Horseheads, NY
Population 6,494 · New York
About Horseheads, NY
Horseheads is a small town located in New York with a population of 6,494 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,267 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Horseheads features a median home value of $133,400, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Horseheads one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,126, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,459 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,015 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,203 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Horseheads shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Horseheads have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.4% of Horseheads residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Horseheads, NY
Compared to national averages, Horseheads has a median household income of $59,267 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,400, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,126 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Horseheads's income is 39% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 66% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Horseheads, NY?
Horseheads offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,126/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,267) that falls below the national average. However, Horseheads’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Horseheads has a population of 6,494 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Horseheads with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Horseheads
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gananda | 6,501 | $109,194 | $222,800 | Compare |
| North Sea | 6,517 | $155,139 | $1,071,800 | Compare |
| Fairview CDP (Dutchess County), New York | 6,454 | $84,759 | $256,500 | Compare |
| Bronxville | 6,539 | $215,726 | $1,137,700 | Compare |
| Irvington | 6,541 | $169,411 | $889,800 | Compare |
| Larchmont | 6,542 | $160,526 | $1,384,700 | Compare |
| West Point | 6,549 | $139,700 | $0 | Compare |
| Southport | 6,435 | $62,060 | $101,200 | 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 Horseheads With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Horseheads
What is the population of Horseheads, NY?
The population of Horseheads, NY is 6,494 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 Horseheads?
The median household income in Horseheads, NY is $59,267 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Horseheads?
The median home value in Horseheads, NY is $133,400, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Horseheads?
The median monthly rent in Horseheads, NY is $1,126, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Horseheads?
The unemployment rate in Horseheads, NY is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Horseheads, NY a good place to live?
Horseheads offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,494 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Horseheads, NY?
28.4% of residents in Horseheads 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 Horseheads?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Horseheads, NY: median home value is $133,400 (46% below national), median rent is $1,126/month, and median household income is $59,267. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Horseheads?
The poverty rate in Horseheads, NY is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Horseheads, NY?
Horseheads's population is 0.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.