Alfred, NY
Population 4,632 · New York
About Alfred, NY
Alfred is a small town located in New York with a population of 4,632 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,357 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alfred features a median home value of $169,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Alfred in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $807, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 680 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (309 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (279 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alfred shows an unemployment rate of 15.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alfred have an average one-way commute time of 12 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
69.1% of Alfred residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 10.8% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alfred, NY
Compared to national averages, Alfred has a median household income of $45,357 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,100, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $807 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Alfred's income is 53% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 56% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Alfred, NY?
Alfred offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $807/month, and a well-educated community where 69.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,357) that falls below the national average. However, Alfred’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alfred has a population of 4,632 with a median age of 20 years. Compare Alfred with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Alfred
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Point | 4,622 | $148,684 | $607,300 | Compare |
| Montebello | 4,649 | $150,882 | $714,600 | Compare |
| Manlius | 4,657 | $66,714 | $233,500 | Compare |
| Noyack | 4,601 | $109,881 | $974,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 4,600 | $52,404 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Gates | 4,576 | $54,003 | $159,900 | Compare |
| Glen Head | 4,575 | $136,786 | $831,600 | Compare |
| West Elmira | 4,691 | $107,359 | $192,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alfred With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alfred
What is the population of Alfred, NY?
The population of Alfred, NY is 4,632 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Alfred?
The median household income in Alfred, NY is $45,357 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alfred?
The median home value in Alfred, NY is $169,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alfred?
The median monthly rent in Alfred, NY is $807, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alfred?
The unemployment rate in Alfred, NY is 15.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alfred, NY a good place to live?
Alfred offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,632 and a median age of 20, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Alfred, NY?
69.1% of residents in Alfred aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Alfred?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alfred, NY: median home value is $169,100 (31% below national), median rent is $807/month, and median household income is $45,357. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Alfred?
The poverty rate in Alfred, NY is 32.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Alfred, NY?
Alfred's population is 0.6% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 10.8% Asian, and 10.2% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.