Hamilton and Tioga counties rank among the top-performing counties in New York when it comes to household budgeting, according to a national study released Thursday by WalletHub.
Hamilton County posted a total score of 75.94, placing it in the 99th percentile nationally. The county ranked 162nd in savings and financial assets and 50th in debt and delinquencies—indicators that reflect strong personal financial management among residents.
Tioga County also performed well, scoring 73.06 overall. It placed 91st in the nation for savings and financial assets and 1,035th in debt and delinquencies. The county landed in the 97th percentile nationally.
WalletHub’s report analyzed more than 2,800 U.S. counties using 11 key financial indicators. These included rates of bank account ownership, credit card delinquency, and households with zero net worth.
The report noted that strong budgeting is more important than ever amid economic uncertainty. “Although inflation has experienced a general downward trend over the past year, it’s started to rise again during the past few months, and many Americans are still struggling financially,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.
Other counties in New York made the list, though with lower rankings. Ontario County scored 70.28, Madison County earned 70.13, and Suffolk County posted a 69.47. Nassau County, despite its wealthier demographics, scored 69.42, dragged down by a poor debt and delinquencies ranking of 2,324.
Putnam County also stood out, reaching the 83rd percentile with a score of 69.14. It ranked 26th in savings and financial assets but came in near the bottom—2,459th—for debt and delinquencies.
The report highlights how wide financial disparities persist across the state, even among neighboring counties.
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