Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ghent, NY
Considering a move to Ghent, NY? This charming rural town of about 5,200 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home value of $315,000 and rents averaging $1,280. Enjoy a low crime rate (61 violent crimes per 100k), short average commute times of 28 minutes, and a strong sense of community. With quality local schools, easy access to healthcare, and four distinct seasons, Ghent is an appealing choice for those seeking peaceful country living with solid amenities.
Demographics - Ghent, NY
Ghent, NY is home to around 5,200 residents, with a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnicities and about 5% non-English speakers, creating a welcoming yet homogenous environment. With a balanced gender ratio and low population density, Ghent offers a relaxed, rural lifestyle.
Population:
5,200
Density:
85 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.3%
Black:
1.8%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ghent, NY?
Living in Ghent comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven by a median home value of $315,000 and monthly rents averaging $1,280. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are moderately priced, making Ghent a comfortable choice for those seeking value in a semi-rural setting. State taxes range from 4% to nearly 11%, which is typical for New York.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,325
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.5
Grocery:
105.2
Housing:
115.7
Utilities:
109.3
Transportation:
102.8
Health Care:
106.1
Miscellaneous:
101.4
Crime
Is Ghent, NY a safe place to live?
Ghent enjoys a notably low crime rate, with only 61 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,640 chance of experiencing such incidents. Property crime is also relatively rare, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live. Residents can feel confident in the community’s overall safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
61
Property Crimes Per 100k:
540
Crime Index:
601
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,640
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 185
Weather
What is the weather like in Ghent, NY year-round?
Ghent experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 16°F and warm summers peaking around 82°F. The town receives about 41 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal changes provide a picturesque, classic Upstate New York experience.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Ghent's residents benefit from a median household income of about $69,100 and a low poverty rate of 8.6%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community. Commuters experience an average travel time of 28 minutes, and public transport use is minimal, typical of rural areas.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$69,100
Family Income:
$85,400
Per Capita Income:
$37,200
Income Male:
$45,200
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
8.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,280
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.1%
Bachelors or More:
38.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ghent, NY?
Families in Ghent have access to well-rated public schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios, as well as private educational options like Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School. Nearby, Columbia-Greene Community College and Bard College provide higher education opportunities within a short drive. The community’s schools are known for strong academics and supportive learning environments.

Public Schools
Name:
Ichabod Crane High School
Street:
2910 US-9
Phone:
518-758-7575
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Name:
Taconic Hills Elementary School
Street:
73 County Route 11A, Craryville, NY
Phone:
518-325-2800
Students:
830
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7

Private Schools
Name:
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
Street:
330 County Route 21C
Phone:
518-672-7092
Students:
290

Colleges
Name:
Columbia-Greene Community College
City:
Hudson
State:
NY
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Bard College
City:
Annandale-on-Hudson
State:
NY
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Ghent is strong, with Columbia Memorial Health nearby and a high rate of insured residents (94.6%). There are about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely medical attention. The town’s healthcare index indicates services are reliable and readily available for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Columbia Memorial Health
Address:
71 Prospect Ave, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone:
(518) 828-7601
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ghent, NY?
Ghent's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $315,000 and 77% of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are moderate at 6.2%, and home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year. The low foreclosure rate and slow new construction reflect a steady, established housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Ghent residents access DMV services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Hudson. The office offers full vehicle registration, licensing, and titling services, making it simple to handle driving needs locally. Information and resources are easily accessible online or by phone for added convenience.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
560 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534
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.