Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Poplar Ridge, NY
Poplar Ridge, NY is a quiet, rural hamlet with a population of about 390, offering affordable living and scenic countryside. The median home price is $194,000 and rent averages $950, making it budget-friendly for homeowners and renters alike. Violent and property crime rates are notably low, and the average commute is around 28 minutes, perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with access to nearby towns. Local schools are well-rated, and residents enjoy all four seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters.
Demographics - Poplar Ridge, NY
Demographics - Poplar Ridge, NY
Poplar Ridge is a small, close-knit community of 390 residents, with a median age of 46.2 and a nearly even gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and about 3.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The low population density offers a peaceful, rural living experience.
Population:
390
Density:
70 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Poplar Ridge, NY?
Living in Poplar Ridge is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $194,000 and average rent around $950. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, especially for housing, making it budget-friendly for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and healthcare costs are slightly above average, but state taxes remain moderate.
Median House Value:
$194,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$505
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.5
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
78.3
Utilities:
108.2
Transportation:
97.4
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Poplar Ridge, NY a safe place to live?
Poplar Ridge boasts very low crime rates, with only 92 violent crimes and 650 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents face a 1 in 1,085 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the area's reputation for safety. This makes the hamlet an appealing choice for those prioritizing a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
650
Crime Index:
742
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,085
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 154
Weather
What is the weather like in Poplar Ridge, NY year-round?
Residents enjoy the beauty of all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold, snowy winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall yearly and has sunshine on 46% of days. This diverse weather supports scenic countryside living and year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Poplar Ridge households have a median income of $65,700, and around 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area maintains a low unemployment rate and a family-friendly atmosphere, with most residents commuting about 28 minutes for work. The poverty rate is just under 11%, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$65,700
Family Income:
$78,900
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
29.4%
Education
How are the schools in Poplar Ridge, NY?
Students in Poplar Ridge attend Southern Cayuga Middle/High School, known for its low student-teacher ratio of 11.2 and supportive learning environment. Higher education opportunities are nearby, with Wells College just 7 miles away and Cayuga Community College within a short drive. The area is well-regarded for its educational resources and high rates of high school completion.

Public Schools
Name:
Southern Cayuga Middle/High School
Street:
2384 State Route 34B
Phone:
315-364-7111
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2

Colleges
Name:
Wells College
City:
Aurora
State:
NY
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
320
Name:
Cayuga Community College
City:
Auburn
State:
NY
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Residents benefit from close access to Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, which offers emergency and general care. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate of 95.7%, healthcare access is reliable. The community’s healthcare index reflects generally good availability and services.

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:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
79.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Poplar Ridge, NY?
The housing market in Poplar Ridge is stable, with a median home price of $194,000 and 77.8% of homes owner-occupied. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $950, and the area experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Home values have shown modest appreciation, contributing to long-term affordability.
Median Home Price:
$194,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Poplar Ridge residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Albany and convenient online services available. The DMV provides all standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for the state. Local residents can access information and schedule appointments through the official website.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
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.