Is Binghamton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Binghamton

Binghamton, a city nestled in upstate New York, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and a more relaxed pace of life. Known for its rich industrial history and its current role as a hub for education and healthcare, Binghamton presents a distinct profile for those considering a move. The city’s location in the Southern Tier of New York, near the Pennsylvania border, provides access to natural landscapes while maintaining connections to larger metropolitan areas.

This guide delves into the essential aspects of living in Binghamton, covering safety, the cost of living, the job market, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these factors can help in making an informed decision about whether Binghamton is the right fit for your lifestyle and aspirations.

Is it Safe to Live in Binghamton?

Binghamton’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city’s overall crime rate is 86.2% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 48.3% above the national average and property crimes 93.9% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes, citing FBI uniform crime reports for 2024). NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI data indicates a crime rate of 43 per one thousand residents, placing it among the higher rates for communities of all sizes in America, and significantly higher than most New York communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Binghamton is approximately one in 186, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is one in 27 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). CrimeGrade.org reports a violent crime rate of 6.758 per 1,000 residents, assigning Binghamton a “D-” grade for violent crime, indicating a rate much higher than the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). However, safety can vary by neighborhood, with residents generally considering the northeast part of the city to be the safest, offering a chance of violent crime victimization of 1 in 287, compared to 1 in 76 in central neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Binghamton offers a range of prices, with a median sale price of $175,000 as of March 2026, showing a notable increase of 31.4% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $95, which is up 21.0% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Binghamton is currently considered a buyer’s market, suggesting that the supply of homes exceeds the demand (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Binghamton are relatively affordable. The average rent is $1,350 per month, though this figure has seen a decrease of $250 over the last year (as reported by Zillow). Apartments.com indicates an average rent of $960 per month as of May 2026, which is 41% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than most U.S. cities (as reported by Apartments.com). Studio apartments average around $678, one-bedroom units average $960, and two-bedroom apartments average $1,164 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

The Job Market and Economy

Binghamton’s economy is increasingly driven by the education and health sectors, with Binghamton University serving as a significant economic anchor (as reported by Federal Reserve Bank of New York). Major employers in the area include Binghamton University, UHS Binghamton General Hospital, and Broome Delaware Tioga BOCES (as reported by Indeed.com). The largest industries contributing to the economy are Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).

The average annual salary in Binghamton is approximately $55,716, translating to about $26.79 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual salary of $36,220 for all occupations in May 2006, which was 8% lower than the national average (as reported by The Rainforest). The unemployment rate in Binghamton was 4.8% as of February 2026, which is lower than its long-term average of 5.52% (as reported by YCharts).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Binghamton experiences distinct seasons, with warm and partly cloudy summers and cold, snowy winters (as reported by NOAA). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 19°F to 80°F, rarely dropping below 3°F or exceeding 88°F (as reported by NOAA). The warmest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 80°F (as reported by NOAA).

Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring average low temperatures around 20°F and highs of 32°F (as reported by NOAA). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with January typically receiving the most snow, averaging 6.8 inches (as reported by NOAA). The period from November to April sees significant snowfall, while the summer months are generally mild and pleasant.

Education and School Ratings

The Binghamton City School District serves the city’s student population. The district has an overall Niche grade of C+, with specific grades for Academics (C), Diversity (A), Teachers (B), and College Prep (B minus) (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 31% of students are proficient in math and 34% in reading within the district (as reported by Niche).

Binghamton High School holds a B minus overall Niche grade. Academically, it receives a C+ grade, while its Diversity is rated A+ (as reported by Niche). State test scores for Binghamton High School show that 70% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading (as reported by Niche). Binghamton University, located in nearby Vestal, NY, receives an overall A grade from Niche, highlighting its strong academic reputation.

Demographics and Population

Binghamton has a population of approximately 47,151 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Binghamton is 36, with a slight majority of females at 51.8% compared to males at 48.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of the city is predominantly Caucasian at 66.3%, followed by African American at 14.6%, and Asian at 6.9% (as reported by Point2Homes).

The average annual household income in Binghamton was reported as $67,095 in 2024, with a median income of $45,578 (as reported by Point2Homes). Binghamton has 21,393 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population is diverse, with 87.2% US-born citizens and 6.9% naturalized citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).