Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Syracuse, NY
Thinking of moving to Syracuse, NY? With a population of 146,103, Syracuse offers affordable living with a median home price around $155,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commutes are short, averaging just under 19 minutes, and the city is home to major hospitals and renowned colleges like Syracuse University. While crime rates are higher than average, Syracuse boasts a vibrant, youthful community, ample healthcare access, and four seasons—expect snowy winters and pleasant summers. Explore the cost of living, housing, schools, and more below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Syracuse, NY
Demographics - Syracuse, NY
Syracuse is home to about 146,000 residents with a median age of 30.5, reflecting a youthful and diverse community. The city features a mix of backgrounds, with over half identifying as White, nearly 30% as Black, and a growing Asian population. Around 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the city’s multicultural character.
Population:
146,103
Density:
5,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
53.5%
Black:
28.3%
Asian:
7.4%
Others:
10.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Syracuse, NY?
Syracuse offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $155,000 and average rents around $1,050. The cost of living index is 86.2, making it below the national average, especially for housing. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, helping new residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.2
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
57.7
Utilities:
102.3
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Syracuse, NY a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Syracuse are higher than average, with a violent crime rate of 746 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,770 per 100,000 residents. The odds of experiencing a property crime are about 1 in 36, so newcomers should be mindful of neighborhood safety when choosing where to live. Despite these statistics, many residents enjoy vibrant city life and active community engagement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
746
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,770
Crime Index:
3,516
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 134
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Syracuse, NY year-round?
Syracuse experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters where lows dip to 16°F and warm summers reaching highs of 81°F. The city gets about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 48% of the year. Seasonal changes bring scenic beauty but also call for preparation, especially for winter weather.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The neighborhood median income is $24,600, with a family median income of $53,900 and a notable poverty rate of 29.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times are brief, averaging under 19 minutes. Public transportation is available but not heavily used, contributing to a convenient local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$24,600
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$53,900
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$29,300
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
29.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.3%
Public Transport Usage:
6.6%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
27.1%
Education
How are the schools in Syracuse, NY?
Syracuse offers a range of educational opportunities, from public and private schools to prominent colleges like Syracuse University. Public schools such as Nottingham High School and Frazer K-8 provide accessible K-12 education, while higher education is anchored by institutions serving over 24,000 students. The city’s educational environment supports learners at every stage.

Public Schools
Name:
Nottingham High School
Street:
3100 E Genesee St
Phone:
315-435-4380
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Frazer K-8 School
Street:
741 Park St
Phone:
315-435-4560
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Private Schools
Name:
Christian Brothers Academy
Street:
6245 Randall Rd
Phone:
315-446-5960
Students:
700

Colleges
Name:
Syracuse University
City:
Syracuse
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
City:
Syracuse
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Syracuse provides excellent healthcare access with major hospitals like Upstate University Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center offering emergency services. There are about 3.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% have health insurance coverage. These factors ensure that medical care is readily available for individuals and families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Upstate University Hospital
Address:
750 E Adams St, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone:
(315) 464-5540
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center
Address:
301 Prospect Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone:
(315) 448-5111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Syracuse, NY?
The housing market in Syracuse is approachable, with median home prices around $155,000 and rents for a two-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050. The owner-occupied rate stands at just under 40%, with a healthy rental market and a 6.2% one-year home appreciation rate. New construction remains limited, but low foreclosure rates reflect a stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Syracuse residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 4671 Onondaga Blvd. Services include licensing, vehicle registration, and more, with easy access both online and in person. The local DMV is a convenient resource for handling driving and vehicle needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4671 Onondaga Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13219
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.