Median Income
$49,044
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$309,800
10% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
278/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
58.4%
73% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,126
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.3%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Northwest Ithaca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,813
Median Age54.2 yrs
Density511/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,044
Per Capita$41,909
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$7,966M
Commute18 min
Housing
B
Home Value$309,800
Rent$1,126
Ownership47.8%
Zillow$321,928
Housing Units921
Rent Burden41.3%
Crime
F
Violent278/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity26.3%
Uninsured4.3%
Smoking8.7%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease4.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation894 ft (272 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+58.4%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+30.6%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 75%
Commute18 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations69
Libraries6
Is Northwest Ithaca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northwest Ithaca receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Northwest Ithaca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northwest Ithaca is $49,044, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northwest Ithaca is $309,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,126 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Northwest Ithaca is below the national average at 278 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
Northwest Ithaca is a highly educated community / 58.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Northwest Ithaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°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 38.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Northwest Ithaca has a population of 1,813 with a density of 511 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 54.2 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.6% female and 38.4% male. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 9.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.3% of residents, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.2yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northwest Ithaca vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.3%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.7%
10% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Northwest Ithaca vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northwest Ithaca is $49,044, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,909. The average weekly wage is $1,342. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Northwest Ithaca vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,044 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,909 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,342 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,199 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% 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 | 3.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
The median home value in Northwest Ithaca is $309,800, 10% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,928. Monthly rent averages $1,126 (3% 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. 47.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 921 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $10,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.3x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $309,800 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $321,928 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,126 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.3% |
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 | 47.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.2% |
| Housing Units | 921 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.42% |
In Northwest Ithaca, 26.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.1% of residents, below the national average. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 8.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 16.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.3% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 4.3% 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: Northwest Ithaca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.3% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.3% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,252 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:224 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
Northwest Ithaca has a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Northwest Ithaca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northwest Ithaca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 277.8/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,346.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northwest Ithaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°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 38.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 894 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 894 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 511/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4585°N, 76.5351°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.9"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
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: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
4 km SSE of Attica, New York |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
103 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
136 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
94 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
1 |
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 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Northwest Ithaca has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 22°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Northwest Ithaca. 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 Northwest Ithaca
What is the population of Northwest Ithaca?
Northwest Ithaca has a population of 1,813 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 511 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.6% female and 38.4% male.
Is Northwest Ithaca expensive to live in?
Northwest Ithaca 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 $49,044, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $309,800 (10% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,126 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Northwest Ithaca safe?
Northwest Ithaca is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Northwest Ithaca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northwest Ithaca?
Northwest Ithaca 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 68°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Northwest Ithaca?
The job market in Northwest Ithaca is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / 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 18 minutes, and 20.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northwest Ithaca?
The median home value in Northwest Ithaca is $309,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,928. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,126. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.8%. The average annual property tax is $10,596.
How are the schools in Northwest Ithaca?
Schools in Northwest Ithaca score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 58.4% of adults in Northwest Ithaca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 30.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northwest Ithaca?
The obesity rate in Northwest Ithaca is 26.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.7% of adults are smokers. 16.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 4.3% 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 Northwest Ithaca?
The average commute in Northwest Ithaca is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 56% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 20.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northwest Ithaca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwest Ithaca is 77.3% White, 9.4% Black or African American. 85.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.