Median Income
$137,132
82% higher than US avg
Home Value
$523,600
86% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
278/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
80.5%
139% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,347
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.1%
25% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Cayuga Heights Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,018
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density2,270/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$137,132
Per Capita$74,167
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$7,966M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$523,600
Rent$1,347
Ownership59.9%
Zillow$287,579
Housing Units1,763
Rent Burden39.5%
Crime
F
Violent278/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity24.1%
Uninsured3.9%
Smoking8.1%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation826 ft (252 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+80.5%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+61.6%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 75%
Commute12 min
Broadband85.2%
EV Stations69
Libraries6
Is Cayuga Heights a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cayuga Heights receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Cayuga Heights offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cayuga Heights is $137,132, which is significantly higher than the national average / 82% above $75,149. This places Cayuga Heights among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Cayuga Heights is $523,600, making it a premium housing market at 86% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,347 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cayuga Heights is below the national average at 278 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
Cayuga Heights is a highly educated community / 80.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Cayuga Heights experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 62.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Cayuga Heights has a population of 4,018 with a density of 2,270 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (65.6%), with 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.9% of residents, while 30.1% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cayuga Heights vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.9%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.1%
125% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Cayuga Heights vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cayuga Heights is $137,132, which is 82% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $74,167 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,342. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,766 business establishments, including 308 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). 20.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cayuga Heights vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $137,132 |
| 82% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $74,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,342 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,199 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,766 |
| County GDP | $7,966M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 308 |
| Healthcare | 284 |
| Retail | 297 |
| Manufacturing | 90 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 28.9% |
| Public Transit | 15.7% |
| Work from Home | 20.6% |
The median home value in Cayuga Heights is $523,600, 86% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,347 (16% above 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. 59.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,763 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $10,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $523,600 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $287,579 |
| Median List Price | $840,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $840,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $242 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,347 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.5% |
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 | 59.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,763 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.02% |
In Cayuga Heights, 24.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.1% of residents, below the national average. 25.6% have high blood pressure. 8.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 16.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 13.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,252. The dentist ratio is 1:1,663. 89.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cayuga Heights vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.1% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.1% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 13.7% |
| Physical Distress | 9.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 3.9% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,252 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:224 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
Cayuga Heights has a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cayuga Heights receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cayuga Heights vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 277.8/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,346.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cayuga Heights experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 62.9 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 826 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 826 ft (252 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,270/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4677°N, 76.4884°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
4 km SSE of Attica, New York |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
103 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
142 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
90 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
59 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
90 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DRY MARSH |
1,018 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Cayuga Heights has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Cayuga Heights. 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 | $1,251 |
| Toddler | $1,191 |
| Preschool | $1,104 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $857 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayuga Heights
What is the population of Cayuga Heights?
Cayuga Heights has a population of 4,018 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 2,270 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Cayuga Heights expensive to live in?
Cayuga Heights 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 $137,132, 82% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $523,600 (86% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,347 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cayuga Heights safe?
Cayuga Heights is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cayuga Heights receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cayuga Heights?
Cayuga Heights has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 62.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Cayuga Heights?
The job market in Cayuga Heights is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,342. There are 2,766 business establishments in the area, including 308 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 20.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cayuga Heights?
The median home value in Cayuga Heights is $523,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,347. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.9%. The average annual property tax is $10,596.
How are the schools in Cayuga Heights?
Schools in Cayuga Heights score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 80.5% of adults in Cayuga Heights hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 61.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cayuga Heights?
The obesity rate in Cayuga Heights is 24.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.1% of adults are smokers. 16.1% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 3.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,252.
What is transportation like in Cayuga Heights?
The average commute in Cayuga Heights is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 28.9% of workers drive alone to work, 15.7% use public transit, and 20.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cayuga Heights?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cayuga Heights is 65.6% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 69.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.1% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.