Median Income
$46,321
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,600
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
59/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$769
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Hornell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,173
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density2,492/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$46,321
Per Capita$28,527
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$5,787M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,600
Rent$769
Ownership49.4%
Zillow$107,692
Housing Units4,230
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent59/100K
Property1,372/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault59/100K
Burglary154/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking17.8%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,157 ft (353 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 34%
Commute17 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations9
Libraries16
Is Hornell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hornell receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Hornell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hornell is $46,321, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hornell is $86,600, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hornell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,372 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hornell 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 38.4 inches, including 62.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Hornell has a population of 8,173 with a density of 2,492 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
The median household income in Hornell is $46,321, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,527 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,387. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,170 business establishments, including 220 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,321 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,387 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,746 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,170 |
| County GDP | $5,787M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 220 |
| Healthcare | 206 |
| Retail | 294 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,139 |
| 161% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Hornell is $86,600, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,692, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $769 (34% 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. 49.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,230 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $9,139 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,600 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,692 |
| Median List Price | $117,449 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $117,449 |
| $/Sq Ft | $59 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.5% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
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 | 49.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.6% |
| Housing Units | 4,230 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,139 |
| 161% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.55% |
In Hornell, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,787. The dentist ratio is 1:2,806. 52.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hornell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,787 |
| Dentists | 1:2,806 |
| Mental Health | 1:401 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,363/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 206 |
Hornell has a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 59.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,372 per 100,000, 30% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,195, burglary at 154, vehicle theft at 24 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hornell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hornell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 59.2/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 59.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,372.3/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| Burglary | 153.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,194.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 23.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hornell 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 62.1 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 1,157 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,157 ft (353 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,492/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3330°N, 77.6632°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Steuben County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elmira/Corning Regional (ELM)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0396 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.04 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.14 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Feb 6, 2023 |
1 km NE of West Seneca, New York |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
22 km |
| May 25, 1995 |
3 km NW of Amherst, New York |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Jun 16, 2004 |
11 km NNW of Angola on the Lake, New York |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
4 km SSE of Attica, New York |
M2.9 |
73 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Mar 8, 2008 |
5 km ENE of Clarence Center, New York |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Dec 21, 2009 |
10 km NNE of Olcott, New York |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Mar 29, 2020 |
11 km N of Lyndonville, New York |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
57 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
11 km NNW of Barker, New York |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
104 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 16 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 21, 2003 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1961 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1954 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2022 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 2021 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL RUN (2,003 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
WOODRUFF |
757 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Hornell has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 21°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Hornell. 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 Hornell
What is the population of Hornell?
Hornell has a population of 8,173 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 2,492 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Hornell expensive to live in?
Hornell 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 $46,321, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,600 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hornell safe?
Hornell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,372 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hornell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hornell?
Hornell 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 38.4 inches, with 62.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Hornell?
The unemployment rate in Hornell is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,387. There are 2,170 business establishments in the area, including 220 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hornell?
The median home value in Hornell is $86,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,692. For renters, the median monthly rent is $769. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.4%. The average annual property tax is $9,139.
How are the schools in Hornell?
Schools in Hornell score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Hornell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hornell?
The obesity rate in Hornell is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 52.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,787.
What is transportation like in Hornell?
The average commute in Hornell is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hornell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hornell is 92.7% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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