Syracuse, NY
Population 146,211 · New York
About Syracuse, NY
Syracuse is a major city located in New York with a population of 146,211 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,845 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 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 Syracuse features a median home value of $125,100, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Syracuse one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $998, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 68,155 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (24,465 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (34,821 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 Syracuse shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Syracuse have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.5% of Syracuse 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 0.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 12.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Syracuse Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Syracuse, NY
Compared to national averages, Syracuse has a median household income of $45,845 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,100, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $998 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Syracuse's income is 53% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 68% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Syracuse, NY?
Syracuse offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $998/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,845) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Syracuse provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Syracuse has a population of 146,211 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Syracuse with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Syracuse
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | 100,081 | $59,485 | $223,000 | Compare |
| Yonkers | 209,529 | $81,816 | $478,000 | Compare |
| Rochester | 209,720 | $46,628 | $120,600 | Compare |
| New Rochelle | 81,591 | $103,813 | $667,300 | Compare |
| Cheektowaga | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 72,528 | $77,171 | $449,600 | Compare |
| Schenectady | 68,521 | $56,398 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Utica | 64,440 | $51,513 | $133,400 | 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 Syracuse With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Syracuse
What is the population of Syracuse, NY?
The population of Syracuse, NY is 146,211 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New York.
What is the median household income in Syracuse?
The median household income in Syracuse, NY is $45,845 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Syracuse?
The median home value in Syracuse, NY is $125,100, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Syracuse?
The median monthly rent in Syracuse, NY is $998, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Syracuse?
The unemployment rate in Syracuse, NY is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Syracuse, NY a good place to live?
Syracuse offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 146,211 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Syracuse, NY?
30.5% of residents in Syracuse 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 Syracuse?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Syracuse, NY: median home value is $125,100 (49% below national), median rent is $998/month, and median household income is $45,845. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Syracuse?
The poverty rate in Syracuse, NY is 29.6%, 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 Syracuse, NY?
Syracuse's population is 0.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 25.8% two or more races. 12.1% of residents are foreign-born.