New YorkPop. 60,666Smaller cities
Is White Plains a Good Place to Live? White Plains, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
White Plains ranks #52 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476) and low violent crime (115 per 100,000, #72 of 444), and trails on high rents ($2,269/mo, #458 of 524) and high living costs (112.6, #430 of 524).
White Plains by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with White Plains'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 White Plains?
White Plains'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 $2,269/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $808,180, 53% above the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | White Plains | 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 | $808,180#1056 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 | $3,262/mo#1061 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $620,800#1092 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,269/mo#1195 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.6%#961 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.
White Plains 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. White Plains is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New York housing market →Is White Plains safe?
White Plains recorded 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 69% below New York's 368. That ranks #166 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by White Plains Police Department. Property crime runs 1,439 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | White Plains | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 115#166 of 1,085 | 368 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,439#443 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 White Plains?
The median household in White Plains earns $110,763, 33% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | White Plains | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $110,763#234 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 White Plains?
The median resident of White Plains is 41.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #201 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | White Plains | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 53.9%#201 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 51% | 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 White Plains's schools and health?
White Plains's 8 public schools graduate 89.6% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.2 students per teacher and $33,712 spent per pupil. 26% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | White Plains | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.6%#440 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.2#38 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $33,712#7 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26%#178 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.3%#78 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.9%#500 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. 6,993 students are enrolled in White Plains's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in White Plains?
The average commute in White Plains is 27.4 minutes (New York 33.2); 12.5% of workers take transit and 22.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index White Plains scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.7°F and winters 32.3°F, with 47.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | White Plains | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.4 min#960 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 13.1%#1176 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 49.4% | 48.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 12.5% | 24.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.6% | 5.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.1% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.2#123 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 | 37.3 | 22.4 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 40.1 | 23.7 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 30.5 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 59.2 | 40.1 | 4.2 |
| May | 69.2 | 49.8 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 78 | 59.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 83.2 | 64.9 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 63.6 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 74.2 | 56.7 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 63 | 45.5 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 52.2 | 36.2 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 42.3 | 28 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Westchester Co Airport.
| Measure | White Plains | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.8 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 Westchester Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in White Plains?
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 | White Plains | 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 White Plains compare with similar-size cities?
White Plains is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #25 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,666.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #52 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 | 27.4 min |
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #189 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 | 22.9 min |
| Casa Grande, AZPop. 60,905 | #1070 | 48.5 | $69,983 | $1,386/mo | 434 | 23.3 min |
| Florence-Graham, CAPop. 60,690 | #1294 | 37.9 | $65,132 | $1,521/mo | no data | 33.4 min |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | #653 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 | 24.8 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 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 White Plains compare with the rest of New York?
White Plains ranks #2 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 70.8 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 29% above the New York median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 53% 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 White Plains's score calculated?
White Plains scores 70.8 out of 100, #52 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 White Plains. Similar-size median 55.5.
73.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by White Plains's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
89.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in White Plains. Similar-size median 58.9.
74.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in White Plains's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
88.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
White Plains's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
36.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in White Plains. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in White Plains. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in White Plains. Similar-size median 50.0.
71.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across White Plains's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
69.5 - 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: White Plains'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 White Plains 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 White Plains
Is White Plains, NY a good place to live?
White Plains ranks #52 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476) and low violent crime (115 per 100,000, #72 of 444), and trails on high rents ($2,269/mo, #458 of 524) and high living costs (112.6, #430 of 524).
What is the cost of living in White Plains?
White Plains'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 $2,269/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $808,180, 53% above the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in White Plains?
White Plains recorded 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 69% below New York's 368. That ranks #166 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by White Plains Police Department. Property crime runs 1,439 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in White Plains?
The median household in White Plains earns $110,763, 33% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in White Plains?
Median rent in White Plains is $2,269/mo (Census), #1195 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,262/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in White Plains?
The typical home value in White Plains is $808,180, up 5.8% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $620,800.
How are the public schools in White Plains?
White Plains's 8 public schools graduate 89.6% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 11.2 students per teacher and $33,712 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in White Plains?
The average commute is 27.4 minutes, #960 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 13.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in White Plains?
White Plains averages 52°F over the year, 71.7°F in summer and 32.3°F in winter, with 47.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is White Plains walkable?
White Plains 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 White Plains 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 White Plains?
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 White Plains?
White Plains has 60,666 residents. The median resident of White Plains is 41.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #201 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does White Plains compare with the rest of New York?
White Plains ranks #2 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 70.8 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 29% above the New York median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 53% above the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to White Plains?
The tracked cities in other states closest to White Plains's population of 60,666 are Palm Beach Gardens, FL (#189 overall), Casa Grande, AZ (#1070 overall), Florence-Graham, CA (#1294 overall), Meriden, CT (#599 overall), and Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall). White Plains is #52.