Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Durham, NY
Considering a move to West Durham, NY? This peaceful rural community of about 1,200 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents at $1,050. Enjoy low crime rates (violent crime: 95 per 100k), friendly neighborhoods, and a slower pace of life, all set amid the scenic northern Catskills. Local schools feature small class sizes, and you'll experience four true seasons with snowy winters and mild summers. Whether you value space, nature, or a close-knit feel, West Durham is a welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - West Durham, NY
Demographics - West Durham, NY
West Durham is a small rural community with a population of about 1,200, characterized by a median age of nearly 49 and a predominantly White population. The area is relatively balanced in gender and has a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it a tranquil and close-knit environment.
Population:
1,200
Density:
62 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.1%
Black:
1.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Durham, NY?
Living in West Durham is affordable, with a median home value of $235,000 and average rent around $1,050 per month. The overall cost of living index is just below the national average, while state taxes and utility costs remain moderate for New York.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.1
Grocery:
98.6
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
105.4
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
102.3
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is West Durham, NY a safe place to live?
West Durham experiences very low crime rates, with only 95 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,050 chance of being a victim. Property crime is also minimal, contributing to a safe and secure atmosphere for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
875
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 154
Weather
What is the weather like in West Durham, NY year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with snowy winters averaging lows of 15°F and warm summers reaching up to 78°F. The area sees about 41.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 52% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in West Durham typically earn around $57,800, with a poverty rate of 12.5% and a low unemployment rate. Most neighbors commute about 32 minutes for work, and the community boasts strong high school graduation rates and a friendly, small-town vibe.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$57,800
Family Income:
$68,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
24.2%
Education
How are the schools in West Durham, NY?
West Durham offers quality education through local public schools with small class sizes, and families also have access to private options. Higher education is within reach, with community colleges and universities located 20–30 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Cairo-Durham Elementary School
Street:
424 Main St
Phone:
518-622-3231
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
Cairo-Durham Middle/High School
Street:
1301 NY-145
Phone:
518-622-8543
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.1
Private Schools
Name:
Windham Ashland Jewett Central School (Private Option)
Street:
5411 NY-23
Phone:
518-734-3400
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Columbia-Greene Community College
City:
Hudson
State:
NY
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
SUNY Cobleskill
City:
Cobleskill
State:
NY
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in West Durham is supported by nearby facilities such as Columbia Memorial Hospital, with emergency services available just a short drive away in Hudson. Most residents have health insurance, and the physician-to-population ratio is sufficient for a rural setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Greene Medical Arts
Address:
159 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, NY 12414
Phone:
(518) 943-6097
Type:
General & Family Practice
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Columbia Memorial Hospital
Address:
71 Prospect Ave, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone:
(518) 828-7601
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Durham, NY?
The housing market in West Durham is stable, with median home prices at $235,000 and an owner-occupancy rate above 80%. Home appreciation remains steady, and rental options are available, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the New York State DMV office in nearby Catskill. The office provides comprehensive DMV services and is conveniently located for West Durham locals.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6 Academy Street, Catskill, NY 12414
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.