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Lowest-earning counties in New York
Americans on the whole were doing well financially heading into 2020, with major markers like unemployment reaching 50-year lows. The pandemic changed all that: During the second quarter of the 2020 fiscal year, our nation's real GDP fell by a whopping 31.4%, a number that hasn't been seen since the Great Depression. Since then the GDP has recovered, the first quarter of 2022 was 11% above the fourth quarter of 2019.
While GDP has recovered since the height of the pandemic, wage growth has not kept pace with inflation. In 2021 average hourly wages increased 4.7% while there was 7% inflation, meaning the worker's purchasing power dropped by 2.4%.
Where you live can make a big impact on your financial situation. The highest earning county in the U.S. earns $147,111, while the lowest earns $22,292. Stacker compiled a list of the lowest-earning counties in New York using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Counties are ranked by the Census' 2020 5-year estimate median household income.
#50. Columbia County
- Median household income: $68,750
--- 3.3% below state average, 5.8% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 33.1%
--- #346 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.7%
--- #2,732 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 3.3% below state average, 5.8% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 33.1%
--- #346 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.7%
--- #2,732 highest among all counties nationwide
#49. Albany County
- Median household income: $68,327
--- 3.9% below state average, 5.1% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 33.5%
--- #336 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #2,711 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 3.9% below state average, 5.1% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 33.5%
--- #336 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #2,711 highest among all counties nationwide
#48. Schenectady County
- Median household income: $66,488
--- 6.5% below state average, 2.3% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 30.4%
--- #462 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.5%
--- #2,636 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 6.5% below state average, 2.3% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 30.4%
--- #462 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.5%
--- #2,636 highest among all counties nationwide
#47. Ulster County
- Median household income: $65,306
--- 8.2% below state average, 0.5% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 31.7%
--- #409 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #2,582 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 8.2% below state average, 0.5% above national average
- Households earning over $100k: 31.7%
--- #409 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.9%
--- #2,582 highest among all counties nationwide
#46. Ontario County
- Median household income: $64,795
--- 8.9% below state average, 0.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 29.2%
--- #540 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.2%
--- #2,552 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 8.9% below state average, 0.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 29.2%
--- #540 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.2%
--- #2,552 highest among all counties nationwide
#45. Warren County
- Median household income: $64,658
--- 9.1% below state average, 0.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 31.0%
--- #430 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.2%
--- #2,543 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 9.1% below state average, 0.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 31.0%
--- #430 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.2%
--- #2,543 highest among all counties nationwide
#44. Kings County
- Median household income: $63,973
--- 10.0% below state average, 1.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 33.0%
--- #351 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 14.5%
--- #2,505 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 10.0% below state average, 1.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 33.0%
--- #351 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 14.5%
--- #2,505 highest among all counties nationwide
#43. Onondaga County
- Median household income: $62,668
--- 11.9% below state average, 3.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 29.0%
--- #547 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.7%
--- #2,435 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 11.9% below state average, 3.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 29.0%
--- #547 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.7%
--- #2,435 highest among all counties nationwide
#42. Monroe County
- Median household income: $62,087
--- 12.7% below state average, 4.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 29.2%
--- #534 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.7%
--- #2,399 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 12.7% below state average, 4.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 29.2%
--- #534 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.7%
--- #2,399 highest among all counties nationwide
#41. Wayne County
- Median household income: $62,003
--- 12.8% below state average, 4.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.9%
--- #781 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.0%
--- #2,396 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 12.8% below state average, 4.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.9%
--- #781 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.0%
--- #2,396 highest among all counties nationwide
#40. Tioga County
- Median household income: $61,965
--- 12.9% below state average, 4.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.9%
--- #892 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.7%
--- #2,395 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 12.9% below state average, 4.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.9%
--- #892 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.7%
--- #2,395 highest among all counties nationwide
#39. Tompkins County
- Median household income: $61,361
--- 13.7% below state average, 5.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 28.1%
--- #612 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.9%
--- #2,344 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 13.7% below state average, 5.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 28.1%
--- #612 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.9%
--- #2,344 highest among all counties nationwide
#38. Madison County
- Median household income: $61,176
--- 14.0% below state average, 5.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 27.0%
--- #697 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.5%
--- #2,328 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 14.0% below state average, 5.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 27.0%
--- #697 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.5%
--- #2,328 highest among all counties nationwide
#37. Genesee County
- Median household income: $60,635
--- 14.7% below state average, 6.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #959 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.7%
--- #2,305 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 14.7% below state average, 6.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #959 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.7%
--- #2,305 highest among all counties nationwide
#36. Hamilton County
- Median household income: $60,625
--- 14.8% below state average, 6.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.7%
--- #1,164 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 5.9%
--- #2,303 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 14.8% below state average, 6.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.7%
--- #1,164 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 5.9%
--- #2,303 highest among all counties nationwide
#35. Sullivan County
- Median household income: $60,433
--- 15.0% below state average, 7.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 27.4%
--- #668 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.8%
--- #2,280 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 15.0% below state average, 7.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 27.4%
--- #668 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.8%
--- #2,280 highest among all counties nationwide
#34. Livingston County
- Median household income: $60,248
--- 15.3% below state average, 7.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.5%
--- #932 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.6%
--- #2,269 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 15.3% below state average, 7.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.5%
--- #932 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.6%
--- #2,269 highest among all counties nationwide
#33. Washington County
- Median household income: $59,613
--- 16.2% below state average, 8.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.6%
--- #1,051 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #2,218 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 16.2% below state average, 8.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.6%
--- #1,051 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #2,218 highest among all counties nationwide
#32. Clinton County
- Median household income: $59,510
--- 16.3% below state average, 8.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.6%
--- #930 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.7%
--- #2,205 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 16.3% below state average, 8.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.6%
--- #930 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.7%
--- #2,205 highest among all counties nationwide
#31. Erie County
- Median household income: $59,464
--- 16.4% below state average, 8.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 27.0%
--- #698 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.7%
--- #2,200 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 16.4% below state average, 8.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 27.0%
--- #698 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.7%
--- #2,200 highest among all counties nationwide
#30. Cortland County
- Median household income: $59,194
--- 16.8% below state average, 8.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.8%
--- #1,020 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.0%
--- #2,169 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 16.8% below state average, 8.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 23.8%
--- #1,020 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.0%
--- #2,169 highest among all counties nationwide
#29. Oneida County
- Median household income: $59,113
--- 16.9% below state average, 9.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.2%
--- #854 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.5%
--- #2,161 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 16.9% below state average, 9.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.2%
--- #854 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.5%
--- #2,161 highest among all counties nationwide
#28. Oswego County
- Median household income: $59,070
--- 16.9% below state average, 9.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.4%
--- #943 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.5%
--- #2,160 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 16.9% below state average, 9.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.4%
--- #943 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.5%
--- #2,160 highest among all counties nationwide
#27. Schoharie County
- Median household income: $58,926
--- 17.1% below state average, 9.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.2%
--- #854 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.0%
--- #2,140 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.1% below state average, 9.3% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.2%
--- #854 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.0%
--- #2,140 highest among all counties nationwide
#26. Wyoming County
- Median household income: $58,746
--- 17.4% below state average, 9.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.8%
--- #1,311 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.6%
--- #2,128 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.4% below state average, 9.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.8%
--- #1,311 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 7.6%
--- #2,128 highest among all counties nationwide
#25. Herkimer County
- Median household income: $58,438
--- 17.8% below state average, 10.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.5%
--- #1,196 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #2,111 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 17.8% below state average, 10.1% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.5%
--- #1,196 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #2,111 highest among all counties nationwide
#24. Essex County
- Median household income: $58,109
--- 18.3% below state average, 10.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.4%
--- #947 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,087 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.3% below state average, 10.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.4%
--- #947 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.9%
--- #2,087 highest among all counties nationwide
#23. Cayuga County
- Median household income: $57,985
--- 18.5% below state average, 10.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #952 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.2%
--- #2,083 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 18.5% below state average, 10.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.3%
--- #952 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.2%
--- #2,083 highest among all counties nationwide
#22. Niagara County
- Median household income: $57,252
--- 19.5% below state average, 11.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.3%
--- #846 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.4%
--- #2,015 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 19.5% below state average, 11.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 25.3%
--- #846 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.4%
--- #2,015 highest among all counties nationwide
#21. Greene County
- Median household income: $56,681
--- 20.3% below state average, 12.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.9%
--- #897 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.8%
--- #1,950 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 20.3% below state average, 12.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 24.9%
--- #897 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.8%
--- #1,950 highest among all counties nationwide
#20. Lewis County
- Median household income: $56,192
--- 21.0% below state average, 13.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.3%
--- #1,399 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.2%
--- #1,914 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.0% below state average, 13.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.3%
--- #1,399 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.2%
--- #1,914 highest among all counties nationwide
#19. Otsego County
- Median household income: $56,171
--- 21.0% below state average, 13.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.6%
--- #1,179 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.7%
--- #1,912 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 21.0% below state average, 13.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.6%
--- #1,179 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.7%
--- #1,912 highest among all counties nationwide
#18. Steuben County
- Median household income: $55,349
--- 22.2% below state average, 14.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.5%
--- #1,196 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.4%
--- #1,833 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.2% below state average, 14.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.5%
--- #1,196 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.4%
--- #1,833 highest among all counties nationwide
#17. Yates County
- Median household income: $55,307
--- 22.2% below state average, 14.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.4%
--- #1,376 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.1%
--- #1,829 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.2% below state average, 14.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.4%
--- #1,376 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 8.1%
--- #1,829 highest among all counties nationwide
#16. Chemung County
- Median household income: $54,883
--- 22.8% below state average, 15.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.3%
--- #1,391 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.2%
--- #1,787 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.8% below state average, 15.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.3%
--- #1,391 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.2%
--- #1,787 highest among all counties nationwide
#15. Seneca County
- Median household income: $54,865
--- 22.9% below state average, 15.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.3%
--- #1,558 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #1,784 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 22.9% below state average, 15.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.3%
--- #1,558 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.3%
--- #1,784 highest among all counties nationwide
#14. Jefferson County
- Median household income: $54,726
--- 23.0% below state average, 15.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.7%
--- #1,492 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.9%
--- #1,774 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 23.0% below state average, 15.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.7%
--- #1,492 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.9%
--- #1,774 highest among all counties nationwide
#13. Schuyler County
- Median household income: $53,291
--- 25.1% below state average, 18.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.1%
--- #1,424 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.4%
--- #1,616 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 25.1% below state average, 18.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.1%
--- #1,424 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.4%
--- #1,616 highest among all counties nationwide
#12. Orleans County
- Median household income: $52,958
--- 25.5% below state average, 18.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.7%
--- #1,492 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.7%
--- #1,588 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 25.5% below state average, 18.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.7%
--- #1,492 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 9.7%
--- #1,588 highest among all counties nationwide
#11. Franklin County
- Median household income: $52,905
--- 25.6% below state average, 18.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.8%
--- #1,475 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.5%
--- #1,580 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 25.6% below state average, 18.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.8%
--- #1,475 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.5%
--- #1,580 highest among all counties nationwide
#10. Broome County
- Median household income: $52,237
--- 26.5% below state average, 19.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.5%
--- #1,352 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.6%
--- #1,508 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 26.5% below state average, 19.6% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.5%
--- #1,352 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.6%
--- #1,508 highest among all counties nationwide
#9. St. Lawrence County
- Median household income: $52,071
--- 26.8% below state average, 19.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.4%
--- #1,376 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.5%
--- #1,479 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 26.8% below state average, 19.9% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 21.4%
--- #1,376 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.5%
--- #1,479 highest among all counties nationwide
#8. Chenango County
- Median household income: $51,756
--- 27.2% below state average, 20.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.7%
--- #1,839 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.3%
--- #1,432 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 27.2% below state average, 20.4% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.7%
--- #1,839 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 11.3%
--- #1,432 highest among all counties nationwide
#7. Fulton County
- Median household income: $51,663
--- 27.4% below state average, 20.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.6%
--- #1,506 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.9%
--- #1,414 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 27.4% below state average, 20.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 20.6%
--- #1,506 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 10.9%
--- #1,414 highest among all counties nationwide
#6. Allegany County
- Median household income: $51,227
--- 28.0% below state average, 21.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.0%
--- #2,143 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.7%
--- #1,354 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 28.0% below state average, 21.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.0%
--- #2,143 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.7%
--- #1,354 highest among all counties nationwide
#5. Cattaraugus County
- Median household income: $50,700
--- 28.7% below state average, 22.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.7%
--- #2,004 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.8%
--- #1,285 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 28.7% below state average, 22.0% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 17.7%
--- #2,004 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.8%
--- #1,285 highest among all counties nationwide
#4. Montgomery County
- Median household income: $50,146
--- 29.5% below state average, 22.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.0%
--- #1,268 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.6%
--- #1,225 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 29.5% below state average, 22.8% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 22.0%
--- #1,268 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.6%
--- #1,225 highest among all counties nationwide
#3. Delaware County
- Median household income: $49,945
--- 29.8% below state average, 23.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.2%
--- #1,756 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.9%
--- #1,199 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 29.8% below state average, 23.2% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 19.2%
--- #1,756 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 12.9%
--- #1,199 highest among all counties nationwide
#2. Chautauqua County
- Median household income: $48,315
--- 32.1% below state average, 25.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.5%
--- #1,874 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.8%
--- #1,035 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 32.1% below state average, 25.7% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.5%
--- #1,874 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 13.8%
--- #1,035 highest among all counties nationwide
#1. Bronx County
- Median household income: $41,895
--- 41.1% below state average, 35.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.0%
--- #1,961 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 21.8%
--- #482 highest among all counties nationwide
--- 41.1% below state average, 35.5% below national average
- Households earning over $100k: 18.0%
--- #1,961 highest among all counties nationwide
- Households earning less than $15k: 21.8%
--- #482 highest among all counties nationwide
