100.0% abnormally dry. High heat and rapid growth rates can quickly deplete soil moisture, requiring smart irrigation during the peak summer months.

Leveraging a Long Growing Season

The early April 20 frost date allows for a long spring seeding window. Heat-tolerant cool-season blends are best for Zone 7a, as they must withstand the long summer before the first frost arrives on October 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Westchester County's county score?
Westchester County, New York has a composite county score of 45.7 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 Westchester County rank among counties in New York?
Westchester County ranks #35 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 Westchester County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Westchester County is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Westchester County a tax score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Westchester County?
The median household income in Westchester County, New York is $118,976 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Westchester County earns an income score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Westchester County, New York a good place to live?
Westchester County scores 45.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in New York. The best way to evaluate Westchester 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 Westchester County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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