Special Interest
Housing in Tompkins County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Tompkins County averages $1,411/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the New York median of $1,621 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 38% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Tompkins County FMR Area are $1,391 for a studio, $1,613 for 1‑bedroom, $1,930 for 2‑bedroom, $2,314 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,889 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $519 increase for a 2-bedroom in Tompkins County shows a 37% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Tompkins County was 3.3% in 2024, compared to New York at 4.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
