Cost of Living in Orleans County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Orleans County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Orleans County ranks #1,418 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Orleans County, New York
Orleans offers some of New York's best deals
Orleans County residents spend just 16.5% of their income on rent, beating the national affordability benchmark and offering genuine housing relief. With a median rent of $877 and median household income of $63,838, the county delivers value despite lower-than-average wages.
Among New York's most affordable counties
Orleans County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 17.6%, placing it among New York's most livable housing markets. At just $877 per month median rent—$256 below state average—Orleans delivers clear cost-of-living advantages for budget-conscious families.
Orleans undercuts neighbors on all fronts
Orleans's $877 rent ranks lowest among all comparison counties, beating even Oneida ($917) and Oswego ($943) by substantial margins. The 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ties with Oswego while beating the state average, making Orleans an exceptional value play in Western New York.
Lower income, lower costs create balance
Orleans households earn $63,838 annually—below state and national medians—but pay just $877 in rent, creating a sustainable 16.5% housing burden. Owner costs of $1,082 per month pair with modest home values of $126,200, keeping both rental and ownership accessible.
Orleans delivers Western NY's best value
For relocators prioritizing affordability, Orleans County offers the lowest rents ($877) and strongest rent-to-income ratio (16.5%) in Western New York. Compared to Orange County's 19.9% burden or even Ontario's 16.9%, Orleans frees up income for savings or quality of life across all earning levels.
Cost of Living Advisory: Orleans County
Affordability Verdict
Orleans County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $877/month representing approximately 16.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Orleans County is $877/month, while owner costs run $1,082/month. Renting saves approximately $205/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,371/year. With a median household income of $63,838, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Orleans County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wayne County where rent averages $929/month, Orleans County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Orleans County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,490
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Orleans County
Median home value is $126,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,007 vs. your max of $1,490.
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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