Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Butternuts, NY
Thinking of moving to Butternuts, NY? This charming rural town of 1,640 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $122,000 and average rent at $770. Crime rates are low, and you’ll enjoy peaceful surroundings, though you’ll want a car for the average 29.8-minute commute. Education is served by a close-knit local school, and nearby colleges in Oneonta provide higher ed options. If you’re looking for a quiet lifestyle with beautiful upstate seasons and lower costs, Butternuts is worth a look.
Demographics - Butternuts, NY
Demographics - Butternuts, NY
Butternuts, NY, is a small rural town of 1,640 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature community. The population density is low at 39 people per square mile, and non-English speakers make up just over 3% of locals. The gender ratio is balanced, creating a close-knit, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
1,640
Density:
39 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Butternuts, NY?
Cost of living in Butternuts is quite affordable, with a median home value of $122,000 and average rent of $770. Essential expenses like groceries and utilities are generally lower than national averages, although utilities tend to be a bit higher. The town’s overall cost of living index of 91.5 means your dollar goes further compared to many other places in New York.
Median House Value:
$122,000
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.5
Grocery:
99.5
Housing:
72.1
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
97.2
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
93.4
Crime
Is Butternuts, NY a safe place to live?
Butternuts enjoys a notably low violent crime rate of 82 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to call home. Property crime is also relatively limited, with a 1 in 154 chance annually, offering peace of mind for families and newcomers. The overall crime index supports the area’s reputation for safety and tranquility.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
650
Crime Index:
732
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 154
Weather
What is the weather like in Butternuts, NY year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 12°F and warm summers reaching highs around 79°F. The town receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 47% of the year, creating a classic upstate New York climate. Spring and fall are mild and scenic, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $54,200, and the poverty rate is 13.1%, reflecting modest yet stable incomes. Most residents commute by car, averaging nearly 30 minutes to work, and community education levels are solid, with almost 90% holding at least a high school diploma. The area is quiet, with little public transportation use and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$61,300
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$28,700
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
20.3%
Education
How are the schools in Butternuts, NY?
Education in Butternuts is anchored by the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School, known for its small classes and personalized attention. For higher education, residents are close to SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, both offering a range of academic programs within 20 miles. The community values education, with nearly 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School
Street:
693 State Highway 51
Phone:
607-783-2207
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Oneonta
City:
Oneonta
State:
NY
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Hartwick College
City:
Oneonta
State:
NY
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access is reliable, with major hospitals like Bassett Medical Center and A.O. Fox Hospital located nearby in Cooperstown and Oneonta. About 93% of residents have health insurance, and there are 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring most medical needs can be met locally. Emergency services and general care are both available within a reasonable drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bassett Medical Center
Address:
1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone:
(607) 547-3456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
A.O. Fox Hospital
Address:
1 Norton Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820
Phone:
(607) 432-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Butternuts, NY?
The housing market in Butternuts is very accessible, with median home prices at $122,000 and the majority of residents owning their homes. Rental options remain affordable, and the area sees stable home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate. New construction is limited, preserving the town’s rural character and community feel.
Median Home Price:
$122,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor services through the New York State DMV, with the nearest office located in Utica. The DMV offers comprehensive services online and in-person, supporting local drivers’ needs. Assistance and information are readily accessible through the state DMV website and phone line.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
207 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.