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Is Utica a Good Place to Live? Utica, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Utica ranks #963 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($151,300, #25 of 524) and low rents ($951/mo, #28 of 524), and trails on high poverty (27.5%, #511 of 524) and low graduation rates (70%, #424 of 437).
Utica by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Utica'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 Utica?
Utica's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $951/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,423, 60% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Utica | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $212,423#146 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 | $1,404/mo#256 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $151,300#83 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $951/mo#158 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.7%#647 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.
Utica 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. Utica is in the Utica-Rome, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Utica safe?
Utica recorded 455 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% above the US rate of 328 and 24% above New York's 368. That ranks #790 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #352 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Utica Police Department. Property crime runs 2,990 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Utica | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 455#790 of 1,085 | 368 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,990#951 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 Utica?
The median household in Utica earns $52,484, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Utica | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $52,484#1195 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $83,646 | $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 10.8% | 27.5%#1274 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 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 Utica?
The median resident of Utica is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1082 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Utica | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.4%#1082 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.7% | 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 Utica's schools and health?
Utica's 13 public schools graduate 70% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $21,089 spent per pupil. 39.6% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Utica | 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 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,089#158 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.6%#1095 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.1%#788 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. 9,009 students are enrolled in Utica's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Utica?
The average commute in Utica is 19.5 minutes (New York 33.2); 3.4% of workers take transit and 7.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Utica scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68°F and winters 24.5°F, with 44 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Utica | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.5 min#304 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.6%#667 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.7% | 48.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.4% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.1% | 5.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.5% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.7#209 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 | 29.6 | 13.8 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 32.1 | 15.1 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 40.5 | 23.1 | 3 |
| Apr | 54.7 | 34.5 | 3.9 |
| May | 67.7 | 45.9 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 76.1 | 54.9 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 80.5 | 59.6 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 78.7 | 58.1 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 71.8 | 50.7 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 59.1 | 40.8 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 46.4 | 30.7 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 34.9 | 21.4 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Utica Oneida Co Airport.
| Measure | Utica | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 46.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 24.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44 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 Utica Oneida Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Utica?
Oneida County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oneida County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Utica | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 27#46 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#188 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 Oneida County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Oneida County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 71% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0025% | 47% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.078% | 46% 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 Utica compare with similar-size cities?
Utica is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #405 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 64,217.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #963 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 | 19.5 min |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #1015 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 | 18.1 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 min |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #312 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 | 20.8 min |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #318 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 | 23.3 min |
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #7 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #214 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 | 25.9 min |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #111 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 | 27.1 min |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #696 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 | 25 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 Utica compare with the rest of New York?
Utica ranks #15 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 39% below the New York median. Violent crime is 24% above the statewide rate. Homes are 60% 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 Utica's score calculated?
Utica scores 50.7 out of 100, #963 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 Utica. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Utica's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
56.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Utica. Similar-size median 58.9.
36.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Utica's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
57.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Utica's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
84.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Utica. Similar-size median 56.1.
12.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Utica. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Utica. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Utica's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
87.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Utica'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 Utica 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 Utica
Is Utica, NY a good place to live?
Utica ranks #963 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($151,300, #25 of 524) and low rents ($951/mo, #28 of 524), and trails on high poverty (27.5%, #511 of 524) and low graduation rates (70%, #424 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Utica?
Utica's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $951/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,423, 60% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Utica?
Utica recorded 455 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% above the US rate of 328 and 24% above New York's 368. That ranks #790 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #352 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Utica Police Department. Property crime runs 2,990 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Utica?
The median household in Utica earns $52,484, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Utica?
Median rent in Utica is $951/mo (Census), #158 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,404/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Utica?
The typical home value in Utica is $212,423, up 7% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $151,300.
How are the public schools in Utica?
Utica's 13 public schools graduate 70% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $21,089 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Utica?
The average commute is 19.5 minutes, #304 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 5.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Utica?
Utica averages 46.7°F over the year, 68°F in summer and 24.5°F in winter, with 44 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Utica walkable?
Utica scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Utica at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oneida County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Utica?
Oneida County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Utica?
Utica has 64,217 residents. The median resident of Utica is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1082 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Utica compare with the rest of New York?
Utica ranks #15 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 39% below the New York median. Violent crime is 24% above the statewide rate. Homes are 60% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Utica?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Utica's population of 64,217 are Muncie, IN (#1015 overall), North Little Rock, AR (#1250 overall), Bellevue, NE (#312 overall), Burnsville, MN (#318 overall), and Reston, VA (#7 overall). Utica is #963.