Median Income
$35,755
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
652/100K
71% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.9%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$721
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.4%
97% higher than US avg
How Bridgewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population507
Median Age31.0 yrs
Density523/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans1.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,755
Per Capita$18,195
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty24.4%
County GDP$3,518M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Rent$721
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$191,787
Housing Units256
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent652/100K
Property3,835/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking21.6%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,215 ft (370 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.9%
High School+80.4%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 46%
Commute28 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Bridgewater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bridgewater receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bridgewater has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bridgewater is $35,755, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 24.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $721 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 652 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
1.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Bridgewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches, including 77.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Bridgewater has a population of 507 with a density of 523 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 31.0 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 1.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.0yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bridgewater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bridgewater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bridgewater is $35,755, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,195 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,160, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,538 business establishments, including 190 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bridgewater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,755 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,195 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,160 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.4% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,538 |
| County GDP | $3,518M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 190 |
| Healthcare | 156 |
| Retail | 243 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,079 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,787. Monthly rent averages $721 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 256 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,079 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $721 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 256 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,079 |
| 102% above US avg |
In Bridgewater, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 32.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:727. The dentist ratio is 1:2,246. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.6% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.7% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:727 |
| Dentists | 1:2,246 |
| Mental Health | 1:439 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 156 |
Bridgewater has a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 residents, 71% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 651.5/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,834.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bridgewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. The area receives 77.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,215 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,215 ft (370 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 523/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8787°N, 75.2520°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Otsego County County |
| Nearest Airport | Griffiss International (RME) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
54 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
75 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
13 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.6 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
229 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
150 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 39 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
34 km |
4 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
60 km |
2 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Bridgewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Bridgewater. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridgewater
What is the population of Bridgewater?
Bridgewater has a population of 507 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 523 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Bridgewater expensive to live in?
Bridgewater is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,755, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $721 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Bridgewater safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bridgewater, with a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bridgewater?
Bridgewater has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches, with 77.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Bridgewater?
The job market in Bridgewater is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,160. There are 1,538 business establishments in the area, including 190 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bridgewater?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $721. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $7,079.
How are the schools in Bridgewater?
Schools in Bridgewater score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.9% of adults in Bridgewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bridgewater?
The obesity rate in Bridgewater is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 32.7% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:727.
What is transportation like in Bridgewater?
The average commute in Bridgewater is 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bridgewater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bridgewater is 95.9% White. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 1.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.