Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oneonta, NY
Considering a move to Oneonta, NY? This friendly college town of 13,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $157,000 and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy a short commute of about 15 minutes, a low violent crime rate of 171 per 100K, and access to quality education with two local colleges. With four distinct seasons, a strong healthcare presence, and a walkable, artsy downtown, Oneonta is a welcoming choice for students, families, and anyone seeking a vibrant upstate lifestyle.
Demographics - Oneonta, NY
Demographics - Oneonta, NY
Oneonta, NY is home to about 13,079 residents, with a notably youthful median age of 22.1 thanks to its college town atmosphere. The community is predominantly White (85%), with a moderate mix of other ethnic groups and nearly 8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its population density and gender ratio create an active, diverse, and welcoming environment.
Population:
13,079
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.1
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
4.7%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oneonta, NY?
Living in Oneonta is affordable, with a median home value of $157,000 and average rents around $900, both well below the national average. The city’s cost of living index of 89 means residents benefit from lower housing and utility expenses, making it an attractive option for students, families, and retirees alike. State income taxes range from 4.0% to 10.9%, but overall daily costs remain budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$157,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
89
Grocery:
95
Housing:
73
Utilities:
98
Transportation:
90
Health Care:
99
Miscellaneous:
92
Crime
Is Oneonta, NY a safe place to live?
Oneonta experiences a low violent crime rate of 171 incidents per 100,000 people, providing residents with a reassuring sense of safety. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is about 1 in 70, which is typical for similar small cities. Overall, Oneonta’s crime index reflects a secure community ideal for families and students.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
171
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,424
Crime Index:
1,595
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 585
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Oneonta, NY year-round?
Oneonta enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 79°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The city receives around 41 inches of annual rainfall and has sunshine about 51% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can expect picturesque falls and brisk springs, adding to the area’s scenic charm.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
The median household income in Oneonta is $42,800, with a notable portion of residents—over 26%—living below the poverty line, influenced in part by the large student population. Community members enjoy short average commutes of about 15 minutes and a high educational attainment, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma. The area maintains a modest unemployment rate and a close-knit, diverse neighborhood feel.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,300
Income Male:
$27,200
Income Female:
$23,800
Poverty Rate:
26.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
15.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Oneonta, NY?
Oneonta offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and several private options. The city is also home to SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, which bring a vibrant academic atmosphere and diverse cultural events. With over a third of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, educational achievement is a point of community pride.
Public Schools
Name:
Oneonta High School
Street:
130 East St
Phone:
607-433-8243
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Greater Plains Elementary School
Street:
60 West End Ave
Phone:
607-433-8272
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Private Schools
Name:
Oneonta Community Christian School
Street:
158 River St
Phone:
607-432-1385
Students:
75
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Oneonta
City:
Oneonta
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,700
Name:
Hartwick College
City:
Oneonta
State:
NY
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Oneonta offers comprehensive healthcare services, anchored by A.O. Fox Hospital, which provides general and emergency care to residents. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and health insurance coverage exceeding 94%, access to medical care is strong. Local healthcare resources ensure peace of mind for families, students, and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
A.O. Fox Hospital
Address:
One Norton Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820
Phone:
(607) 432-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oneonta, NY?
The housing market in Oneonta is accessible, with median home prices at $157,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $900. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees a steady 4.2% annual home appreciation rate. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make it a stable place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$157,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services locally at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office on Chestnut Street. The DMV provides convenient access to licensing, registration, and related services for Oneonta and the surrounding area. For more information or to schedule appointments, the official state DMV website is available.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
366 Chestnut St, Oneonta, NY 13820
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.