New YorkPop. 47,987Small cities
Is Niagara Falls a Good Place to Live? Niagara Falls, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Niagara Falls ranks #1126 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #178 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($115,300, #6 of 208) and low rents ($823/mo, #9 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (62%, #191 of 191) and high unemployment (5.6%, #173 of 184).
Niagara Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Niagara Falls'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 Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $823/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $173,844, 67% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Niagara Falls | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 95.8#482 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $173,844#70 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 | $1,227/mo#115 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $115,300#23 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $823/mo#38 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.3x#17 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.1%#458 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.
Niagara Falls 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. Niagara Falls is in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Niagara Falls safe?
Niagara Falls recorded 478 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% above the US rate of 328 and 30% above New York's 368. That ranks #812 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Niagara Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 2,514 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Niagara Falls | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 478#812 of 1,085 | 368 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,514#870 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 Niagara Falls?
The median household in Niagara Falls earns $49,101, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 23.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Niagara Falls | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $49,101#1242 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 23.7%#1210 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Niagara Falls?
The median resident of Niagara Falls is 40.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1072 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Niagara Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 22.7%#1072 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 58.5% | 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 Niagara Falls's schools and health?
Niagara Falls's 11 public schools graduate 62% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $22,970 spent per pupil. 44.5% of adults are obese and 13.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Niagara Falls | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 62%#1055 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $22,970#91 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44.5%#1274 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.9%#1067 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.9%#358 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. 6,819 students are enrolled in Niagara Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Niagara Falls?
The average commute in Niagara Falls is 19.1 minutes (New York 33.2); 3.4% of workers take transit and 7.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Niagara Falls scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.9°F and winters 26.5°F, with 33 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Niagara Falls | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 73.7% | 48.7% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 3.4% | 24.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.5% | 5.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.4% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13#325 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 | 31.5 | 16.8 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 32.7 | 17.3 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 41.4 | 24.7 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 54.5 | 34.3 | 3.2 |
| May | 67.6 | 45.7 | 3 |
| Jun | 76.3 | 56.2 | 2.9 |
| Jul | 80.7 | 61.2 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 79.1 | 59.6 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 72.5 | 52.2 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 59.5 | 41.6 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 47.4 | 31.9 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 36.7 | 23.7 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Niagara Falls International Airport.
| Measure | Niagara Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 47.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 33 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 Niagara Falls International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Niagara Falls?
Niagara County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Niagara County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Niagara Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#375 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 Niagara County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Niagara County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 66% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0015% | 41% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% 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 Niagara Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Niagara Falls is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #178 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,987.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #1126 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 | 19.1 min |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #1037 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 | 17.4 min |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #452 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 | 26.4 min |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #102 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 | 19.5 min |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 min |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #228 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 | 23.3 min |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 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 |
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 Niagara Falls compare with the rest of New York?
Niagara Falls ranks #20 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 43% below the New York median. Violent crime is 30% above the statewide rate. Homes are 67% 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 Niagara Falls's score calculated?
Niagara Falls scores 47.4 out of 100, #1126 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Niagara Falls. Similar-size median 52.9.
32.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Niagara Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
58.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Niagara Falls. Similar-size median 52.2.
32.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Niagara Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
47.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Niagara Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Niagara Falls. Similar-size median 46.7.
17.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Niagara Falls. Similar-size median 44.2.
31.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Niagara Falls. Similar-size median 47.3.
51.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Niagara Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
73.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Niagara Falls'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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
Is Niagara Falls, NY a good place to live?
Niagara Falls ranks #1126 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #178 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($115,300, #6 of 208) and low rents ($823/mo, #9 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (62%, #191 of 191) and high unemployment (5.6%, #173 of 184).
What is the cost of living in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $823/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $173,844, 67% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls recorded 478 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% above the US rate of 328 and 30% above New York's 368. That ranks #812 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Niagara Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 2,514 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Niagara Falls?
The median household in Niagara Falls earns $49,101, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 23.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Niagara Falls?
Median rent in Niagara Falls is $823/mo (Census), #38 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,227/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Niagara Falls?
The typical home value in Niagara Falls is $173,844, up 5.4% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $115,300.
How are the public schools in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls's 11 public schools graduate 62% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $22,970 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Niagara Falls?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls averages 47.7°F over the year, 68.9°F in summer and 26.5°F in winter, with 33 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Niagara Falls walkable?
Niagara Falls scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 Niagara Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Niagara County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Niagara Falls?
Niagara County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has 47,987 residents. The median resident of Niagara Falls is 40.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1072 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Niagara Falls compare with the rest of New York?
Niagara Falls ranks #20 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 47.4 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 43% below the New York median. Violent crime is 30% above the statewide rate. Homes are 67% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Niagara Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Niagara Falls's population of 47,987 are Hattiesburg, MS (#1037 overall), Gallatin, TN (#452 overall), Wauwatosa, WI (#102 overall), Goose Creek, SC (#559 overall), and Middletown, CT (#228 overall). Niagara Falls is #1126.