Median Income
$162,846
117% higher than US avg
Home Value
$361,000
28% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
278/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.5%
44% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,363
17% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.3%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How South Lansing Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,233
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density447/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$162,846
Per Capita$49,965
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$7,966M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$361,000
Rent$1,363
Ownership59.7%
Zillow$287,579
Housing Units335
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent278/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity27.3%
Uninsured4.4%
Smoking10.2%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation933 ft (284 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+19.4%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 25% / D 75%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations69
Libraries6
Is South Lansing a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Lansing receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. South Lansing offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Lansing is $162,846, which is significantly higher than the national average / 117% above $75,149. This places South Lansing among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Lansing is $361,000, 28% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,363 per month. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Lansing 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
South Lansing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°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 39.5 inches, including 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
South Lansing has a population of 1,233 with a density of 447 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.8% female and 43.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Lansing vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Lansing vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Lansing is $162,846, which is 117% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,965 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,342. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Lansing vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $162,846 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,965 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,342 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,199 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% 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 | 2.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in South Lansing is $361,000, 28% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,363 (17% above 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. 59.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 335 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $10,596 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $361,000 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $287,579 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $225 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,363 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
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 | 59.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Housing Units | 335 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,596 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.94% |
In South Lansing, 27.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 17.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 4.4% 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: South Lansing vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.5% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 4.4% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,252 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:224 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
South Lansing 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, South Lansing receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Lansing 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 |
South Lansing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°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 39.5 inches. The area receives 64.4 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 933 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 933 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 447/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5325°N, 76.4963°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tompkins County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
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
8 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 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
4 km SSE of Attica, New York |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
5 km SSW of Warsaw, New York |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
113 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 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
87 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
60 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
85 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 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
South Lansing has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in South Lansing. 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 South Lansing
What is the population of South Lansing?
South Lansing has a population of 1,233 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 447 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 56.8% female and 43.2% male.
Is South Lansing expensive to live in?
South Lansing 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 $162,846, 117% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $361,000 (28% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,363 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Lansing safe?
South Lansing 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, South Lansing receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Lansing?
South Lansing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 39.5 inches, with 64.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in South Lansing?
The unemployment rate in South Lansing is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 17 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Lansing?
The median home value in South Lansing is $361,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,579. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,363. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.7%. The average annual property tax is $10,596.
How are the schools in South Lansing?
Schools in South Lansing score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 48.5% of adults in South Lansing hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 19.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Lansing?
The obesity rate in South Lansing is 27.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 17.5% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 4.4% 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 South Lansing?
The average commute in South Lansing is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Lansing?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Lansing is 91.9% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.