Median Income
$51,920
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$211,700
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
660/100K
74% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.7%
33% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$936
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.3%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Dryden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,783
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density1,013/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,920
Per Capita$37,829
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$7,966M
Commute23 min
Housing
A
Home Value$211,700
Rent$936
Ownership54.4%
Zillow$287,579
Housing Units964
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent660/100K
Property4,430/100K
Health
Obesity30.3%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking13.7%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,078 ft (329 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.7%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+21.2%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 75%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is Dryden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dryden receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Dryden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dryden is $51,920, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dryden is $211,700, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $936 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 660 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 4,430 per 100,000, 126% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Dryden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dryden has a population of 1,783 with a density of 1,013 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Dryden is $51,920, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,829. The average weekly wage is $1,342. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,920 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,829 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,342 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,199 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above 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 | 5.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 17.3% |
The median home value in Dryden is $211,700, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 106.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $936 (20% 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. 54.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 964 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $10,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $211,700 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $287,579 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $189 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 106.7% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $936 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
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 | 54.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.6% |
| Housing Units | 964 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.01% |
In Dryden, 30.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% 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: Dryden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.3% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,252 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:224 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
Dryden has a violent crime rate of 660 per 100,000 residents, 74% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,430 per 100,000, 126% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dryden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dryden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 659.8/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,430.1/100K |
| 126% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dryden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,078 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,078 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,013/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4908°N, 76.3014°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
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
7 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 |
134 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
130 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 |
296 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
151 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 fatalities, 68 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
77 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
44 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
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 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Dryden has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Dryden. 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 Dryden
What is the population of Dryden?
Dryden has a population of 1,783 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,013 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Dryden expensive to live in?
Dryden 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 $51,920, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $211,700 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $936 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dryden safe?
Public safety is a concern in Dryden, with a violent crime rate of 660 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 4,430 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dryden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dryden?
Dryden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dryden?
The job market in Dryden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / 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 23 minutes, and 17.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dryden?
The median home value in Dryden is $211,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579. For renters, the median monthly rent is $936. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.4%. The average annual property tax is $10,596.
How are the schools in Dryden?
Schools in Dryden score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 44.7% of adults in Dryden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 21.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dryden?
The obesity rate in Dryden is 30.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 5.4% 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 Dryden?
The average commute in Dryden is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dryden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dryden is 88.7% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.