Cost of Living in Clinton County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clinton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clinton County ranks #1,405 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clinton County, New York
Clinton rents remain comfortably affordable
Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% lands well below the national 28% threshold, signaling strong affordability for renters. Though incomes ($69,208) fall slightly below the national median, housing costs scale proportionally lower.
Mid-pack affordability across New York
Clinton's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below New York's 17.6% state average, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's counties. At $956 monthly, median rent runs $177 cheaper than the statewide median.
Competitive with regional peers
Clinton's $956 rent falls between Chenango County ($819) and Cortland County ($911), offering middle-ground pricing in the northeastern upstate cluster. Median home values of $175,100 position Clinton as relatively accessible for buyers seeking stable appreciation potential.
Rent and ownership both manageable
Clinton residents earning $69,208 annually spend $956 on rent, dedicating just 16.6% of income to housing costs. Homeowners face $1,009 monthly payments, or roughly 17.5% of income—both figures signal solid affordability for different household types.
Strategic value near Vermont border
Clinton's proximity to Vermont and relatively affordable rents make it appealing for remote workers or those seeking rural charm with urban income. Compare Clinton's 16.6% rent ratio to your current market—even modest relocations often yield 1-2% improvements in affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clinton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clinton County is affordable. The median rent is $956/month against a median household income of $69,208, putting rent at 16.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $956/month rent versus $1,009/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $53/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,243/year. With a median household income of $69,208, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Clinton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clinton County sits 7% more expensive than Cayuga County ($895/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clinton County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,615
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clinton County
Median home value is $175,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,398 vs. your max of $1,615.
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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