Cost of Living in Lewis County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lewis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lewis County ranks #633 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lewis County, New York
Lewis County beats national affordability
Renters here spend just 14.4% of income on housing, well below the national norm and nearly 3 percentage points better than New York's state average of 17.6%. Median rent of $821 per month is less than half the state average of $1,133, making this one of the most affordable rental markets in the region.
Among New York's most affordable counties
Lewis County ranks among the state's best for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average significantly. At $821 in median monthly rent against a $68,329 household income, the math works in residents' favor compared to pricier upstate alternatives.
Cheaper than nearby rural counties
Lewis County's $821 rent is notably lower than Niagara County ($870) and Madison County ($891), though slightly undercut by Livingston County's exceptional $912 rate. Homeownership costs tell a similar story: at $889 monthly, Lewis is the most affordable for mortgages among its immediate neighbors.
Modest housing burden, strong income base
The median household earns $68,329 annually, spending about $9,852 yearly on rent (14.4% of gross income) and $10,668 on ownership costs if mortgaged. This leaves ample room in the household budget compared to state and national averages, where renters often allocate 17–25% to housing.
Lewis County welcomes budget-conscious relocators
If you're pricing out of New York's expensive metros, Lewis County offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community—rent runs $312 below state average and homebuying at $158,000 median value is realistic for middle-income families. Compare this county's rent-to-income ratio to your current market and see the difference 3 percentage points can make.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lewis County
Affordability Verdict
Lewis County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $821/month representing approximately 14.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $821/month rent versus $889/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $68/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,100/year. With a median household income of $68,329, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Lewis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Orleans County where rent averages $877/month, Lewis County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lewis County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,594
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lewis County
Median home value is $158,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,261 vs. your max of $1,594.
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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