New YorkPop. 146,384Mid-size cities
Is Syracuse a Good Place to Live? Syracuse, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Syracuse ranks #1012 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #190 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($138,400, #6 of 256) and short commutes (18 min, #17 of 256), and trails on high poverty (28.8%, #254 of 256) and low graduation rates (67.4%, #203 of 205).
Syracuse by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Syracuse'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 Syracuse?
Syracuse's cost of living index is 95.7, 4% below the US level of 100 and #471 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,039/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,508, 57% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Syracuse | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 95.7#471 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $224,508#188 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,541/mo#370 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $138,400#62 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,039/mo#254 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.1%#1094 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Syracuse 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. Syracuse is in the Syracuse, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Syracuse safe?
Syracuse recorded 612 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% above the US rate of 328 and 66% above New York's 368. That ranks #918 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Syracuse Police Department. Property crime runs 3,218 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Syracuse | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 612#918 of 1,085 | 368 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,218#982 of 1,085 | 1,575 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Syracuse?
The median household in Syracuse earns $47,819, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 44% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 28.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Syracuse | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $47,819#1257 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 28.8%#1285 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Syracuse?
The median resident of Syracuse is 31.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Syracuse | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 31.2%#746 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 41.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Syracuse's schools and health?
Syracuse's 35 public schools graduate 67.4% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 12 students per teacher and $24,685 spent per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Syracuse | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 67.4%#1044 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12#91 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $24,685#68 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.8%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 21,211 students are enrolled in Syracuse's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Syracuse?
The average commute in Syracuse is 18 minutes (New York 33.2); 6.3% of workers take transit and 12% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Syracuse scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.7°F and winters 26.7°F, with 39.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Syracuse | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18 min#191 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 58.5% | 48.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.3% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 9.3% | 5.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12% | 11.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 31.7 | 16.5 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 33.6 | 17.5 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 42.4 | 25.2 | 3 |
| Apr | 56.4 | 36.2 | 3.5 |
| May | 69.2 | 47.3 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 56.7 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 81.7 | 62 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 80.3 | 60.4 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 52.7 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 60.1 | 42.4 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 48.3 | 32.7 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 37.1 | 23.7 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
| Measure | Syracuse | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 26.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 39.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Syracuse?
Onondaga County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Onondaga County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Syracuse | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#172 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Onondaga County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Onondaga County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0021% | 76% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0027% | 60% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0012% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 42% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0016% | 37% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0017% | 21% 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 Syracuse compare with similar-size cities?
Syracuse is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #190 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 146,384.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #1171 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 | 31.8 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #840 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 | 21.9 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #473 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 | 30.4 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 Syracuse compare with the rest of New York?
Syracuse ranks #17 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 44% below the New York median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 57% 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 Syracuse's score calculated?
Syracuse scores 49.8 out of 100, #1012 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 Syracuse. Similar-size median 52.9.
37.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Syracuse's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
44.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Syracuse. Similar-size median 53.8.
34.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Syracuse's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
63.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Syracuse's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Syracuse. Similar-size median 51.2.
7.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Syracuse. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Syracuse. Similar-size median 50.1.
68.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Syracuse's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
78.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Syracuse's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Is Syracuse, NY a good place to live?
Syracuse ranks #1012 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #190 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($138,400, #6 of 256) and short commutes (18 min, #17 of 256), and trails on high poverty (28.8%, #254 of 256) and low graduation rates (67.4%, #203 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Syracuse?
Syracuse's cost of living index is 95.7, 4% below the US level of 100 and #471 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,039/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $224,508, 57% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Syracuse?
Syracuse recorded 612 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% above the US rate of 328 and 66% above New York's 368. That ranks #918 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Syracuse Police Department. Property crime runs 3,218 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Syracuse?
The median household in Syracuse earns $47,819, 42% below the US figure of $83,163 and 44% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 28.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Syracuse?
Median rent in Syracuse is $1,039/mo (Census), #254 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,541/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Syracuse?
The typical home value in Syracuse is $224,508, 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 $138,400.
How are the public schools in Syracuse?
Syracuse's 35 public schools graduate 67.4% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 12 students per teacher and $24,685 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Syracuse?
The average commute is 18 minutes, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Syracuse?
Syracuse averages 48.5°F over the year, 69.7°F in summer and 26.7°F in winter, with 39.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Syracuse walkable?
Syracuse scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 Syracuse at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Onondaga County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Syracuse?
Onondaga County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Syracuse?
Syracuse has 146,384 residents. The median resident of Syracuse is 31.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Syracuse compare with the rest of New York?
Syracuse ranks #17 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 44% below the New York median. Violent crime is 66% above the statewide rate. Homes are 57% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Syracuse?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Syracuse's population of 146,384 are Pomona, CA (#1171 overall), Savannah, GA (#891 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), Jackson, MS (#1189 overall), and Gainesville, FL (#1062 overall). Syracuse is #1012.