Ithaca, NY
Population 31,792 · New York
About Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 31,792 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,617 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.6 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 Ithaca features a median home value of $330,100, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ithaca in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,441, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,607 total housing units, 29% are owner-occupied (4,001 units) and 71% are renter-occupied (9,841 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ithaca shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ithaca have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
70.2% of Ithaca 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 0.9% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 18.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ithaca Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Ithaca, NY
Compared to national averages, Ithaca has a median household income of $48,617 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $330,100, which is 35% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,441 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Ithaca's income is 50% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 15% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca offers a well-educated community where 70.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,617) that falls below the national average. However, Ithaca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ithaca has a population of 31,792 with a median age of 23.6 years. Compare Ithaca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Ithaca
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | 31,795 | $58,857 | $137,200 | Compare |
| Poughkeepsie | 31,778 | $60,050 | $259,200 | Compare |
| Oceanside | 31,907 | $145,282 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Centereach | 31,501 | $127,106 | $471,300 | Compare |
| Bay Shore | 31,275 | $101,695 | $467,800 | Compare |
| Port Chester | 31,162 | $99,916 | $563,900 | Compare |
| Spring Valley | 32,995 | $56,151 | $351,500 | Compare |
| Franklin Square | 30,559 | $140,051 | $640,300 | 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 Ithaca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ithaca
What is the population of Ithaca, NY?
The population of Ithaca, NY is 31,792 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Ithaca?
The median household income in Ithaca, NY is $48,617 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ithaca?
The median home value in Ithaca, NY is $330,100, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ithaca?
The median monthly rent in Ithaca, NY is $1,441, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ithaca?
The unemployment rate in Ithaca, NY is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ithaca, NY a good place to live?
Ithaca offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,792 and a median age of 23.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ithaca, NY?
70.2% of residents in Ithaca 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 Ithaca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ithaca, NY: median home value is $330,100 (35% above national), median rent is $1,441/month, and median household income is $48,617. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ithaca?
The poverty rate in Ithaca, NY is 28.4%, 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 Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca's population is 0.9% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 18.8% of residents are foreign-born.