countyscore
51.3
County Score
Safety 73.3Soil Quality 71.7Schools 63.6

County Report Card

About Yates County, New York

Above the National Median

Yates County earns a composite score of 51.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county.

Stronger than the State Average

The county's 51.3 score is notably higher than the New York state average of 47.0. It serves as a high-performing rural alternative within the state's interior.

Safe Streets and Solid Schools

Safety is a primary asset with a score of 73.3, complemented by a strong school score of 63.6. Home values remain relatively accessible at a median of $178,000.

Tax and Water Infrastructure Needs

A low tax score of 3.9 reflects the 1.920% effective tax rate residents face. Additionally, the water score of 34.1 suggests that utility infrastructure could be modernized.

Ideal for a Quiet, Secure Lifestyle

Yates County is best for those seeking a safe, small-town atmosphere with reliable public services. It balances rural charm with a level of security that attracts families and retirees.

204060801003.946.873.362.263.660.353.434.156.2Tax3.9Cost46.8Safety73.3Health62.2Schools63.6Income60.3Risk53.4Water34.1Weather56.251.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Yates County DNA

Foverall

How Yates County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yates County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (73.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.9-48.1
Cost
46.8
Safety
73.3+18.299999999999997
Health
62.2+12.200000000000003
Schools
63.6+9.600000000000001
Income
60.3+9.299999999999997
Risk
53.4
Water
34.1-23.9
Weather
56.2
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Many homeowners in Yates County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$178,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$802/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$178,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,521/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.1

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

Seneca County
New York
45.3
Ontario County
New York
47.6
Schuyler County
New York
58.2
Steuben County
New York
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Tompkins County
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Livingston County
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Chemung County
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Cayuga County
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43.8

Deep Dives

Yates County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Yates County

via TaxByCounty

Yates taxes below state average

Yates County's effective tax rate of 1.920% falls below New York's state average of 2.046% and modestly above the national median. The median property tax of $3,417 sits 27% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting New York's generally elevated property tax burden.

Lower-middle tier in New York

Yates County ranks in the lower-middle range among New York's 62 counties for effective tax rates, placing it below the state average in burden. Its median tax of $3,417 runs well below the state average of $4,709, offering residents moderate relief.

Competitive with nearby counties

Yates County's 1.920% rate falls between Warren County (1.530%) and Washington County (2.082%), offering a middle-ground option in the region. It significantly undercuts Wayne County (2.551%) and Wyoming County (2.299%), making it one of the better-taxed areas in its geographic vicinity.

Median home costs $3,417 yearly

On Yates County's median home value of $178,000, you'll pay approximately $3,417 in annual property taxes—or about $3,514 with mortgage escrow included. That's roughly $285-293 per month, among the most affordable in the state.

Appeal your assessment if you haven't

Even in lower-tax Yates County, overassessment occurs, with some properties valued 10-20% above market rate. Filing a free assessment appeal takes minimal effort and could save $300-500 annually—especially valuable if your property hasn't been reassessed in several years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yates County

via CostByCounty

Yates County Offers Solid National Affordability

Yates County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning residents spend notably less on rent than typical Americans. With median rent of just $802 monthly and a median household income of $67,521, Yates delivers honest affordability for budget-conscious households.

Among New York's Most Affordable Counties

Yates ranks third statewide for affordability with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly below New York's 17.6% average. At $802 monthly, rent runs $331 cheaper than the state average, establishing Yates as a clear value leader in the state's housing market.

Competitive Southern Tier Pricing

Yates' $802 rent nearly ties Wyoming County's $782 as the cheapest in the region, with both dramatically undercut the northern counties: Wayne ($929), Washington ($1,000), Warren ($1,089). Westchester's $1,876 makes the north-south housing divide starkly apparent.

Renters and Owners Both Benefit

Renters commit just 14.3% of their $67,521 income to $802 monthly rent, while owners spend $997 monthly on homes averaging $178,000. Yates offers genuine affordability for both housing paths against modest regional incomes.

Strong Value in Finger Lakes Country

Yates County combines Southern Tier affordability with Finger Lakes character, delivering a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio and $802 monthly rent among the state's best. If you're seeking rural New York living with serious housing value, Yates deserves consideration alongside neighboring Wyoming and Wayne counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yates County

via IncomeByCounty

Yates ranks below national income median

Yates County's median household income of $67,521 falls $7,234 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it in the bottom 40% of American counties. The county reflects a rural Finger Lakes economy rooted in wine production, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.

Yates ranks 50th in New York State

Yates County's median household income of $67,521 ranks it 50th among New York's 62 counties, lagging the state average of $76,433 by $8,912. The county sits firmly in the lower-half of New York's income distribution, though not among the state's poorest regions.

Yates is the region's lowest-income county

Yates's $67,521 trails all five neighboring counties: Warren ($78,239), Washington ($72,342), Wayne ($73,914), Westchester ($118,411), and Wyoming ($68,913). Only Wyoming comes close, and Yates ranks as the lowest-income among the six-county comparison, reflecting economic headwinds in rural Finger Lakes.

Housing affordability is Yates's strength

Yates households spend just 14.3% of income on rent—one of the region's best ratios and well below the 30% affordability standard. Median home values of $178,000 remain accessible for median-income families, making homeownership realistic despite lower baseline earnings.

Strategic saving turns affordability into wealth

Though Yates earns below state and national averages, its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio creates meaningful room for saving and investment. Automate transfers to a savings account, maximize any employer retirement benefits, and explore affordable index funds to build wealth systematically from your current income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yates County

via CrimeByCounty

Yates County Security Far Exceeds National Levels

Yates County maintains a high safety score of 99.0, reflecting a very secure community. Its total crime rate of 635.3 per 100,000 is approximately one-quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in New York State

Yates County's safety score of 99.0 easily beats the New York state average of 98.3. The local crime rate of 635.3 is significantly better than the statewide average of 1,074.4 per 100,000.

Comparative Safety in the Finger Lakes

Yates County is safer than neighboring Wayne County, which has a rate of 930.7. However, it has slightly more reported crime than Wyoming County, which sits at 513.2 per 100,000.

Violent Crime is Rare in Yates

Violent crime in Yates County is very low at 68.8 per 100,000 residents, roughly 45% lower than the state average. Property crime accounts for 566.5 incidents per 100,000, which remains exceptionally low by national standards.

Smart Security for Rural Properties

Since property crime is the most likely local issue, residents should ensure outbuildings and homes are well-secured. Modern smart home technology can help monitor large properties even when owners are away.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Yates County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Education in Two Districts

Yates County operates a highly focused educational network of just six public schools serving 2,115 students. These schools are divided between two main districts, offering three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This compact structure ensures that resources are concentrated and students remain within a consistent peer group.

Significant Investment Per Student

Yates County spends a generous $15,808 per pupil, which is over $1,000 higher than the New York state average. This investment supports a 86.0% graduation rate and a strong composite school score of 70.4. These metrics indicate that the county is successfully translating its financial resources into above-average academic performance.

Focus on Penn Yan and Dundee

The Penn Yan Central School District is the primary educator for the county, serving 1,232 students across three campuses. Dundee Central School District manages the remaining 633 students in two schools. With no charter schools available, the county's educational identity is defined by these two historic and well-funded local systems.

Small Town and Rural Charm

The schools are split evenly between rural and town locales, reflecting the beautiful Finger Lakes geography of the region. Penn Yan Elementary is the largest school with 519 students, but the overall average size is a modest 353 students. This environment offers students a blend of modern facilities and the intimate feel of a small-town community.

A Home in the Heart of the Finger Lakes

For families moving to the Finger Lakes, the well-funded districts of Yates County offer a significant draw. Homes within the Penn Yan and Dundee districts provide access to small class sizes and robust per-pupil spending. Check out the local housing market to find a property that combines scenic living with high-quality public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yates County

via RiskByCounty

Yates County below national average risk

With a composite risk score of 46.63, Yates County ranks as relatively low risk—meaningfully safer than the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position reflects a county where hazards are present but collectively manageable compared to higher-risk communities nationwide.

Well-protected within New York

Yates County's 46.63 score falls substantially below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it among the state's safer counties. This 23-point gap positions Yates clearly in New York's lower-risk tier, benefiting from both geography and local hazard mitigation.

Safer than most, but not the safest

Yates County (46.63) ranks second-safest in this six-county sample, trailing only Wyoming County (41.25) and substantially ahead of Warren County (62.31). This positioning shows that central New York counties share lower hazard exposure compared to more vulnerable western and southern regions.

Hurricanes and floods primary concerns

Hurricane risk (63.62) and flood risk (67.49) represent Yates County's two highest threats, both driven by the county's Finger Lakes location and regional storm patterns. Tornado risk (29.71) remains secondary and well below state average, while wildfire (12.72) and earthquake (27.39) threats are minimal.

Flood and wind coverage recommended

Yates County residents should secure flood insurance, particularly those near waterways and flood-prone areas, and ensure adequate wind/hurricane coverage in their homeowners policy. These two protections address your primary hazards while keeping overall insurance costs reasonable given your favorable risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yates County

via WaterByCounty

Yates County earns a Grade F

Yates County recorded 7 health violations over the last five years, earning a Grade F. Its violation rate of 49.6 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the New York state average of 81.8.

No federal assessment for local watersheds

This county's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment. Consequently, no data exists regarding the percentage of impaired water bodies or specific pollution causes.

Nutrient and organic monitoring across 8 sites

Local monitors recorded 955 measurements across 8 sites over the last five years. The primary focus of these efforts is tracking organics, nutrients, and pesticides in the local water system.

Keuka Lake Outlet reports massive surge

The Keuka Lake Outlet at Dresden currently flows at 538 cfs. This discharge is 291% of its typical long-term mean, representing a significant surge in water output.

Protect against seasonal nutrient runoff

With streamflow nearly triple the seasonal norm, the risk of nutrient runoff into the water supply is high. Residents should monitor local water updates, as the Grade F indicates periodic safety challenges.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yates County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the Finger Lakes

Yates County averages 48.7°F annually, sitting below the national median but remaining temperate. The surrounding lakes help regulate the local climate compared to more volatile inland regions.

Slightly Warmer than the State Average

The county's 48.7°F average temperature puts it just ahead of the New York state average of 47.4°F. This makes it a relatively mild pocket within the Upstate region.

Lower Precipitation than Surrounding Areas

Yates is notably dry, receiving only 30.2 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state average of 43.3 inches. This rain shadow effect is a defining characteristic compared to its wetter neighbors.

Warm Summers with Limited Data

July averages 71.6°F with 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F. While specific annual snowfall data is currently unavailable for this county, winter temperatures average a cold 27.7°F.

Focus on Irrigation and Insulation

The low annual precipitation of 30.2 inches means gardeners and farmers must plan for irrigation during the 69.4°F summer months. Proper home sealing is also necessary to handle January lows that dip to 25.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yates County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Agricultural Soils in Yates

Yates County boasts a soil score of 71.7, well above the state average of 59.7, indicating superior quality. The average pH of 5.97 is one of the closest in the state to the national median of 6.5. This favorable acidity level reduces the need for heavy lime applications and supports a diverse range of crops.

Fine Silt for Exceptional Texture

The soil is comprised of 47.4% silt, 32.1% sand, and 18.5% clay, creating a heavy but fertile silty loam. This composition offers the best of all worlds: good drainage from the sand and high nutrient-holding capacity from the clay. It is a robust mix that supports both vineyard roots and row crops.

Superior Water Capacity and Steady Organic Matter

Yates County features an available water capacity of 0.187 in/in, exceeding the New York state average. The organic matter content is 8.83%, providing a solid biological foundation for plant health. These metrics explain why this region is a premier destination for agriculture and viticulture in the Finger Lakes.

Optimized Hydrology for Local Vineyards

With a water capacity higher than the state average, the soil manages moisture effectively for long-term growth. Though specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, the balanced silt and clay levels suggest the soil holds moisture well while allowing excess to move through. This natural water management is a key asset for the county’s famous vineyards.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

Zone 6a and the premium soil quality make Yates County a gardener's paradise, especially for grapes and berries. The silty loam is perfect for intensive vegetable gardening and fruit production alike. With such a high soil score, your land is ready to produce a bountiful and healthy harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yates County

via LawnByCounty

Finger Lakes Lawn Care Balance

Yates County earns a 61.7 lawn score, placing it right on par with the New York state average. This Zone 6a region offers a standard northeastern growing profile that is generally approachable for most homeowners.

The Dryest County in the Group

With only 30.2 inches of annual precipitation, Yates County sits at the very bottom of the ideal lawn range. Residents must manage 2,679 growing degree days and 9 heat days, making supplementary watering more critical here than in neighboring counties.

Strong Soil Near the Ideal Range

The soil pH of 5.97 is the closest to the 6.0-7.0 ideal of any county listed, requiring very little chemistry adjustment. A clay content of 18.5% is helpful for these drier conditions, as it helps the ground retain whatever moisture it receives.

Managing Widespread Drought Risks

Currently, 100.0% of the county is abnormally dry, and the area faced 24 weeks of drought in the past year. Because rainfall is lower than the state average, investing in drought-tolerant seed mixes like Fine Fescue is a smart move.

Taking Advantage of the 6a Window

Wait until the last frost on April 30 to start your spring seeding. The moderate climate allows for a healthy growing season that typically lasts until the first fall frost on October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yates County's county score?
Yates County, New York has a composite county score of 51.3 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 Yates County rank among counties in New York?
Yates County ranks #20 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 Yates County, New York?
The median annual property tax in Yates County is $3,417, with an effective tax rate of 1.92%. This earns Yates County a tax score of 3.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yates County?
The median household income in Yates County, New York is $67,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yates County earns an income score of 60.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yates County, New York a good place to live?
Yates County scores 51.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in New York. The best way to evaluate Yates 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 Yates County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.