Cost of Living in Broome County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Broome County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Broome County ranks #2,736 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Broome County, New York
Broome hits national affordability balance
Broome County renters spend 18.0% of income on housing, nearly matching the national average of 17.0%, with a median household income of $61,059 running about $13,700 below the national median. The county's affordability sits right at the inflection point where housing remains manageable without excess strain.
Slightly above New York average
Broome County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% edges above New York's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the moderate affordability band across the state's counties. The $914 median rent runs $219 below the state average, offering a sweet spot for Upstate residents.
Affordable relative to region
Broome's $914 rent sits between rural bastions like Cattaraugus ($759) and mid-tier counties like Chemung ($1,020), with home values of $145,100 representing accessible ownership. As the Binghamton area's anchor, Broome maintains small-city affordability despite regional economic revival.
Balanced housing-income equation
Renters spend 18.0% of the $61,059 median income on $914 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 19.3% to ownership costs ($983/month). Both figures leave room for savings and discretionary spending compared to state and national medians.
Sweet spot for upstate movers
Broome County offers genuine Upstate New York character—a mid-sized regional city with affordable housing and emerging cultural momentum—without the affordability penalty of larger metros. If you earn around $60,000–$75,000 and seek a revitalized post-industrial community, Broome delivers exceptional housing economics.
Cost of Living Advisory: Broome County
Affordability Verdict
Broome County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $914/month — about 18.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $914/month rent versus $983/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $69/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,129/year. With a median household income of $61,059, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Broome County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New York, Broome County is more affordable than Hamilton County by roughly 6% ($914/mo vs $860/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Broome County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,425
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Broome County
Median home value is $145,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,158 vs. your max of $1,425.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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