Cost of Living in Clarkson, NY

Population 5,002 · New York · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Clarkson can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $192,000 against $74,122 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 1.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 15 miles west of Rochester, Clarkson falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 59% higher than Rochester's $121,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Clarkson

The median home value in Clarkson is $191,600 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $995/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,122/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 58.5°F and lows of 40.6°F, with about 102" of annual snowfall. Overall, Clarkson has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$191,600
37% below avg
Median Rent
$995/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 62.6%
Renter-occupied 37.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$995
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,609/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.0 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.1%
Carpooled
6.8%
Walked
3.3%
Work from home
12.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$74,122
1% below avg
Per Capita Income
$38,829
Unemployment Rate
1.2%
76% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Labor Force Participation
61.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.9%
Graduate degree 14.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.3
Male median age 38.3
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.5°F
Avg Low
40.6°F
Annual Precip
35.1"
Annual Snowfall
102"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333544576978838174614939
Low °F 192027374857626154433425
Precip" 2.552.132.492.992.863.373.563.313.183.222.762.67
Snow" 27.423.117.93.00.10.00.00.00.00.18.122.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
64.9%
Good air days/yr
176
Max AQI recorded
237
PM2.5 days
128
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Clarkson, NY?

Clarkson has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Clarkson, NY?

The median gross rent in Clarkson is $995 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Clarkson?

The median home value in Clarkson is $191,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Clarkson?

The median household income in Clarkson is $74,122 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Clarkson, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clarkson is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is Clarkson, NY affordable?

Yes, Clarkson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Clarkson?

Clarkson has average high temperatures of 58.5°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 35.1". Average annual snowfall is 102". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Clarkson at a Glance

Population
5,002
Median Income
$74,122
Home Value
$191,600
Median Rent
$995/mo
Unemployment
1.2%
Avg High Temp
58.5°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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