Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oswego, NY
Thinking of moving to Oswego, NY? With a population of around 16,600, Oswego offers affordable living—median home prices are just $134,000 and typical rents are $910. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 19 minutes and easy access to education through SUNY Oswego. The city experiences all four seasons, with snowy winters and mild summers, and maintains moderate crime rates. Oswego is a great pick for those seeking small-town charm, lakeside living, and a strong sense of community without breaking the bank.
Demographics - Oswego, NY
Demographics - Oswego, NY
Oswego is home to about 16,600 residents with a relatively young median age of 31.5, and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with a small representation from other ethnic groups, and roughly 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a community feel, making it appealing for families and young professionals.
Population:
16,600
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oswego, NY?
The cost of living in Oswego is notably affordable, with a median home value of $134,000 and average rent around $910 per month. Utilities and groceries are priced near the national average, while housing costs remain especially low, making Oswego an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. State income tax ranges from 4.0% to 8.82%, helping residents manage overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$134,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,185
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$515
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
55.3
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
100.1
Miscellaneous:
97.8
Crime
Is Oswego, NY a safe place to live?
Oswego maintains moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 490 and property crime at 1 in 63, which is typical for small cities. The overall crime index suggests that most residents feel safe, though standard safety precautions are advised. The community’s proactive approach helps keep crime rates in check.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
204
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,794
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 490
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Oswego, NY year-round?
Residents in Oswego experience all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters featuring lows around 15°F and mild summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 44.7 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather roughly 45% of the year. These seasonal changes offer a classic Upstate New York climate ideal for those who appreciate variety.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Oswego’s households enjoy a median income of $50,200, though the local poverty rate stands at 21.3%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are under 19 minutes, making daily life convenient. The community is friendly, with a small-town atmosphere and a mix of homeowners and renters.
Median Income:
$39,600
Household Income:
$50,200
Family Income:
$65,900
Per Capita Income:
$24,900
Income Male:
$39,900
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.4%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Oswego, NY?
Oswego offers a variety of educational opportunities, including well-rated public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. SUNY Oswego, a prominent local college with about 7,000 students, anchors higher education in the city. Residents also benefit from nearby community colleges and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Oswego High School
Street:
2 Buccaneer Blvd
Phone:
315-341-2200
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Charles E Riley Elementary School
Street:
269 E 8th St
Phone:
315-341-2800
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Catholic School
Street:
115 E 5th St
Phone:
315-343-6700
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Oswego
City:
Oswego
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
Cayuga Community College
City:
Fulton
State:
NY
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Oswego residents benefit from access to Oswego Hospital, a general and surgical facility offering emergency services. The area has about 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.5%. Healthcare services are reliable, supporting the needs of both individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Oswego Hospital
Address:
110 W 6th St, Oswego, NY 13126
Phone:
(315) 349-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oswego, NY?
The housing market in Oswego is affordable, with the median home price at $134,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $910. Around half of the homes are owner-occupied, and a vacancy rate of 8.6% provides options for both buyers and renters. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make the market stable for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$134,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Oswego’s DMV services are provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on East River Road. Residents can access standard licensing and registration services, with helpful support both in-person and online. The DMV is easily reachable and serves all local driver and vehicle needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
384 East River Road, Oswego, NY 13126
Phone:
1-800-698-2931
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.