Oswego, NY
Population 17,028 · New York
About Oswego, NY
Oswego is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 17,028 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,286 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 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 Oswego features a median home value of $114,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oswego one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,031, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,552 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (3,729 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (3,527 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oswego shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oswego have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.5% of Oswego 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 1.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oswego, NY
Compared to national averages, Oswego has a median household income of $53,286 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,600, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,031 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Oswego's income is 45% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 70% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Oswego, NY?
Oswego offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,031/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,286) that falls below the national average. However, Oswego’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oswego has a population of 17,028 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Oswego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Oswego
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massapequa Park | 16,985 | $170,470 | $626,300 | Compare |
| Hampton Bays | 17,138 | $129,080 | $688,900 | Compare |
| Islip | 17,224 | $122,596 | $486,900 | Compare |
| Bethpage | 17,334 | $132,832 | $597,400 | Compare |
| Farmingville | 16,605 | $129,920 | $444,300 | Compare |
| Cortland | 17,465 | $55,368 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Port Washington | 17,613 | $183,964 | $976,200 | Compare |
| Rye | 16,410 | $237,727 | $1,785,400 | 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 Oswego With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oswego
What is the population of Oswego, NY?
The population of Oswego, NY is 17,028 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 Oswego?
The median household income in Oswego, NY is $53,286 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oswego?
The median home value in Oswego, NY is $114,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oswego?
The median monthly rent in Oswego, NY is $1,031, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oswego?
The unemployment rate in Oswego, NY is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oswego, NY a good place to live?
Oswego offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,028 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oswego, NY?
28.5% of residents in Oswego 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 Oswego?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oswego, NY: median home value is $114,600 (53% below national), median rent is $1,031/month, and median household income is $53,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oswego?
The poverty rate in Oswego, NY is 21.1%, 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 Oswego, NY?
Oswego's population is 1.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.