Is North Tonawanda Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Tonawanda

North Tonawanda, a city nestled in Niagara County, New York, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Situated along the Erie Canal and near the Niagara River, it boasts a unique geographical setting that has shaped its identity. The city is part of the larger Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area, providing residents with access to a wider range of cultural and economic opportunities.

Historically known as the “Lumber City,” North Tonawanda played a significant role in the lumber industry and was once a major port on the Great Lakes. Today, it continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown and waterfront areas. This strategic location and rich history contribute to the city’s appeal for those seeking a community with deep roots and a forward-looking perspective.

Is it Safe to Live in North Tonawanda?

North Tonawanda presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates falling below national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 41% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 57% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This suggests that residents can feel secure in their daily lives, though as with any city, certain areas may experience higher crime rates than others.

When considering safety, it’s helpful to look at specific crime statistics. The violent crime rate is reported at 1.901 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates also show a favorable trend, being 45.2% below the national average (according to FBI crime data). These figures indicate a community where law enforcement and residents contribute to maintaining a secure atmosphere.

Violent Crime Statistics

North Tonawanda’s approach to violent crime is notable, with rates that are considerably lower than national benchmarks. The city has recorded a murder rate of 0 per 100,000 individuals in its latest reported crime year, a testament to its safety (according to AreaVibes). Assault, rape, and robbery rates are also below national averages, contributing to the perception of a secure living environment.

The FBI reports that over a recent five-year period, North Tonawanda recorded 1,370 violent crimes. This averages out to a rate of 36.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 65.6% below the national average. This strong performance in combating violent crime underscores the city’s commitment to resident safety.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in North Tonawanda also remains a point of strength, with rates that are lower than the national average. Burglary rates are reported at 123.8 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the national figure (according to Niche). Theft and motor vehicle theft rates also reflect this trend, indicating a community where property is generally well-protected.

Over a recent five-year span, the city documented 1,669 property crimes, averaging 89.6 per 100,000 residents. This figure is 45.2% below the national average for property crime, highlighting the effectiveness of crime prevention efforts within the city (according to FBI crime data).

Cost of Living in North Tonawanda

The cost of living in North Tonawanda presents a mixed picture, with some expenses aligning with national averages and others deviating. Overall, the cost of living is reported to be 1% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). However, specific categories like housing can be more expensive, while others, such as utilities and groceries, tend to be more affordable.

Housing expenses in North Tonawanda are approximately 30% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). This can be a significant factor for potential residents. Conversely, utility prices are about 8% lower than the national average, offering some relief in monthly budgeting.

Housing Costs

Home prices in North Tonawanda show a median listing price of $247.4K (according to realtor.com®). However, Zillow reports a slightly different average home value of $273,946 as of March 2026, showing a 5.6% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Redfin indicates a median sale price of $232K in March 2026, a 3.6% decrease year-over-year (according to Redfin).

Rental costs also vary, with the average rent for an apartment in North Tonawanda being around $1,410 per month as of April 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 14% lower than the national average rent price. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,410 per month, while a two-bedroom is around $1,487 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Daily Expenses

Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare tend to be more affordable in North Tonawanda. Grocery prices are about 3% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). Healthcare costs are also notably lower, coming in at 11% below the national average (according to PayScale).

Transportation costs, however, are slightly higher than the national average. Expenses for things like bus fares and gas prices are about 3% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). This suggests that while daily necessities might be more budget-friendly, commuting could incur slightly higher costs.

Job Market and Economy

North Tonawanda’s job market is diverse, supported by a range of industries and employers. The city has a workforce of approximately 14,923 residents, with a significant portion employed in professional or administrative roles (according to Point2Homes). The unemployment rate currently stands at 5.8% (according to Point2Homes), indicating a stable employment landscape.

Key employment sectors in North Tonawanda include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. These industries provide a substantial number of jobs for residents, contributing to the local economy. The city’s economic activity is also influenced by its historical manufacturing base, with companies like Taylor Devices and Confer Plastics remaining significant employers (according to Livability.com).

Major Employers

Healthcare, government, and education are the leading employment sectors in North Tonawanda. DeGraff Memorial Hospital, part of the Kaleida Health network, is a primary employer in the city (according to Livability.com). Other significant employers include the City of North Tonawanda and the North Tonawanda City Schools district.

Manufacturing also plays a vital role, with companies such as Taylor Devices, Confer Plastics, and Armstrong Pumps employing a considerable number of people. Walmart also operates a store in North Tonawanda, contributing to the local job market (according to Livability.com).

Salaries and Wages

The average salary in North Tonawanda, New York, is reported to be $66,659 per year, or approximately $32 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). This figure provides a general benchmark for earning potential within the city. However, salaries can vary significantly based on occupation, experience, and specific industry.

The median household income in North Tonawanda was $66,961 in 2024, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year (according to Point2Homes). This median income suggests that while the average salary is around $66,659, many households experience a similar or slightly higher income level. North Tonawanda’s median income is higher than the national median income (according to Census Reporter).

Climate in North Tonawanda

North Tonawanda experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The city’s weather patterns are typical of Western New York, influenced by its proximity to the Great Lakes. Summer temperatures generally range in the 70s°F, while winter temperatures often drop into the 20s°F (according to IDcide).

The warmest month is typically July, with average maximum temperatures around 81.8°F. January is the coldest month, with average minimum temperatures around 16.8°F (according to IDcide). Temperature variations between day and night are moderate in summer and more limited in winter.

Temperature

The warm season in North Tonawanda lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures consistently above 71°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 80°F and lows of 64°F. The cold season spans from early December to mid-March, with daily high temperatures typically below 40°F.

January is the coldest month, averaging a low of 20°F and a high of 32°F. During the summer, temperature fluctuations between day and night can reach about 21°F, while winter sees a more modest difference of around 15°F (according to IDcide).

Precipitation

North Tonawanda receives an average of 9.99 inches of precipitation annually (according to IDcide). Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with June being the wettest month, averaging 4.01 inches of rain. The city also experiences snowfall during its cold winter months.

The wetter season typically extends from late March to mid-December, with a higher chance of wet days. June tends to have the most days with precipitation. Conversely, the drier season lasts from mid-December to late March, with February having the fewest days with rainfall (according to IDcide).

Education in North Tonawanda

The North Tonawanda City School District serves the educational needs of the city’s youth. The district comprises several schools, including elementary, middle, and high school levels, catering to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district’s overall performance places it in the bottom 50% of public schools in New York (according to Public School Review).

North Tonawanda High School has shown strong performance, with a graduation rate of 91% and solid Regents exam scores that often meet or exceed district and state averages. However, elementary and middle schools within the district face challenges, with some proficiency rates falling below state averages.

School Performance

The North Tonawanda City School District is ranked #525 out of 1,008 school districts in New York for the 2022-2023 school year, based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (according to Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate has seen an increase over the past five years, rising from 85% to 91%.

In terms of testing, public schools in the district have an average math proficiency score of 54% and a reading proficiency score of 45%. These figures are compared to statewide averages of 52% for math and 49% for reading (according to Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio is 11:1, which is consistent with the state average.

Student Demographics

The student body in North Tonawanda City School District is composed of approximately 3,137 students. Minority enrollment constitutes about 16% of the student body, which is lower than the New York public school average of 60% (according to Public School Review). The majority of students in the district identify as White.

Within the district, there are 6 public schools serving students from K-12. The district’s average testing ranking is 5 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in New York (according to Public School Review). Socioeconomic factors, such as the percentage of students receiving free and reduced-price lunches, vary across schools, indicating potential disparities in resources and support.

Demographics of North Tonawanda

North Tonawanda is home to approximately 30,198 residents, making it the 80th most populated city in New York out of 1,522 cities (according to Point2Homes). The population consists of roughly 48.5% males and 51.5% females. The city’s population has seen a slight decrease of -0.5% year-over-year according to the most recent Census data.

The racial makeup of North Tonawanda is predominantly White, accounting for about 89.4% of the population. Other racial groups include Two or More races (4.5%), Hispanic (2.8%), and African American (2%) (according to Census Reporter). The median age in North Tonawanda is 43.1 years (according to Data USA).

Age Distribution

The age distribution in North Tonawanda shows a significant portion of the population in the middle and older age brackets. Adults between 45 and 64 years old make up approximately 26.2% of the population, while those 65 and older represent around 21.9% (according to Point2Homes). This indicates a community with a substantial senior population.

Younger demographics include about 14.5% of the population being children under 15 and 9.2% in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 years old constitute 28.2% of the population (according to Point2Homes). This age composition suggests a balanced community with both established residents and younger families.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of North Tonawanda is largely White, with 89% of residents identifying as such (according to Niche). Other significant racial groups include those of Two or more races (5%), Hispanic (3%), and African American (2%) (according to Niche).

The US-born citizen population is high, at 94.7%, with 3.7% having gained naturalized citizenship. Non-citizens make up a small fraction of the population at 1.6% (according to Point2Homes). The city’s demographic profile is largely consistent with its surrounding county and state, with a strong presence of White residents.