Syracuse city, New York Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Syracuse city, New York has a total population of 146,211, the 5th largest city in New York, with a median household income of $45,845, which is 46% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 29.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Syracuse city is the 5th largest city in New York with a population of 146,211.
- Household income is 46% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (29.6%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Syracuse city Quick Facts
How Syracuse city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Syracuse city Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Cities Similar to Syracuse city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester city | 209,720 | $46,628 | $120,600 | 29.9% | 26.6% |
| Albany city | 100,081 | $59,485 | $223,000 | 44.9% | 23.4% |
| Yonkers city | 209,529 | $81,816 | $478,000 | 35.2% | 14.7% |
| Buffalo city | 276,397 | $48,050 | $152,300 | 30.3% | 27.4% |
| Cheektowaga CDP | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | 28.2% | 9.6% |
Population Overview
Syracuse city is a major urban center located in New York, within Onondaga County. The total population is 146,211. It ranks as the 5th most populous out of 1,287 cities and towns in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in Syracuse city is 31.9 years. This is 19% lower than the state median of 39.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Syracuse city is $45,845. This is 46% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 42% lower. The poverty rate stands at 29.6%. This is 116% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.4%. This is 20% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $125,100. Housing costs are 69% lower than the state median of $403,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Syracuse city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 41.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% lower than the state average of 54.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Syracuse city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 49.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 25.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (25.8% vs 13.6%).
Education
30.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Syracuse city, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,287 Census-designated places in New York. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Syracuse city, New York?
Syracuse city, New York has a population of 146,211 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Syracuse city, NY?
The median household income in Syracuse city is $45,845, which is 42% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Syracuse city, NY?
The poverty rate in Syracuse city is 29.6%. This means approximately 38,599 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Syracuse city, New York?
Syracuse city's population is 49.5% White, 25.8% Black, 10.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Syracuse city, NY?
The median home value in Syracuse city is $125,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Syracuse city, New York?
30.5% of adults (25+) in Syracuse city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.