Rome, NY
Population 31,795 · New York
About Rome, NY
Rome is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 31,795 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,857 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rome features a median home value of $137,200, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rome one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $871, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,252 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (7,681 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (6,178 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rome shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rome have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Rome 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 1.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rome Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Rome, NY
Compared to national averages, Rome has a median household income of $58,857 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,200, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $871 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Rome's income is 39% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 65% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Rome, NY?
Rome offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $871/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,857) that falls below the national average. However, Rome’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rome has a population of 31,795 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Rome with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Rome
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca | 31,792 | $48,617 | $330,100 | 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 Rome With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome
What is the population of Rome, NY?
The population of Rome, NY is 31,795 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 Rome?
The median household income in Rome, NY is $58,857 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rome?
The median home value in Rome, NY is $137,200, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rome?
The median monthly rent in Rome, NY is $871, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rome?
The unemployment rate in Rome, NY is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rome, NY a good place to live?
Rome offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,795 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rome, NY?
21.4% of residents in Rome 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 Rome?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rome, NY: median home value is $137,200 (44% below national), median rent is $871/month, and median household income is $58,857. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rome?
The poverty rate in Rome, NY is 18.1%, 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 Rome, NY?
Rome's population is 1.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.