Median Income
$62,438
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$182,900
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.7%
42% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Canton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,222
Median Age22.4 yrs
Density1,740/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,438
Per Capita$26,177
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$6,588M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$182,900
Rent$775
Ownership42.0%
Zillow$177,206
Housing Units2,320
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property3,949/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking14.4%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation393 ft (120 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.7%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+27.5%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute12 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations11
Libraries22
Is Canton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Canton receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Canton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Canton is $62,438, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Canton is $182,900, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Canton is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,949 per 100,000, 101% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Canton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 77.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Canton has a population of 7,222 with a density of 1,740 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 22.4 years, 42% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 5.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.3% of residents, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.4yrs
Median Age
42% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.3%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.7%
28% below US avg
The median household income in Canton is $62,438, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,177 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,202, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,104 business establishments, including 253 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,438 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,177 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,202 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,104 |
| County GDP | $6,588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 253 |
| Healthcare | 233 |
| Retail | 339 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 13.1% |
The median home value in Canton is $182,900, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,206. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 42.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,320 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $6,866 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $182,900 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,206 |
| Median List Price | $219,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $219,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $121 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
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 | 42.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,320 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.75% |
In Canton, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831. The dentist ratio is 1:2,505. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Canton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,505 |
| Mental Health | 1:404 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 233 |
Canton has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,949 per 100,000, 101% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Canton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Canton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.1/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,949.0/100K |
| 101% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Canton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 77.3 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 393 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 393 ft (120 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,740/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6000°N, 75.1666°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | St. Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ogdensburg International (OGS) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
112 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Jun 23, 2010 |
29 km NNE of Val-des-Monts, Canada |
M5.4 |
145 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
117 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
117 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada |
M4.1 |
109 km |
| Nov 17, 1992 |
16 km ENE of Saint-André-Avellin, Canada |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Feb 25, 2006 |
4 km NE of Thurso, Canada |
M4.0 |
114 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
110 km |
| Mar 16, 2011 |
6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Sep 18, 2011 |
1 km E of Thurso, Canada |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Nov 6, 2012 |
Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Sep 12, 1995 |
8 km S of Brownsburg-Chatham, Canada |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
66 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Feb 15, 1995 |
13 km SSE of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Canada |
M3.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
19 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
48 km |
1 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2004 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2003 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1988 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1987 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1987 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1908 |
NOTRE DAME DE LA SALETTE |
Meteorological |
15.0 m |
33 |
135 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Canton has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Canton. 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 Canton
What is the population of Canton?
Canton has a population of 7,222 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,740 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Canton expensive to live in?
Canton 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 $62,438, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $182,900 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Canton safe?
Canton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,949 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Canton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Canton?
Canton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 77.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Canton?
Canton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,202. There are 2,104 business establishments in the area, including 253 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 13.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Canton?
The median home value in Canton is $182,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,206. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,866.
How are the schools in Canton?
Schools in Canton score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.7% of adults in Canton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 27.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Canton?
The obesity rate in Canton is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831.
What is transportation like in Canton?
The average commute in Canton is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Canton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Canton is 84.9% White, 5.8% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 90.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.