Cost of Living in Chemung County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chemung County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chemung County ranks #2,591 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chemung County, New York
Chemung rents run above national norms
Chemung County residents spend 19.3% of their income on rent—above the national average of 17.0%—with a median household income of $63,469 running about $11,000 below the national median. The combination of below-average wages and above-average rents creates tighter housing budgets than most American counties.
Above state average affordability burden
Chemung County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds New York's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. The $1,020 median rent runs $113 above the state average, straining household budgets more than most comparable New York regions.
Upstate pricing amid regional competition
Chemung's $1,020 rent exceeds nearby Broome ($914) and Allegany ($754) but undercuts the Finger Lakes and Rochester areas, with home values of $132,100 representing moderate accessibility. The county sits at the affordability inflection point where Upstate meets mid-market pricing.
Housing absorbs larger income share
Renters spend 19.3% of the $63,469 median income on $1,020 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 18.0% to ownership costs ($952/month). Both figures exceed state and national averages, leaving less discretionary income than comparable counties.
Weigh Corning's appeal against costs
Chemung County offers Corning's cultural amenities and small-city stability, but housing costs run steeper than comparable rural alternatives—expect to dedicate roughly 19–20% of income to rent. If your income exceeds $65,000 and you value regional amenities over maximum affordability, the county remains viable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chemung County
Affordability Verdict
Chemung County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,020/month representing approximately 19.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Chemung County pay $1,020/month on average, compared to $952/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,800/year. With a median household income of $63,469, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Chemung County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Chemung County sits 7% more expensive than Clinton County ($956/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chemung County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,481
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Chemung County
Median home value is $132,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,055 vs. your max of $1,481.
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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