Median Income
$52,411
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$804
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.5%
57% higher than US avg
How Norfolk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,021
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density378/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,411
Per Capita$30,965
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty19.5%
County GDP$2,709M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,000
Rent$804
Ownership61.7%
Zillow$112,747
Housing Units503
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property3,949/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking17.6%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation311 ft (95 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Norfolk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Norfolk receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Norfolk has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Norfolk is $52,411, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 19.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Norfolk is $99,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $804 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
Violent crime in Norfolk is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,949 per 100,000, 101% above the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Norfolk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Norfolk has a population of 1,021 with a density of 378 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.4%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Norfolk is $52,411, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,965 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,316. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,108 business establishments, including 113 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,411 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,965 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,316 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,766 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.5% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,108 |
| County GDP | $2,709M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 154 |
| Retail | 157 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,069 |
| 131% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Norfolk is $99,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,747, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $804 (31% 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. 61.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 503 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $8,069 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% 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 | $99,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,747 |
| Median List Price | $259,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $259,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $97 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.6% |
| Price Drops | 60.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $804 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
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 | 61.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.3% |
| Housing Units | 503 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,069 |
| 131% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.15% |
In Norfolk, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898. The dentist ratio is 1:1,784. 57.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Norfolk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,898 |
| Dentists | 1:1,784 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 154 |
Norfolk has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,949 per 100,000, 101% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Norfolk receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Norfolk vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.1/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,949.0/100K |
| 101% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Norfolk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°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 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 311 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 311 ft (95 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 378/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7886°N, 74.9880°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Massena International-Richards Field (MSS)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.9"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
137 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Jun 23, 2010 |
29 km NNE of Val-des-Monts, Canada |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
107 km |
| Mar 14, 1996 |
7 km WNW of Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard, Canada |
M4.5 |
141 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
92 km |
| May 24, 1997 |
6 km W of Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard, Canada |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Oct 31, 1999 |
7 km SW of Morin-Heights, Canada |
M4.2 |
129 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada |
M4.1 |
87 km |
| Nov 17, 1992 |
16 km ENE of Saint-André-Avellin, Canada |
M4.0 |
109 km |
| Feb 25, 2006 |
4 km NE of Thurso, Canada |
M4.0 |
95 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
86 km |
| Mar 16, 2011 |
6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Sep 18, 2011 |
1 km E of Thurso, Canada |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Sep 23, 1993 |
11 km SE of La Conception, Canada |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
85 km |
| Nov 6, 2012 |
Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
55 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
16 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
73 km |
1 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2004 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1988 |
EF0 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1987 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1908 |
NOTRE DAME DE LA SALETTE |
Meteorological |
15.0 m |
33 |
119 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Norfolk has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
What is the population of Norfolk?
Norfolk has a population of 1,021 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 378 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Norfolk expensive to live in?
Norfolk 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 $52,411, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $804 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 Norfolk safe?
Norfolk is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,949 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Norfolk receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Norfolk?
Norfolk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Norfolk?
The job market in Norfolk is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,316. There are 1,108 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk is $99,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,747. For renters, the median monthly rent is $804. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.7%. The average annual property tax is $8,069.
How are the schools in Norfolk?
Schools in Norfolk have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.1% of adults in Norfolk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Norfolk?
The obesity rate in Norfolk is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898.
What is transportation like in Norfolk?
The average commute in Norfolk is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Norfolk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Norfolk is 89.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
