Cato, NY
Population 400 · New York
About Cato, NY
Cato is a small community located in New York with a population of 400 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,982 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cato features a median home value of $154,600, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Cato in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $840, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 190 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (115 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (64 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cato shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cato have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of Cato residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cato, NY
Compared to national averages, Cato has a median household income of $65,982 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $154,600, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $840 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Cato's income is 32% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 60% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Cato, NY?
Cato offers affordable housing with a median home value of $154,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $840/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,982) that falls below the national average. However, Cato’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cato has a population of 400 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Cato with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Cato
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haines Falls | 401 | $114,750 | $242,800 | Compare |
| Farnham | 398 | $75,938 | $124,000 | Compare |
| Munnsville | 402 | $68,750 | $110,100 | Compare |
| Fort Johnson | 397 | $62,333 | $124,500 | Compare |
| Rushford | 396 | $52,188 | $62,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 392 | $43,750 | $105,800 | Compare |
| Sunset Bay | 392 | $0 | $215,400 | Compare |
| Canaseraga | 391 | $72,813 | $70,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cato
What is the population of Cato, NY?
The population of Cato, NY is 400 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in New York.
What is the median household income in Cato?
The median household income in Cato, NY is $65,982 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cato?
The median home value in Cato, NY is $154,600, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cato?
The median monthly rent in Cato, NY is $840, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cato?
The unemployment rate in Cato, NY is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cato, NY a good place to live?
Cato offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 400 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cato, NY?
12.7% of residents in Cato aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Cato?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cato, NY: median home value is $154,600 (37% below national), median rent is $840/month, and median household income is $65,982. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cato?
The poverty rate in Cato, NY is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cato, NY?
Cato's population is 0.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.