New YorkPop. 47,151Small cities
Is Binghamton a Good Place to Live? Binghamton, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Binghamton ranks #1038 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #164 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($124,800, #12 of 208) and low rents ($870/mo, #17 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (69%, #190 of 191) and high poverty (32.6%, #205 of 208).
Binghamton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Binghamton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Binghamton?
Binghamton's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $870/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $192,215, 64% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Binghamton | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $192,215#101 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,701/mo#505 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $124,800#41 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $870/mo#64 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 22.9%#769 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Binghamton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Binghamton is in the Binghamton, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Binghamton safe?
Binghamton recorded 559 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% above the US rate of 328 and 52% above New York's 368. That ranks #886 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #148 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Binghamton Police Department. Property crime runs 3,209 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Binghamton | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 559#886 of 1,085 | 368 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,209#980 of 1,085 | 1,575 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Binghamton?
The median household in Binghamton earns $45,578, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 47% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 32.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Binghamton | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $45,578#1280 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 32.6%#1304 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Binghamton?
The median resident of Binghamton is 35.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 30.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Binghamton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 30.7%#766 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 44% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Binghamton's schools and health?
Binghamton's 10 public schools graduate 69% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 9.7 students per teacher and $27,616 spent per pupil. 36.6% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Binghamton | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 69%#1038 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 9.7#7 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $27,616#26 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36.6%#917 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,507 students are enrolled in Binghamton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Binghamton?
The average commute in Binghamton is 19 minutes (New York 33.2); 7.6% of workers take transit and 9.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Binghamton scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.9°F and winters 25°F, with 42 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Binghamton | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 61.7% | 48.7% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 7.6% | 24.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 7% | 5.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.6% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.3% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.6#912 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29.5 | 15.5 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 32.2 | 16.9 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 40.7 | 24 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 54.2 | 35 | 3.6 |
| May | 66.2 | 46.1 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 74 | 54.9 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 78.4 | 59.4 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 76.7 | 58 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 69.5 | 50.6 | 4 |
| Oct | 57.1 | 40.5 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 45.1 | 30.7 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 34.3 | 21.9 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Binghamton.
| Measure | Binghamton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 46.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 66.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 25°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 42 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Binghamton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Binghamton?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Binghamton's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Broome County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Binghamton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#627 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Broome County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Broome County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 81% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.003% | 61% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0013% | 34% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Binghamton compare with similar-size cities?
Binghamton is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #164 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,151.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #1038 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 | 19 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 min |
| Whitney, NVPop. 47,221 | #1225 | 43.9 | $67,155 | $1,574/mo | no data | 28.4 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 min |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #61 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 | 18.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Binghamton compare with the rest of New York?
Binghamton ranks #18 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 49.3 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 47% below the New York median. Violent crime is 52% above the statewide rate. Homes are 64% below the typical New York home.
| City | Rank in NY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #1 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #2 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #3 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #4 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #5 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #6 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 |
| Irondequoit, NYPop. 50,657 | #7 | 62.0 | $79,162 | $1,159/mo | no data |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #8 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data |
| Troy, NYPop. 51,033 | #9 | 58.6 | $58,477 | $1,175/mo | 345 |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #10 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #11 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #12 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 |
| New York, NYPop. 8,483,844 | #13 | 54.8 | $80,483 | $1,821/mo | 660 |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #14 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #15 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 |
| Rochester, NYPop. 208,772 | #16 | 50.3 | $47,213 | $1,081/mo | 572 |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #17 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #18 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #19 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #20 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 |
All 20 New York cities we track, by overall score. New York statewide: median income $85,820, violent crime 368.4 per 100,000.
How is Binghamton's score calculated?
Binghamton scores 49.3 out of 100, #1038 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New York's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Binghamton. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Binghamton's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
48.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Binghamton. Similar-size median 52.2.
45.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Binghamton's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
69.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Binghamton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
86.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Binghamton. Similar-size median 46.7.
4.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Binghamton. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Binghamton. Similar-size median 47.3.
63.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Binghamton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
55.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Binghamton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Binghamton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Binghamton
Is Binghamton, NY a good place to live?
Binghamton ranks #1038 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #164 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($124,800, #12 of 208) and low rents ($870/mo, #17 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (69%, #190 of 191) and high poverty (32.6%, #205 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Binghamton?
Binghamton's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $870/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $192,215, 64% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Binghamton?
Binghamton recorded 559 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% above the US rate of 328 and 52% above New York's 368. That ranks #886 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #148 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Binghamton Police Department. Property crime runs 3,209 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Binghamton?
The median household in Binghamton earns $45,578, 45% below the US figure of $83,163 and 47% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 32.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Binghamton?
Median rent in Binghamton is $870/mo (Census), #64 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,701/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Binghamton?
The typical home value in Binghamton is $192,215, up 5% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $124,800.
How are the public schools in Binghamton?
Binghamton's 10 public schools graduate 69% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 9.7 students per teacher and $27,616 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Binghamton?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Binghamton?
Binghamton averages 46.3°F over the year, 66.9°F in summer and 25°F in winter, with 42 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Binghamton walkable?
Binghamton scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Binghamton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Broome County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
Who lives in Binghamton?
Binghamton has 47,151 residents. The median resident of Binghamton is 35.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 30.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Binghamton compare with the rest of New York?
Binghamton ranks #18 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 49.3 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 47% below the New York median. Violent crime is 52% above the statewide rate. Homes are 64% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Binghamton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Binghamton's population of 47,151 are Roswell, NM (#1211 overall), Charleston, WV (#1064 overall), East Providence, RI (#260 overall), Whitney, NV (#1225 overall), and Wentzville, MO (#155 overall). Binghamton is #1038.