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Is Mount Vernon a Good Place to Live? Mount Vernon, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mount Vernon ranks #550 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (70%, #424 of 437) and long commutes (35 min, #498 of 524).
Mount Vernon by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mount Vernon'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 Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,629/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $601,432, 14% above the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Mount Vernon | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $601,432#939 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,628/mo#948 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $484,000#955 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,629/mo#810 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.1x#1055 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.8%#980 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Mount Vernon 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. Mount Vernon is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New York housing market →Is Mount Vernon safe?
Mount Vernon recorded 496 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 35% above New York's 368. That ranks #838 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #371 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mount Vernon Police Department. Property crime runs 1,402 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Mount Vernon | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 496#838 of 1,085 | 368 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,402#423 of 1,085 | 1,575 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Mount Vernon?
The median household in Mount Vernon earns $78,779, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Mount Vernon | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $78,779#638 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.7%#845 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Mount Vernon?
The median resident of Mount Vernon is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mount Vernon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 35.9%#585 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 42.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Mount Vernon's schools and health?
Mount Vernon's 18 public schools graduate 70% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $34,414 spent per pupil. 33.2% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Mount Vernon | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 70%#1034 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.4#120 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $34,414#6 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.3%#557 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,118 students are enrolled in Mount Vernon's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mount Vernon?
The average commute in Mount Vernon is 35 minutes (New York 33.2); 25.8% of workers take transit and 8.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mount Vernon scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.8°F and winters 36°F, with 49.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Mount Vernon | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 35 min#1266 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 19.1%#1274 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 48.4% | 48.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 25.8% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.5% | 5.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.7% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14#162 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 39.7 | 27.3 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 42.6 | 28.7 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 50.3 | 34.6 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 61.4 | 44.4 | 4 |
| May | 72.3 | 54.6 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 80.9 | 64.3 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 86.1 | 70.6 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 69.1 | 4.8 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 62.1 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 65.8 | 50.7 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 54.1 | 41.3 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 44.8 | 33.1 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bronx.
| Measure | Mount Vernon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 49.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bronx.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mount Vernon?
Westchester County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Westchester County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Mount Vernon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#143 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Westchester County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Westchester County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0071% | 71% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0052% | 67% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.001% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 31% 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 Mount Vernon compare with similar-size cities?
Mount Vernon is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #246 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,427.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #227 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | #893 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 | 42.9 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #196 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Casas Adobes, AZPop. 72,059 | #779 | 53.6 | $83,683 | $1,650/mo | no data | 25.6 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 Mount Vernon compare with the rest of New York?
Mount Vernon ranks #10 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 8% below the New York median. Violent crime is 35% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above 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 Mount Vernon's score calculated?
Mount Vernon scores 57.3 out of 100, #550 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Mount Vernon. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mount Vernon's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
65.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mount Vernon. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mount Vernon's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
65.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mount Vernon's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
50.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mount Vernon. Similar-size median 56.1.
47.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mount Vernon. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mount Vernon. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mount Vernon's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
77.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mount Vernon's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon
Is Mount Vernon, NY a good place to live?
Mount Vernon ranks #550 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (70%, #424 of 437) and long commutes (35 min, #498 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,629/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $601,432, 14% above the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon recorded 496 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 35% above New York's 368. That ranks #838 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #371 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mount Vernon Police Department. Property crime runs 1,402 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Mount Vernon?
The median household in Mount Vernon earns $78,779, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Mount Vernon?
Median rent in Mount Vernon is $1,629/mo (Census), #810 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,628/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mount Vernon?
The typical home value in Mount Vernon is $601,432, up 4.4% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $484,000.
How are the public schools in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon's 18 public schools graduate 70% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $34,414 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mount Vernon?
The average commute is 35 minutes, #1266 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 19.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon averages 55.8°F over the year, 75.8°F in summer and 36°F in winter, with 49.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Mount Vernon walkable?
Mount Vernon scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 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 Mount Vernon at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Westchester County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Mount Vernon?
Westchester County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon has 72,427 residents. The median resident of Mount Vernon is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mount Vernon compare with the rest of New York?
Mount Vernon ranks #10 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 8% below the New York median. Violent crime is 35% above the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Mount Vernon?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mount Vernon's population of 72,427 are Ankeny, IA (#81 overall), Glen Burnie, MD (#606 overall), Blaine, MN (#227 overall), Lake Elsinore, CA (#893 overall), and Framingham, MA (#196 overall). Mount Vernon is #550.