Tompkins County, New York

Income Data

-4% vs. New York average
$73,012
Median Household Income
$42,505
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$73,012
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$42,505
+8% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
26.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in New York
#25 / 62
by median household income

How Tompkins County Compares

Tompkins County$73,012
New York Average$76,433
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$73,012
Median Household Income
$42,505
Per Capita Income
$271,500
Median Home Value
26.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Tompkins County, New York

Tompkins approaches national income levels

Tompkins County's median household income of $73,012 trails the national median of $74,755 by just 2%, demonstrating earning power on par with the typical American household. This strength reflects the county's educated workforce centered around Ithaca College and Cornell University.

Tompkins nears statewide income median

At $73,012, Tompkins County sits slightly below New York's median of $76,433, placing it solidly in the middle range of the state's 62 counties. The county's university presence supports higher-than-average education levels and professional employment.

Highest-earning Southern Tier county

Tompkins leads regional peers at $73,012, surpassing Tioga County ($71,791), Seneca ($66,007), and Steuben ($64,740) by clear margins. The county's academic institutions and educated workforce differentiate it from surrounding rural areas.

Income challenges high housing costs

Despite solid income, Tompkins faces the region's highest rent-to-income ratio at 22.6%, with median home values reaching $271,500. The university's presence and appeal as a cultural hub have driven up housing costs faster than incomes.

Strategic planning for Tompkins households

Tompkins residents earning $73,012 must balance higher housing costs with wealth-building strategies like diversified investments and retirement optimization. Consulting with financial professionals about mortgage management, education savings, and long-term asset allocation can help families thrive despite elevated living costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Tompkins County, New York?
The median household income in Tompkins County, New York is $73,012, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Tompkins County?
The per capita income in Tompkins County is $42,505, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $73,012.
How does Tompkins County compare to the New York average?
Tompkins County's median household income of $73,012 is lower than the New York state average of $76,433. The per capita income is $42,505, compared to the state average of $41,133.
What is the per capita income in Tompkins County, New York?
The per capita income in Tompkins County, New York is $42,505, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Tompkins County a low-income area in New York?
Tompkins County's median household income of $73,012 is below the New York average of $76,433. The per capita income of $42,505 is also comparable to the state average of $41,133. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Tompkins County rank for income in New York?
Tompkins County ranks #25 out of 62 counties in New York by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $73,012 and per capita income of $42,505, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $73,012 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-2%

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vs. National Median2% below

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Your monthly income ($6,084) vs. median rent ($1,374/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.