Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ithaca, NY
Thinking of moving to Ithaca, NY? With a vibrant population of 32,108 and a youthful atmosphere thanks to Cornell University and Ithaca College, this city is renowned for its excellent educational opportunities and scenic Finger Lakes setting. The median home price is $310,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom is about $1,475, making it reasonably affordable for a college town. Residents enjoy short commute times of 15 minutes, low violent crime rates (144 per 100K), and access to quality healthcare and public schools. Ithaca’s lively arts scene, walkable downtown, and four-season climate make it a great choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Ithaca, NY
Demographics - Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is home to about 32,000 residents, with a notably young median age of 22.6 due in part to its large student population. The city is diverse, with significant Asian and Black communities, and nearly 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Ithaca's population density and vibrant mix of backgrounds contribute to its dynamic atmosphere.
Population:
32,108
Density:
5,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.6
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.8%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
16.5%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ithaca, NY?
The cost of living in Ithaca is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $310,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom around $1,475. Utilities and groceries are generally close to U.S. norms, while housing costs are higher, reflecting the demand in this college town. State income taxes range from 4% to 10.9%, which is typical for New York.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$1,475
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.5
Grocery:
102.7
Housing:
117.3
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Ithaca, NY a safe place to live?
Ithaca is considered a safe city, with a low violent crime rate of 144 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 694 chance of becoming a victim. Property crime is more common but still moderate for a city of this size, at 1,364 per 100,000 residents. Overall, the community experiences a secure environment, particularly appealing to families and students.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
144
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,364
Crime Index:
1,508
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 694
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 73
Weather
What is the weather like in Ithaca, NY year-round?
Ithaca experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 46% of the year. Residents can expect a variety of weather conditions, perfect for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Residents of Ithaca enjoy a highly educated community, with 96% holding at least a high school diploma and over two-thirds possessing a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is $38,200, though the poverty rate is relatively high at 31.8%, reflecting the large student presence. Short commutes and strong public transportation usage add to the city’s convenience.
Median Income:
$22,500
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,300
Income Male:
$25,100
Income Female:
$23,400
Poverty Rate:
31.8%
Non English Speakers:
14.2%
Rent:
$1,475
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
8.4%
Commute Time:
15.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.0%
Bachelors or More:
67.1%
Education
How are the schools in Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca boasts excellent educational opportunities, with well-regarded public schools such as Ithaca Senior High School and Boynton Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Ithaca College, attracting students from across the country. Private school options and a highly educated population add to the city’s academic appeal.
Public Schools
Name:
Ithaca Senior High School
Street:
1401 N Cayuga St
Phone:
607-274-2143
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Boynton Middle School
Street:
1601 N Cayuga St
Phone:
607-274-2241
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Private Schools
Name:
Immaculate Conception School
Street:
320 W Buffalo St
Phone:
607-273-2707
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Cornell University
City:
Ithaca
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
25,600
Name:
Ithaca College
City:
Ithaca
State:
NY
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Ithaca offers quality healthcare, anchored by Cayuga Medical Center, which provides comprehensive emergency and general medical services. With 3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% insured, healthcare access is strong for a city of its size. The area’s healthcare index of 76.2 points to solid overall health resources for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cayuga Medical Center
Address:
101 Dates Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone:
(607) 274-4011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca’s housing market features a median home price of $310,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,475, which is reasonable for a desirable college town. Homeownership rates are lower at 38.1%, with most residents opting to rent, and the market remains stable with a 4.7% appreciation rate over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a healthy and competitive housing scene.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,475
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents can access DMV services at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office located at 301 Third Street in Ithaca. The office provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and title services, and additional information is available on their website. Newcomers will find it convenient for all their motor vehicle needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 Third Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
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.