Median Income
$49,826
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,600
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
546/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$609
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Dexter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population828
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density1,236/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,826
Per Capita$27,121
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$8,276M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,600
Rent$609
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$223,597
Housing Units317
Rent Burden36.8%
Crime
F
Violent546/100K
Property4,627/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking14.2%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation334 ft (102 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute24 min
Broadband91.9%
EV Stations19
Libraries25
Is Dexter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dexter receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Dexter has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dexter is $49,826, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dexter is $152,600, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $609 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,627 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dexter has a population of 828 with a density of 1,236 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Dexter is $49,826, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,121 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,950 business establishments, including 307 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,826 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,121 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,822 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,950 |
| County GDP | $8,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 307 |
| Healthcare | 257 |
| Retail | 442 |
| Manufacturing | 63 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,803 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Dexter is $152,600, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,597, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 103.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $609 (48% 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. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 317 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $6,803 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,600 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,597 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $162 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $609 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.8% |
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 | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 317 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,803 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.46% |
In Dexter, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 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 1:1,971. The dentist ratio is 1:1,070. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dexter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,971 |
| Dentists | 1:1,070 |
| Mental Health | 1:403 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 257 |
Dexter has a violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,627 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dexter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 546.3/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,627.1/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 334 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 334 ft (102 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,236/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0112°N, 76.0430°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
17 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
39 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jul 10, 1997 |
8 km WNW of Cornwall, Canada |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Massena, New York |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Mar 21, 2018 |
9 km NNW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| Jul 27, 2019 |
9 km SE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
17 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Oct 6, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Nepean, Canada |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
51 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1994 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1989 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1986 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1983 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1981 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Dexter has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 20°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Dexter. 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 Dexter
What is the population of Dexter?
Dexter has a population of 828 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,236 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is Dexter expensive to live in?
Dexter 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 $49,826, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,600 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $609 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dexter safe?
The violent crime rate in Dexter is 546 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,627 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dexter?
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dexter?
The job market in Dexter is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 2,950 business establishments in the area, including 307 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter is $152,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,597. For renters, the median monthly rent is $609. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,803.
How are the schools in Dexter?
Schools in Dexter score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Dexter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dexter?
The obesity rate in Dexter is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971.
What is transportation like in Dexter?
The average commute in Dexter is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dexter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dexter is 88.8% White. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.