Median Income
$57,347
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,000
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
805/100K
112% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$831
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.5%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Groton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,974
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density1,134/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,347
Per Capita$36,654
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$7,966M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,000
Rent$831
Ownership63.1%
Zillow$287,579
Housing Units1,065
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent805/100K
Property3,982/100K
Health
Obesity30.5%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.7%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,122 ft (342 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 75%
Commute25 min
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Groton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Groton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Groton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Groton is $57,347, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Groton is $153,000, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 805 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 3,982 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Groton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Groton has a population of 1,974 with a density of 1,134 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Groton is $57,347, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,654. The average weekly wage is $1,342. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.3% 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 25 minutes. 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,347 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,654 |
| 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 | 3.3% |
| 73% 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 | 6.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Groton is $153,000, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $831 (29% 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. 63.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,065 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $10,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,000 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $287,579 |
| Median List Price | $122,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $122,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $93 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $831 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
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 | 63.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,065 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.93% |
In Groton, 30.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% 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: Groton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.5% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,252 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:224 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
Groton has a violent crime rate of 805 per 100,000 residents, 112% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,982 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Groton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Groton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 805.4/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,981.8/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Groton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 64.4 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 1,122 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,122 ft (342 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,134/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5834°N, 76.3599°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
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
10 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 |
138 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
147 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
74 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
49 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
85 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 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Groton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Groton. 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 Groton
What is the population of Groton?
Groton has a population of 1,974 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,134 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Groton expensive to live in?
Groton 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 $57,347, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,000 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Groton safe?
Public safety is a concern in Groton, with a violent crime rate of 805 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 3,982 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Groton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Groton?
Groton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Groton?
The job market in Groton 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 25 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Groton?
The median home value in Groton is $153,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579. For renters, the median monthly rent is $831. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.1%. The average annual property tax is $10,596.
How are the schools in Groton?
Schools in Groton score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.0% of adults in Groton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Groton?
The obesity rate in Groton is 30.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 6.5% 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 Groton?
The average commute in Groton is 25 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Groton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Groton is 91.1% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.