Is Geneseo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Geneseo

Geneseo, New York, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to urban amenities, making it a compelling option for those seeking a change of pace. The village, nestled in Livingston County, provides a serene environment with a strong sense of community. Its proximity to larger cities ensures that residents can enjoy both a peaceful lifestyle and the conveniences of a more metropolitan area.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Geneseo, covering essential aspects for anyone considering a move. From safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and educational institutions, we delve into the details that matter most to potential residents. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about whether Geneseo is the right fit for your needs and aspirations.

Is it Safe to Live in Geneseo?

Crime Rates

Geneseo, New York, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates varying depending on the source and specific metrics analyzed. While some reports suggest a crime rate that is about the same as the average U.S. city, others indicate it is higher than the New York state average. For instance, one analysis places Geneseo’s crime rate at 24.50 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to NeighborhoodScout). This rate is considered safer than 48% of U.S. cities, positioning it in the 48th percentile for safety (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Further examination reveals that violent crime rates in Geneseo are generally lower than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately one in 1,544 (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, property crime rates are noted to be above average when compared to similar-sized communities across the nation, with a chance of being a victim of property crime around one in 116 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Neighborhood Safety Perceptions

Resident perceptions of safety in Geneseo, NY, lean towards a positive outlook, particularly in certain areas. The southeast part of the city is generally considered the safest by its residents. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can differ significantly by neighborhood, ranging from a 1 in 31 chance in the southwest to a more favorable 1 in 96 chance in the southeast (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Student polls from Niche indicate a high level of perceived safety, with 78% of students reporting that they feel very safe and have no concerns. This sentiment suggests that for many, Geneseo offers a secure environment for daily life and study. The overall safety perception is bolstered by the town’s generally peaceful atmosphere.

Cost of Living in Geneseo

Overall Expenses

Geneseo’s cost of living is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average but lower than the New York state average. One calculator indicates Geneseo is 3% more expensive than the national average and 19% less expensive than the average city in New York (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Another source states that Geneseo’s cost of living is 4% higher than the U.S. national average and 86% lower than New York’s state average, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year (according to Salary.com).

These figures suggest that while Geneseo is not the most budget-friendly location, it offers a relative affordability compared to many other areas within New York State. The cost of living can vary based on individual circumstances, such as salary and housing choices, but the general trend points to moderate expenses.

Housing Costs

Housing costs in Geneseo present a complex picture, with differing reports on whether they are higher or lower than national averages. One assessment states housing costs in Geneseo are as affordable as the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Conversely, another report indicates Geneseo’s housing expenses are 83% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

The median home value in Geneseo is reported around $202,851 (according to Livability.com), while the median listing price is approximately $449.9K, with a significant year-over-year increase of 28.58% (according to Redfin). Rental prices also show variation, with the average rent in Geneseo, NY, being around $2,750 (according to Zillow), and apartments being the most affordable rental option at $1,392 per month (according to Trulia).

Daily Expenses

Expenses for daily living in Geneseo show varied trends compared to national averages. Food costs are noted to be more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute), with one source indicating they are 18.7% below average at $325 monthly for an individual (according to Salary.com). Utility prices are 11% lower than the national average (according to Payscale).

However, transportation expenses are higher than the national average, with bus fares and gas prices being 9% higher (according to Payscale). Healthcare costs are also noted as being less affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute), and 11% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

Geneseo’s job market is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with a significant presence in educational services, healthcare, and retail trade. As of the latest data, employment in Geneseo has seen a decline, with 2,713 individuals employed (according to Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include Educational Services (560 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (424 people), and Retail Trade (416 people) (according to Data USA).

The primary job groups held by residents are Education Instruction & Library Occupations (358 people), Management Occupations (301 people), and Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations (300 people) (according to Data USA). A substantial majority, 85%, of the working population is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (according to Point2Homes).

Major Employers

Key employers contributing to Geneseo’s economy include SUNY Geneseo, which is a significant institution within the region. Other major employers and companies in the Geneseo area include Stage Coach Florists, Livingston County, and Byrne Dairy (according to Zippia, Data USA). Many Geneseo graduates also find opportunities with prominent organizations such as McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Apple, and Deloitte (according to SUNY Geneseo).

The presence of a major university like SUNY Geneseo not only provides employment but also drives economic activity through student spending and related services. The town’s economy also benefits from various private companies, governmental workers, and non-profit organizations, indicating a varied employment base.

Salaries and Wages

The average salary in Geneseo, NY, is reported to be around $46,589 per year (according to Data USA). For graduates of SUNY Geneseo, the average starting salary is approximately $67,316 during their first few years of employment, which is 37% more than the average college graduate’s salary (according to College Factual). However, other sources suggest a median wage of $41K per year in Geneseo, IL (according to ZipRecruiter).

The average salary at SUNY Geneseo in Geneseo, NY, is approximately $48,808, with salaries ranging from $26,000 to $91,000 annually (according to Zippia). Faculty salaries at SUNY Geneseo can be significantly higher, with average faculty salaries reaching about $92,000 in 2022-23 (according to AcademicJobs.com).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Geneseo has seen fluctuations. One report indicates an unemployment rate of 10.2% (according to Point2Homes). Another source notes an unemployment rate of 5.80% for the Town of Geneseo (according to the New York State Comptroller).

These figures suggest a rate that can be higher than what is considered typical for a healthy job market. The available workforce in Geneseo comprises 2,713 residents, with an employment rate of 89.8% (according to Point2Homes). The unemployment rate is a key factor for renters to consider regarding job security and financial stability.

Climate in Geneseo

Temperatures

Geneseo, New York, experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations. Summers are generally warm and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 72°F from late May to mid-September. The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 62°F (according to Weather and Climate).

Winters are cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 42°F from early December to mid-March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 19°F and highs of 32°F (according to Weather and Climate). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 17°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below 2°F or exceeding 91°F.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Precipitation in Geneseo occurs throughout the year, with significant seasonal variations. The wettest month is September, with an average rainfall of 2.9 inches (according to Weather and Climate). The month with the least rain is February, averaging 0.7 inches.

Geneseo experiences a wetter season from late March to late November, with a greater than 27% chance of a wet day during this period. July typically has the most wet days, averaging 11.2 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts from late November to late March, with February having the fewest wet days (according to Weather and Climate).

Education in Geneseo

School District Performance

The Geneseo Central School District in New York receives an above-average overall Niche grade of B. It serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. State test scores indicate that 56% of students are proficient in math and 51% are proficient in reading (according to Niche).

While the district offers an impressive array of AP courses and encourages student participation in activities, it also faces challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates. Niche users show interest in a variety of colleges, with the University at Buffalo and Rochester Institute of Technology being popular choices among students from this district (according to Niche).

High School Rankings

Geneseo High School in Illinois has earned notable rankings, including 81st within Illinois out of 673 schools and 2,134th nationally out of 17,655 schools in the 2024 Best High Schools report by U.S. News. The school maintains a strong academic and athletic reputation, with a high graduation rate of 89.0% and a low dropout rate of 2.4% (according to SchoolDigger.com).

The school has been recognized for its dedication to academic excellence, offering dual credit courses, vocational opportunities, and extracurricular activities. U.S. News evaluates public high schools based on student performance on state assessments, college-level exam scores, and graduation rates.

SUNY Geneseo

SUNY Geneseo is a prominent institution within the village, contributing significantly to the local community and economy. The university is recognized for its strong career development services, earning national acclaim from Colleges of Distinction for its career services for 2025–2026. This distinction highlights the institution’s effectiveness in preparing students for their post-college careers through early engagement, coaching, internships, and employer partnerships (according to SUNY Geneseo).

SUNY Geneseo graduates pursue diverse career paths, with alumni working at organizations like Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs, or attending prestigious graduate schools such as Cornell and Columbia. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education focused on developing adaptable and purpose-driven graduates, requiring students to complete internships, research, public service, or international learning experiences before graduation.

Demographics of Geneseo

Population and Diversity

Geneseo, NY, is home to a population of approximately 7,701 people (according to Data USA). The village is currently growing at a modest rate of 0.37% annually, with its population increasing by 2.26% since the 2020 census (according to Data USA). The median age in Geneseo is 21.2 years, significantly influenced by the presence of SUNY Geneseo, with a median age of 22 years reported in a 2000 census for the town (according to Data USA, Wikipedia).

The racial composition of Geneseo is predominantly White, accounting for about 81% of the population (according to Data USA). Other racial groups include Hispanic (6.1%) and Black or African American (5.5%) residents (according to Data USA). As of 2024, 96.1% of Geneseo residents were U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).

Household and Family Statistics

The median household income in Geneseo is approximately $46,589 (according to Data USA). However, 13.5% of Geneseo village families live in poverty (according to Data USA). The average household size is reported at 2.53, with an average family size of 2.92, based on data from 2000 (according to Wikipedia).

In terms of housing, 42.5% of housing units in Geneseo were owner-occupied as of 2024, showing a slight increase from the previous year (according to Data USA). This indicates a stable homeownership rate within the community.

Age Distribution

Geneseo’s population is notably young, with a median age of 21.2 years (according to Data USA). This is largely attributed to SUNY Geneseo, a university with a significant student population. The age distribution shows 51.3% of the population is between 18 and 24 years old, with 11.9% under 18 and 13.2% between 45 and 64 years old (according to Wikipedia).

The gender distribution shows more females than males, with approximately 74.4 males for every 100 females (according to Data USA). This demographic trend is common in college towns where a large student body can skew age and gender statistics.