Cost of Living in Cattaraugus County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cattaraugus County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cattaraugus County ranks #1,959 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cattaraugus County, New York
Cattaraugus beats affordability benchmarks
Cattaraugus County residents spend just 15.6% of income on rent, well below the national average of 17.0%, despite a median household income of $58,248 that trails the national median by $16,507. The county's exceptional housing costs mean residents retain more income for savings and essentials.
Affordable among New York counties
Cattaraugus County ranks among New York's most affordable regions, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%—below the state average of 17.6%. At $759 monthly, median rent costs $374 less than the state median, placing it in the county's affordability sweet spot.
Rural west NY affordability cluster
Cattaraugus rents of $759 are nearly identical to Allegany County ($754) and substantially cheaper than Chautauqua ($797), positioning the county within western New York's affordability corridor. Home values under $110,000 compete with the region's least expensive markets for genuine starter-home accessibility.
Income stretches across essentials
Renters dedicate just 15.6% of the $58,248 median income to $759 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.8% on ownership ($767/month). This leaves approximately 84% of household income for all other expenses—a luxury rare in high-cost regions.
Rural charm meets true affordability
If you prioritize affordability above urban amenities, Cattaraugus County delivers authentic rural living at genuine working-class prices—rent and home values that won't consume your paycheck. Homebuyers can achieve ownership for under $110,000; renters enjoy more breathing room than nearly any comparable U.S. county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cattaraugus County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cattaraugus County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $759/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cattaraugus County is $759/month, while owner costs run $767/month. Renting saves approximately $8/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,871/year. With a median household income of $58,248, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Cattaraugus County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New York, Cattaraugus County is less affordable than Herkimer County by roughly 6% ($759/mo vs $811/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cattaraugus County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,359
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cattaraugus County
Median home value is $109,400. Estimated monthly cost: $873 vs. your max of $1,359.
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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