Median Income
$61,827
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
114/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$726
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Vassar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,704
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density1,258/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,827
Per Capita$28,535
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$1,769M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,600
Rent$726
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$192,133
Crime
F
Violent114/100K
Property838/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault76/100K
Burglary114/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Elevation637 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+92.3%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute26 min
Libraries10
Is Vassar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vassar receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Vassar has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vassar is $61,827, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vassar is $134,600, 52% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $726 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vassar is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 838 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Vassar experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Vassar has a population of 2,704 with a density of 1,258 people per square mile. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (85.3%), with 4.7% Hispanic, 2.4% Black.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Spanish | 8.5% |
| 37% below US avg |
The median household income in Vassar is $61,827, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,827 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,535 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,247 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 921 |
| County GDP | $1,769M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 108 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Vassar is $134,600, 52% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $726 (38% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,133.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,133 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $726 |
| 38% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.71% |
In Vassar, 41.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.9% report depression. 25.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Vassar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,016/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
Vassar has a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 838 per 100,000 (57% below US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Vassar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 114.3/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 38.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 76.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 838.1/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Burglary | 114.3/100K |
| Theft | 647.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 76.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vassar has an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation is 34.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 34.2 inches |
| 10% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 637 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,258/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3708°N, 83.5775°W |
| County FIPS | 26157 |