Median Income
$71,675
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,500
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
805/100K
112% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.6%
35% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,050
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.0%
13% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Homer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,110
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density1,611/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,675
Per Capita$41,128
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,372M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,500
Rent$1,050
Ownership70.0%
Zillow$194,617
Housing Units1,563
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
F
Violent805/100K
Property3,982/100K
Health
Obesity28.0%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking9.7%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,136 ft (346 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.6%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+17.2%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute22 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Homer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Homer receives an overall livability score of 3.8 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. Homer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Homer is $71,675, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Homer is $160,500, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.6% 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 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Homer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches, including 117.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Homer has a population of 3,110 with a density of 1,611 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
The median household income in Homer is $71,675, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,128. The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,115 business establishments, including 125 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,675 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,128 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,115 |
| County GDP | $2,372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 125 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 57 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Homer is $160,500, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,617, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,050 (10% 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. 70.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,563 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $7,895 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,500 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,617 |
| Median List Price | $199,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $199,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,050 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
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 | 70.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,563 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.92% |
In Homer, 28.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 25.8% have high blood pressure. 9.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 17.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.9% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,724. The dentist ratio is 1:2,883. 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Homer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.0% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.8% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.7% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,724 |
| Dentists | 1:2,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:233 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,256/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Homer 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 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Homer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Homer 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) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 48 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Homer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 20°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 48.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 117.3 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 1,136 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,136 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,611/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6372°N, 76.1854°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cortland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
123 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
137 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 |
290 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
156 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 57 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
59 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
37 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
95 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 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Homer has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 20°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Homer. 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 Homer
What is the population of Homer?
Homer has a population of 3,110 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,611 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Homer expensive to live in?
Homer 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 $71,675, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,500 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,050 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Homer safe?
Public safety is a concern in Homer, 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, Homer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Homer?
Homer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches, with 117.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Homer?
The job market in Homer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 1,115 business establishments in the area, including 125 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Homer?
The median home value in Homer is $160,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,617. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,050. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,895.
How are the schools in Homer?
Schools in Homer have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 45.6% of adults in Homer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 17.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Homer?
The obesity rate in Homer is 28.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.7% of adults are smokers. 17.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 4.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,724.
What is transportation like in Homer?
The average commute in Homer is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Homer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Homer is 94.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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