Is Suffern Safe, Pros and cons of living in Suffern

Suffern, a village nestled in Rockland County, New York, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to New York City. This community provides a distinct character shaped by its demographics, economic landscape, and natural surroundings. Understanding these facets is key for anyone considering a move to this charming locale.

The village’s appeal is further enhanced by its educational institutions and recreational opportunities. Families are drawn to the area for its school systems, while the surrounding natural beauty provides ample space for outdoor activities. Suffern presents a well-rounded environment for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Is it Safe to Live in Suffern?

Suffern generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are comparable to or below national averages. The overall crime rate in Suffern is approximately 9 per 1,000 residents, positioning it as average for communities across the United States (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This suggests that your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Suffern is about 1 in 117.

Further analysis indicates that Suffern’s crime rate is lower than approximately 26% of New York communities. When compared to similarly sized cities nationwide, Suffern is considered safer than most (according to NeighborhoodScout’s exclusive analysis of FBI crime data). While violent crime rates are about average for American communities, property crime rates are also considered average for the nation. However, some reports indicate that violent crime rates in Suffern Village are 41.6% above the national average, while property crime rates are 83.8% below the national average (according to Crime Explorer). NeighborhoodScout also states that violent crime rates are about average for all communities in America across all population sizes.

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Suffern, NY, is notably higher than the national average. Suffern is approximately 20% more expensive than the national average, and 6% less expensive than the average city in New York (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This higher cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

The median home value in Suffern was $382,100 in 2024, showing a 9.11% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). Other sources indicate a median home value of $336,300 (according to Kurby AI) and a median listing price of $738,000 (according to Redfin). The homeownership rate in Suffern is 67.4% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 65.2%. Renters can expect higher costs as well; the average rent in Suffern, NY, is $2,197 per month as of May 2026, which is 34% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Costs

Suffern’s housing market reflects a strong demand, with a median listing price of $738,000 (as reported by Redfin). The median home value in Suffern was $576,040 as of March 31, 2026, showing a 1.3% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Another report places the median home value at $336,300 (according to Kurby AI).

The homeownership rate in Suffern is 67.4% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a preference for ownership among residents. For those considering renting, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Suffern, NY, is approximately $2,197 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), with two-bedroom apartments averaging around $3,191 per month. These figures highlight that rental prices in Suffern are significantly above the national average.

Cost of Living Comparison

Suffern’s cost of living is influenced by several factors, including housing, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. Transportation costs in Suffern are less affordable than the U.S. average, and healthcare costs are also higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Food costs, however, are reported to be as affordable as the average in the United States (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

The overall cost of living index in Suffern is 120, meaning it is 20% more expensive than the national average. This index is calculated based on the cumulative costs of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, and taxes. To live comfortably in Suffern, based on the average rent of $2,197, an annual income of approximately $87,876 is recommended, assuming no more than 30% of monthly income is spent on rent (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Suffern’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employment sectors, with key industries including healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. As of 2024, employment in Suffern saw a slight decline of -0.689%, with approximately 5,764 residents employed (as reported by Data USA).

The most common job groups among Suffern residents are in management occupations, followed by sales and related occupations, and office and administrative support. Major employers in the area include institutions like Montefiore Nyack Hospital and the Ramapo Central School District, contributing significantly to the local job market. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals also has a presence in Suffern, utilizing a former Avon facility for research and development (as reported by Rockland Report).

Major Employers

Several key organizations serve as major employers in and around Suffern, contributing to the local economy and job market. These include healthcare providers, educational institutions, and retail businesses. For instance, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has established a research and development facility in Suffern, repurposing a former Avon site (as reported by Rockland Report).

Historically, Novartis operated a manufacturing facility in Suffern, though it announced its closure by 2017. Avon’s Global Research and Development facility is also located in Suffern, employing a significant number of scientists and technicians focused on cosmetics development. These diverse employers highlight the varied economic base supporting the Suffern community.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Suffern stands at 5.2% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is considered typical for an area with rates between 4% and 5%. Other sources indicate a lower unemployment rate of 3.3% (according to Niche) and 5.5% (according to Kurby AI). The average salary for jobs in Suffern, New York, is approximately $79,355 per year, or an hourly rate of $38 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

However, other salary data suggests a median wage of $52.5K per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $79.9K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some reports indicate an average salary of $160k, primarily ranging from $160k to $160k based on available profiles (as reported by 6figr.com). The median household income in Suffern was reported as $104,607 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and U.S. Census Bureau).

Climate and Weather

Suffern experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, with partly cloudy conditions prevalent throughout the year. The temperature typically fluctuates between 21°F and 83°F, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Google search results). The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 83°F and lows of 64°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 36°F and lows of 22°F (as reported by Google search results).

Annual precipitation in Suffern averages around 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data), with significant seasonal variation. September is typically the wettest month, receiving about 3.8 inches of rain (as reported by Google search results), while January is the driest with approximately 1.7 inches of precipitation (as reported by Google search results). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of 33 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures

Suffern’s temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations. The warm season spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 74°F. July is the hottest month, with highs reaching about 83°F and lows around 64°F (as reported by Google search results).

Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F. January is the coldest month, experiencing average highs of 36°F and lows of 22°F (as reported by Google search results). The overall annual temperature range in Suffern is from approximately 21°F to 83°F (as reported by Google search results).

Rainfall and Snowfall

Suffern receives a substantial amount of precipitation annually, averaging about 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with September being the wettest month, averaging 3.8 inches of precipitation (as reported by Google search results). The driest month is January, with an average of 1.7 inches of precipitation (as reported by Google search results).

Snowfall contributes to the annual precipitation, with an average of 33 inches of snow per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The snowy season typically lasts from November to April, with January seeing the most snowfall. The period from late April to early November is generally snow-free.

Education and Schools

Suffern is served by the Suffern Central School District, which educates a diverse student population. The district has a diversity score of 0.68, with a significant minority enrollment of 65%, predominantly Hispanic students (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is 7 out of 10, placing it in the top 50% of public schools in New York (as reported by Public School Review).

Suffern Senior High School is a notable institution within the district, earning an “A” grade on Niche and a 8/10 GreatSchools Rating. It boasts high proficiency rates in math (93%) and reading (95%) and a strong graduation rate of 92% (as reported by Public School Review and Homes.com). Other schools in the district, such as Suffern Middle School, also serve the community, though their ratings and proficiency scores may vary.

School District Performance

The Suffern Central School District generally performs well, ranking among the top 20% of public school districts in New York for its graduation rate and diversity (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s average math proficiency score is 57%, and its reading proficiency score is 52%, both exceeding the New York state averages (as reported by Public School Review).

However, performance can vary among individual schools within the district. For example, while Suffern Senior High School has a high graduation rate, it also has a chronic absenteeism rate of 31.5%. Spending per student in the Suffern schools is generally higher than in some neighboring districts, such as those in the East Ramapo Central School District.

Suffern Senior High School

Suffern Senior High School is a highly-rated public institution serving grades 9-12. It holds an “A” Niche grade and an 8/10 GreatSchools Rating, reflecting its strong academic offerings and student support systems (as reported by Homes.com). The school has an average SAT score of 1250 and a graduation rate of 92% (as reported by Homes.com).

Academically, 93% of students are proficient in math, and 95% are proficient in reading (as reported by Homes.com). The school is well-regarded for its college preparatory programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities, contributing to its positive reputation within the community and the state.

Demographics and Population

Suffern is home to a diverse population, with a total population of approximately 11,441 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA). The village is currently growing at a rate of 0.26% annually, with its population increasing by 1.59% since the most recent census (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau data). The projected population for Suffern in 2026 is 11,649 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau data).

The racial makeup of Suffern includes a majority White population, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American residents. White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest group, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and Other (Hispanic) residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Suffern is 40.7 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females than males.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial composition of Suffern is varied, with White individuals forming the largest demographic group. According to recent data, approximately 59.16% of the population identifies as White, 16.22% as Black or African American, and 10.3% as other races, with smaller percentages for Asian and Native American populations (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau data). Hispanic residents make up a significant portion of the population, accounting for 19.8% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau data).

In terms of citizenship, 89.9% of Suffern residents are U.S. citizens, which is slightly lower than the national average of 93.2% (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 22.7% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA), contributing to the village’s diverse cultural fabric.

Age and Gender Distribution

Suffern has a median age of 40.7 years, with 19.8% of residents under the age of 18 and 19.4% aged 65 and older (as reported by Wikipedia). This age distribution indicates a balanced population with both younger families and a significant senior demographic. For every 100 females, there are approximately 91.7 males in the village (as reported by Wikipedia).

The gender distribution shows 47.2% males and 52.8% females among Suffern’s residents (as reported by Point2Homes). This slight female majority is common in many communities and contributes to the overall social dynamics of the village.