Rapids, NY
Population 1,562 · New York
About Rapids, NY
Rapids is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,562 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,482 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Rapids features a median home value of $275,700, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rapids in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 646 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (558 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (51 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 11.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.6% of Rapids 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 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rapids, NY
Compared to national averages, Rapids has a median household income of $103,482 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $275,700, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Rapids's income is 7% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 29% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Rapids, NY?
Rapids offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,482, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 41.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Rapids has a population of 1,562 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Rapids
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 1,565 | $54,479 | $197,000 | Compare |
| Remsenburg-Speonk | 1,559 | $175,469 | $1,022,100 | Compare |
| Sleepy Hollow Lake | 1,566 | $88,906 | $272,000 | Compare |
| Greene | 1,556 | $53,508 | $149,400 | Compare |
| Trumansburg | 1,552 | $71,316 | $271,300 | Compare |
| Golden's Bridge | 1,549 | $240,417 | $706,900 | Compare |
| Philmont | 1,575 | $62,972 | $215,700 | Compare |
| Valatie | 1,579 | $99,632 | $304,600 | 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 Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rapids
What is the population of Rapids, NY?
The population of Rapids, NY is 1,562 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 Rapids?
The median household income in Rapids, NY is $103,482 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rapids?
The median home value in Rapids, NY is $275,700, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Rapids, NY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Rapids, NY is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rapids, NY a good place to live?
Rapids offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,562 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rapids, NY?
41.6% of residents in Rapids 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 Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rapids, NY: median home value is $275,700 (13% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $103,482. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rapids?
The poverty rate in Rapids, NY is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rapids, NY?
Rapids's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.