Median Income
$57,240
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,000
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
660/100K
74% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.5%
5% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$918
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Owego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,823
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density1,499/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,240
Per Capita$42,192
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$2,022M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,000
Rent$918
Ownership45.9%
Zillow$222,067
Housing Units1,944
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent660/100K
Property4,430/100K
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.3%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation812 ft (247 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.5%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+13.7%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 39%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Owego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Owego receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Owego offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Owego is $57,240, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Owego is $143,000, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $918 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 660 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 4,430 per 100,000, 126% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Owego experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Owego has a population of 3,823 with a density of 1,499 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.6% female and 43.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Owego is $57,240, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,192. The average weekly wage is $1,292. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 890 business establishments, including 78 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,240 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,192 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,292 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,102 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 890 |
| County GDP | $2,022M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 78 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 125 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,725 |
| 92% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Owego is $143,000, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,067, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $918 (21% 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. 45.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,944 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,725 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,000 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,067 |
| Median List Price | $128,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $128,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $76 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $918 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
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 | 45.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,944 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,725 |
| 92% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.70% |
In Owego, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,691. The dentist ratio is 1:5,972. 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Owego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,691 |
| Dentists | 1:5,972 |
| Mental Health | 1:555 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,676/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Owego has a violent crime rate of 660 per 100,000 residents, 74% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,430 per 100,000, 126% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Owego receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Owego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 659.8/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,430.1/100K |
| 126% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 56 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Owego experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 812 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 812 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,499/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1046°N, 76.2622°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tioga County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| 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
5 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 |
143 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
69 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
148 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 |
287 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
166 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
60 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Owego has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 24°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Owego. 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 Owego
What is the population of Owego?
Owego has a population of 3,823 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,499 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 56.6% female and 43.4% male.
Is Owego expensive to live in?
Owego 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 $57,240, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,000 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $918 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Owego safe?
Public safety is a concern in Owego, with a violent crime rate of 660 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 4,430 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Owego receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Owego?
Owego has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Owego?
The job market in Owego is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,292. There are 890 business establishments in the area, including 78 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Owego?
The median home value in Owego is $143,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,067. For renters, the median monthly rent is $918. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 45.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,725.
How are the schools in Owego?
Schools in Owego score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.5% of adults in Owego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Owego?
The obesity rate in Owego is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 64.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,691.
What is transportation like in Owego?
The average commute in Owego is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Owego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Owego is 91.2% White, 1.9% Black or African American. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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