Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Ontario, NY
Considering a move to Port Ontario, NY? This quiet lakeside hamlet has about 400 residents and offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $135,000 and average rents at $820. Crime rates are low, and commutes are manageable at just under 30 minutes. The area boasts a friendly, close-knit community, access to quality education, and four distinct seasons with snowy winters and mild summers—perfect for those seeking peace, scenic beauty, and a lower cost of living.
Demographics - Port Ontario, NY
Demographics - Port Ontario, NY
Port Ontario is a small lakeside community of about 400 residents, with a median age of 48.2, indicating a mature population. The town is predominantly White, with over 95% of residents identifying as such, and has a nearly even gender balance. A small percentage of the population speaks languages other than English, contributing to its close-knit and homogenous feel.
Population:
400
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Ontario, NY?
Port Ontario offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $135,000 and average rents around $820, which are both below national averages. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index sits at 89, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. State income tax rates range from 4.0% to 10.9%, and healthcare costs are slightly above the national average.
Median House Value:
$135,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
84.0
Health Care:
106.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Port Ontario, NY a safe place to live?
This community enjoys low crime rates, with only 120 violent crimes and 900 property crimes per 100,000 residents, meaning the chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 830. Residents benefit from a generally safe environment, making Port Ontario a comfortable choice for families and retirees alike. Property crimes remain infrequent, contributing to the area’s peaceful reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
900
Crime Index:
1,020
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 111
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Ontario, NY year-round?
Port Ontario experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Average winter lows reach 13°F, while summer highs peak at 78°F, and the area receives about 40 inches of annual rainfall. Nearly half the days are sunny, offering residents a balanced climate ideal for enjoying the outdoors.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Residents of Port Ontario enjoy a median household income of $49,700, with a poverty rate of 13.9% and an unemployment rate under 6%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is about 30 minutes. The community has a low rate of public transportation use, reflecting its rural character and reliance on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$30,500
Household Income:
$49,700
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,200
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Port Ontario, NY?
Port Ontario is served by Sandy Creek Central School, which offers a low student-teacher ratio of 10.5 and supports around 650 students, ensuring personalized attention. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is easily accessible at SUNY Oswego, located just 16 miles away. The community values education, with strong high school graduation rates and nearby college opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Sandy Creek Central School
Street:
124 Salisbury St
Phone:
315-387-3445
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Oswego
City:
Oswego
State:
NY
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Port Ontario provides solid healthcare access, with 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of the population insured. Nearby Oswego Hospital offers emergency and general surgical services, ensuring essential care is close at hand. The healthcare index is favorable, making the area suitable for those seeking reliable medical support.

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:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Ontario, NY?
The housing market in Port Ontario is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $135,000 and 77% of homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $820 and a vacancy rate under 8%. Home values have appreciated moderately in the past year, reflecting a steady and sustainable market.
Median Home Price:
$135,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 205 S. Salina Street in Syracuse or online at the state DMV website. The department provides services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. Assistance is available by phone for added convenience.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
205 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
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.