Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tonawanda, NY
Considering a move to Tonawanda, NY? This friendly city of 14,858 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $179,000 and average rents near $970. Enjoy a manageable average commute of 22 minutes, low violent crime rates (186 per 100k), and easy access to local hospitals and solid public schools. Tonawanda’s climate brings four true seasons, and its strong sense of community, reasonable cost of living, and proximity to Buffalo make it an appealing choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Tonawanda, NY
Demographics - Tonawanda, NY
Tonawanda is home to approximately 14,858 residents, with a median age of 44.6 and a population density that provides a suburban feel. The city is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups, and about 6.5% of residents speak languages other than English at home. This demographic mix contributes to a close-knit, mature community ideal for families and retirees.
Population:
14,858
Density:
4,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tonawanda, NY?
Tonawanda features a cost of living index below the national average, with median home values at $179,000 and average rents around $970. Utility and transportation costs remain affordable, making the city attractive for both homeowners and renters. Overall, residents enjoy a reasonable balance of housing costs and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$179,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$515
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
99.6
Transportation:
98.3
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Tonawanda, NY a safe place to live?
Tonawanda is considered a safe community, with a violent crime rate of just 186 per 100,000 residents and a low chance of encountering property crime. The overall crime index reflects a secure environment, giving peace of mind to families and newcomers. This safety is one of the city's appealing qualities for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
186
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,506
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 537
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Tonawanda, NY year-round?
Tonawanda experiences all four seasons, with cold winters (lows around 20°F), warm summers (highs up to 80°F), and nearly 39 inches of annual rainfall. Residents enjoy about 47% sunny days throughout the year. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities, but newcomers should be prepared for snowy winters.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Local households in Tonawanda typically earn a median income of $63,200, with a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and commute times average just under 22 minutes. The community's stable employment and education levels foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$63,200
Family Income:
$80,500
Per Capita Income:
$32,600
Income Male:
$42,700
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
3.2%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.7%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Tonawanda, NY?
Tonawanda provides strong educational opportunities with well-rated public schools, such as Tonawanda Middle/High School, and private options available. Student-to-teacher ratios are low, supporting personalized attention, and higher education is accessible with SUNY Buffalo State and University at Buffalo just a short drive away. The city’s education system is designed to support learners from early childhood through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Tonawanda Middle/High School
Street:
600 Fletcher St
Phone:
716-694-7670
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Name:
Mullen Elementary School
Street:
130 Syracuse St
Phone:
716-694-6805
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph University School
Street:
3275 Main St, Buffalo, NY
Phone:
716-835-7395
Students:
370

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Buffalo State University
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,300
Name:
University at Buffalo
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
32,300
Healthcare
Tonawanda offers access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Kenmore Mercy Hospital and Sisters of Charity Hospital nearby. The city boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 95.9% and about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services and prompt emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kenmore Mercy Hospital
Address:
2950 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217
Phone:
(716) 447-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sisters of Charity Hospital – St. Joseph Campus
Address:
2605 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Phone:
(716) 891-2400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.9%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tonawanda, NY?
The housing market in Tonawanda is affordable, with a median home price of $179,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 67.2%. Rental options are available, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $970. Modest home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate reflect a stable and accessible market.
Median Home Price:
$179,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Tonawanda residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Buffalo, located at 170 Pearl Street. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and more, with helpful resources available online. The DMV offers convenient access for all vehicle and licensing needs in the region.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
170 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
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.