New York
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
New York vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in New York
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Plains | A+ | 63.4 | 58,588 | $83,205 | 350 | 112 |
| 2 | Yonkers | A | 62.1 | 211,569 | $87,899 | 368 | 131 |
| 3 | Ithaca | B+ | 61.1 | 32,108 | $74,624 | 301 | 141 |
| 4 | Syracuse | B | 60.1 | 148,620 | $85,554 | 455 | 115 |
| 5 | Buffalo | B | 59.9 | 276,807 | $87,580 | 392 | 125 |
| 6 | Albany | C+ | 57.7 | 99,224 | $68,214 | 452 | 122 |
| 7 | Saratoga Springs | C | 56.4 | 28,491 | $96,369 | 296 | 127 |
| 8 | New Rochelle | C | 55.6 | 79,726 | $84,858 | 421 | 119 |
| 9 | Rochester | D | 55.2 | 211,328 | $71,935 | 305 | 113 |
| 10 | New York City | F | 53.4 | 8,336,817 | $83,824 | 451 | 116 |
More Northeast States
New York Rankings Overview
New York earns an overall grade of B with a composite score of 56.3 out of 100, ranking #22 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Health (74/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (35/100).
Economy & Employment in New York
With an unemployment rate of 4.5% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), New York performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $81,386, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in New York
New York's violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in New York
New York ranks #14 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #21 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New York's overall ranking?
New York ranks #22 out of 50 states with a composite score of 56.3/100 and a grade of B.
Is New York a good place to live?
New York scores 56.3/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in New York?
The violent crime rate in New York is 364 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does New York's economy compare?
New York's median household income is $81,386 with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in New York?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in New York are White Plains, Yonkers, and Ithaca.