Median Income
$65,272
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,700
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.5%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,094
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
31% lower than US avg
How Phelps Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,164
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density1,866/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,272
Per Capita$32,217
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty8.6%
County GDP$8,917M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,700
Rent$1,094
Ownership75.4%
Zillow$233,503
Housing Units949
Rent Burden35.3%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property2,655/100K
Health
Obesity32.1%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking14.1%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation509 ft (155 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.5%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.89
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 49%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries12
Is Phelps a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Phelps receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Phelps offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Phelps is $65,272, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Phelps is $162,700, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,094 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Phelps is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,655 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Phelps experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches, including 56.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Phelps has a population of 2,164 with a density of 1,866 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below 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 Phelps is $65,272, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,217 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,232, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,312 business establishments, including 330 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,272 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,217 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,232 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,015 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,312 |
| County GDP | $8,917M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 330 |
| Healthcare | 277 |
| Retail | 494 |
| Manufacturing | 170 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,466 |
| 199% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 12.1% |
The median home value in Phelps is $162,700, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,503, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 88.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,094 (6% 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. 75.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 949 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $10,466 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.3% 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 | $162,700 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,503 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $125 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 88.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,094 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.3% |
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 | 75.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.6% |
| Housing Units | 949 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,466 |
| 199% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.43% |
In Phelps, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,657. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Phelps vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,657 |
| Mental Health | 1:333 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,296/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 277 |
Phelps has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,655 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Phelps receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Phelps vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 144.1/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,654.7/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 466 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Phelps experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. The area receives 56.6 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 509 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 509 ft (155 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,866/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9581°N, 77.0621°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ontario County County |
| Nearest Airport | Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International (ROC) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.6"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.9 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Feb 6, 2023 |
1 km NE of West Seneca, New York |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Dec 25, 1998 |
23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Aug 4, 2004 |
30 km SSW of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| May 25, 1995 |
3 km NW of Amherst, New York |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 19, 2007 |
27 km S of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
4 km SSE of Attica, New York |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Mar 8, 2008 |
5 km ENE of Clarence Center, New York |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Dec 21, 2009 |
10 km NNE of Olcott, New York |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Mar 29, 2020 |
11 km N of Lyndonville, New York |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
42 km |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
11 km NNW of Barker, New York |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
69 km |
| Feb 13, 2014 |
34 km N of Lyndonville, New York |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
81 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 15 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2022 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 2021 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2021 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2018 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2014 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2014 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2012 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2012 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2012 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2012 |
EF1 |
97 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 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Phelps has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 23°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Phelps. 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 Phelps
What is the population of Phelps?
Phelps has a population of 2,164 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,866 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Phelps expensive to live in?
Phelps 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 $65,272, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,700 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,094 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Phelps safe?
Phelps is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,655 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Phelps receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Phelps?
Phelps has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.6 inches, with 56.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Phelps?
The unemployment rate in Phelps is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,232. There are 3,312 business establishments in the area, including 330 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 12.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Phelps?
The median home value in Phelps is $162,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,503. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,094. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.4%. The average annual property tax is $10,466.
How are the schools in Phelps?
Schools in Phelps score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.5% of adults in Phelps hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Phelps?
The obesity rate in Phelps is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,210.
What is transportation like in Phelps?
The average commute in Phelps is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 12.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Phelps?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Phelps is 93.6% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.