Violent Crime
276/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
92.6%
175% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.2%
183% higher than US avg
How SUNY Oswego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,565
Median Age19.4 yrs
Density10,485/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$8,422
Unemployment10.2%
County GDP$9,256M
Commute8 min
Housing
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$170,014
Housing Units11
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent276/100K
Property3,467/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.0%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease3.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation267 ft (81 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+92.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+14.9%
School Score5.13
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute8 min
Broadband53.0%
EV Stations20
Libraries11
Is SUNY Oswego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, SUNY Oswego receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. SUNY Oswego offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
At 10.2%, unemployment is notably high. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in SUNY Oswego is below the national average at 276 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,467 per 100,000, 77% above the national average.
Education
SUNY Oswego is a highly educated community / 92.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
SUNY Oswego experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches, including 140.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
SUNY Oswego has a population of 3,565 with a density of 10,485 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 19.4 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (66.4%), with 15.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 77.9% of residents, while 22.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.4yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
SUNY Oswego vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
77.9%
1% below US avg
Spanish
22.1%
65% above US avg
Social Characteristics
SUNY Oswego vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $8,422 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.2% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 2,324 business establishments, including 277 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: SUNY Oswego vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $8,422 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,442 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.2% |
| 183% above US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 2,324 |
| County GDP | $9,256M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 277 |
| Healthcare | 193 |
| Retail | 338 |
| Manufacturing | 78 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 22.8% |
| Public Transit | 8.6% |
| Work from Home | 19.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,014. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 11 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $6,555 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 11 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
In SUNY Oswego, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 3.7% of residents, below the national average. 24.1% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 16.3% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,498. The dentist ratio is 1:2,151. 65.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: SUNY Oswego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 3.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.1% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,498 |
| Dentists | 1:2,151 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.6% |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,165/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 193 |
SUNY Oswego has a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,467 per 100,000, 77% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, SUNY Oswego receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: SUNY Oswego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 276.0/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,467.1/100K |
| 77% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
SUNY Oswego experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. The area receives 140.1 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 267 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 267 ft (81 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 10,485/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4563°N, 76.5419°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Oswego County County |
| Nearest Airport | Syracuse Hancock International (SYR)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Dec 25, 1998 |
23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Aug 4, 2004 |
30 km SSW of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Jul 19, 2007 |
27 km S of Cobourg, Canada |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Mar 29, 2020 |
11 km N of Lyndonville, New York |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
61 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
37 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
75 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 12 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
90 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2018 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 2017 |
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 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
SUNY Oswego has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in SUNY Oswego. 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 SUNY Oswego
What is the population of SUNY Oswego?
SUNY Oswego has a population of 3,565 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 10,485 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is SUNY Oswego expensive to live in?
SUNY Oswego is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is SUNY Oswego safe?
SUNY Oswego is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,467 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, SUNY Oswego receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in SUNY Oswego?
SUNY Oswego has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches, with 140.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in SUNY Oswego?
The job market in SUNY Oswego faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 2,324 business establishments in the area, including 277 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 19.4% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in SUNY Oswego?
Schools in SUNY Oswego score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 92.6% of adults in SUNY Oswego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is SUNY Oswego?
The obesity rate in SUNY Oswego is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,498.
What is transportation like in SUNY Oswego?
The average commute in SUNY Oswego is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 22.8% of workers drive alone to work, 8.6% use public transit, and 19.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of SUNY Oswego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of SUNY Oswego is 66.4% White, 15.7% Black or African American. 77.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 22.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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