Orleans
New York

What stands out

What stands out about Orleans County: the property tax rate is among the highest in America (3.08%), winter sunshine is in the bottom 8% of American counties (-1.3 on the USDA scale), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 8% of American counties (8 of 100). Within New York it ranks 1st of 62 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Orleans County, New York. 40,148 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1).

New York's top income-tax rate is 10.9%, and New York City residents add a city income tax of up to 3.876% on top. The state estate tax has a cliff: estates just over the exemption can owe tax on the whole amount. Social Security is not taxed and up to $20,000 of pension income is excluded. Upstate home prices and taxes look nothing like the downstate market.

Money

The typical household here brings in $61,069 a year, higher than 52% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,202. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 62% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

New York takes 5.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,133 a year.

Home

The median home costs $203K, cheaper than 62% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $833 a month. Property tax is 3.08% of home value, roughly $3,765 a year on that median home, higher than almost every county in America. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 70% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.2 years, longer than 67% of American counties. There are 15 active physicians in the county, about 3.7 per 10,000 people. 6.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 33 points. 57% of eligible voters turned out. Under New York law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 48°F, highs near 57 and lows near 39, colder than 82% of American counties. About 30 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 8 out of 100, safer than 92% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 247 Mbps down, faster than 72% of American counties. There are 7 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 museums.