Median Income
$49,226
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,100
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
329/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$815
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.0%
85% higher than US avg
How Sidney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,865
Median Age31.4 yrs
Density1,624/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,226
Per Capita$25,522
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty23.0%
County GDP$3,066M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,100
Rent$815
Ownership46.6%
Zillow$179,512
Housing Units1,982
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent329/100K
Property3,951/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking19.0%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain45.3 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation997 ft (304 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 36%
Commute21 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations10
Libraries10
Is Sidney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sidney receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Sidney has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sidney is $49,226, 34% 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 23.0% 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 Sidney is $116,100, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sidney is below the national average at 329 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,951 per 100,000, 102% above the national average.
Education
25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Sidney has a population of 3,865 with a density of 1,624 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 31.4 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (85.3%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.7% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.4yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.7%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
The median household income in Sidney is $49,226, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,522 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,234, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,040 business establishments, including 91 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). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,226 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,522 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,234 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,122 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.0% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,040 |
| County GDP | $3,066M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 110 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,373 |
| 82% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Sidney is $116,100, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,512, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $815 (30% 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. 46.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,982 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $6,373 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,100 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,512 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
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 | 46.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,982 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,373 |
| 82% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.49% |
In Sidney, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,324. The dentist ratio is 1:3,097. 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sidney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 46.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,324 |
| Dentists | 1:3,097 |
| Mental Health | 1:522 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 48.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,172/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 110 |
Sidney has a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 residents, 13% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,951 per 100,000, 102% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sidney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sidney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 329.3/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,951.3/100K |
| 102% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 27 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sidney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 997 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 997 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,624/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3083°N, 75.3978°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chenango County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albert S Nader Regional (ONH)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.3"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.4 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 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 |
69 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
13 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
14 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.6 |
110 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 |
219 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
150 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 87 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
78 km |
4 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
37 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1972 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1961 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRYTOWN FIRE (943 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
CHERRYTOWN FIRE |
943 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
WHITEHOUSE |
607 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Sidney has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Sidney. 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 Sidney
What is the population of Sidney?
Sidney has a population of 3,865 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,624 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Sidney expensive to live in?
Sidney 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 $49,226, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,100 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sidney safe?
Sidney is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,951 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sidney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sidney?
Sidney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Sidney?
The unemployment rate in Sidney is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,234. There are 1,040 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sidney?
The median home value in Sidney is $116,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,512. For renters, the median monthly rent is $815. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,373.
How are the schools in Sidney?
Schools in Sidney have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 25.9% of adults in Sidney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sidney?
The obesity rate in Sidney is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,324.
What is transportation like in Sidney?
The average commute in Sidney is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sidney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sidney is 85.3% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 93.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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