Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Canton, NY
Considering a move to Canton, NY? With a population of around 6,350, Canton is a charming college town offering affordable living—median home prices are about $152,000 and average rents just $930. Commutes are quick at 16.5 minutes, and crime rates are low compared to national averages. The town boasts reputable schools, two major colleges, and a close-knit community atmosphere. With cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers, Canton provides a safe, budget-friendly lifestyle with access to quality education and outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Canton, NY
Demographics - Canton, NY
Canton, NY is a vibrant college town with a population of about 6,350, characterized by a youthful median age of 22.7 due to its universities. The community is predominantly White, with a modest representation of other ethnic backgrounds and around 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
6,350
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.7
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
4.3%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Canton, NY?
Canton offers a cost of living notably below the national average, with median home values around $152,000 and typical rents at $930 per month. Utilities and groceries are affordably priced, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. State income taxes range from 4% to 8.82%, but overall expenses here are budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$152,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
102.8
Transportation:
90.5
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Canton, NY a safe place to live?
Canton is considered a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of 116 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crimes occurring at a rate of 1,050 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 862 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is lower than many U.S. communities. This fosters a sense of security for families and students alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
116
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,166
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 862
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Canton, NY year-round?
Canton experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters where temperatures can drop to 6°F and pleasant summers reaching highs around 79°F. The area receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. Residents appreciate the crisp autumns and mild springs typical of northern New York.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
26°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Canton's residents enjoy a median household income of $53,200, with 93% holding at least a high school diploma and over a third earning bachelor's degrees or higher. The poverty rate is higher than the national average at nearly 19%, but unemployment remains relatively low at 4.7%. Most commutes are short, averaging just 16.5 minutes, reflecting the town's convenient size.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$53,200
Family Income:
$63,100
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$31,200
Income Female:
$26,400
Poverty Rate:
18.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.1%
Bachelors or More:
35.6%
Education
How are the schools in Canton, NY?
Canton is home to quality public schools, including Canton Central High School and Banford Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The town is also distinguished by the presence of St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton, together serving over 5,000 college students. Private education options are available as well, making Canton an educational hub in the region.

Public Schools
Name:
Canton Central High School
Street:
99 State St
Phone:
315-386-8561
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Banford Elementary School
Street:
99 State St
Phone:
315-386-8574
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.6

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's School
Street:
2 Powers St
Phone:
315-386-3572
Students:
115

Colleges
Name:
St. Lawrence University
City:
Canton
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
SUNY Canton
City:
Canton
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Canton is strong, with the Canton-Potsdam Hospital providing comprehensive general and emergency services nearby. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95%, and there are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. This ensures residents have ready access to essential medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Canton-Potsdam Hospital
Address:
50 Leroy St, Potsdam, NY 13676
Phone:
(315) 265-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Canton, NY?
Canton's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $152,000 and a rental market that favors tenants, as evidenced by a 7.2% vacancy rate. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have seen steady appreciation at 2.5% over the past year. New construction and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating stability.
Median Home Price:
$152,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$930
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Canton residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, with statewide offices and online services available. The nearest main office is located in Albany, and residents can access forms, renewals, and information at dmv.ny.gov. The DMV provides comprehensive support for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207
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.