Is Ogdensburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ogdensburg

Ogdensburg, a city nestled along the St. Lawrence River in northern New York, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty. It presents a distinct lifestyle for those seeking a quieter pace away from bustling urban centers. Understanding the various facets of living in Ogdensburg is crucial for anyone considering a move to this riverside community.

This guide delves into the safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and demographics of Ogdensburg. By examining these key aspects, potential residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of what life in Ogdensburg entails.

Is it Safe to Live in Ogdensburg?

Crime Overview

Ogdensburg has a crime rate that is higher than the national average. The total crime rate is 134.77% higher than the national average, with 4975 crimes per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This means that residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Ogdensburg (AreaVibes).

Violent crime in Ogdensburg occurs at a rate higher than in most communities across America. There were 40 violent crimes reported, equating to 438 per 100,000 individuals, which is 22.1% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crimes are also a significant concern, with 414 incidents recorded, or 4537 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 157.8% (AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Ogdensburg is estimated at $435 annually (CrimeGrade.org).

Neighborhood Safety

Despite the overall crime statistics, safety can vary by neighborhood within Ogdensburg. Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, where the chance of being a victim of crime is as low as 1 in 49 (CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the east neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of victimization at 1 in 25 (CrimeGrade.org).

The northeast parts of Ogdensburg see the most crime incidents, with approximately 126 per year. In contrast, the northwest part of the city experiences the fewest, with around 0 crimes annually (CrimeGrade.org). Ogdensburg ranks in the 36th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 36% of U.S. cities but less safe than 64% (CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Ogdensburg

Housing Expenses

Ogdensburg offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the New York state average, though it can be higher than the national average in some aspects. The median home value in Ogdensburg is approximately $85,510 (Livability.com), and the median listing price is around $99.7K (realtor.com®). For renters, the median monthly rent is $658 (Livability.com), with an average rent of $1,200 across all property types (Zillow).

Housing costs in Ogdensburg are a significant factor in its affordability. One report indicates that housing costs are 16.8% lower than the national average, with a monthly cost of $999 for a single person and $1,831 for a family of four (Salary.com). Another source suggests the median home value is $81,500, a fraction of the national average (Kurby AI).

Overall Expenses

The overall cost of living in Ogdensburg is estimated at $2765 per month for singles and $6088 per month for families of four, which is 12% higher than the U.S. national average and 57% lower than New York’s state average (Salary.com). Food expenses are reported to be 24.0% below the national average (Salary.com), while transportation, energy, and healthcare costs are approximately 15.3% lower (Salary.com).

When compared to larger cities, Ogdensburg’s cost of living is substantially lower. For example, it is 69% lower than San Francisco and 57% lower than New York City (Salary.com). Another analysis states Ogdensburg is 9% less expensive than the national average and 29% less expensive than the average city in New York (ERI Economic Research Institute).

Job Market and Employment

Major Employers and Industries

The economy of Ogdensburg-Massena, which includes Ogdensburg, is diverse. The largest industries are Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (Data USA). Major employers in the Ogdensburg area include the state Department of Corrections, which operates two prisons within the city limits (St. Lawrence County Economic & Market Analysis). United Helpers, a healthcare and human services organization, also has a significant presence (St. Lawrence County Economic & Market Analysis).

Other key employers in the broader St. Lawrence County area include Claxton Hepburn Medical Center, Kinney Drugs, and Walmart (Zippia, St. Lawrence County Economic & Market Analysis). The employment rate in Ogdensburg has seen growth, with a 9.07% increase from 2023 to 2024 (Data USA).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Ogdensburg, NY, is reported to be around $52,000, with an hourly rate of $25.00 (Zippia). However, other sources indicate a wider range for annual salaries, with some reaching as high as $185,000 (ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Ogdensburg is approximately $61,824 (Livability.com), and the median individual income was $31,525 in 2024 (Data Commons).

The unemployment rate for the Ogdensburg-Massena area is currently 4.30% (YCharts). This is lower than the long-term average of 7.40% for the region (YCharts). The poverty rate in Ogdensburg is 16.1% (Livability.com).

Climate in Ogdensburg

Temperatures and Seasons

Ogdensburg experiences distinct seasons with a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature typically varies between 6°F and 80°F (myPerfectWeather). Summers are warm and generally partly cloudy, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 80°F and a low of 61°F (myPerfectWeather).

Winters are cold, snowy, and mostly cloudy. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 26°F and a low of 7°F (myPerfectWeather). The cold season generally lasts from December to March, with daily high temperatures below 36°F (myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

The average annual precipitation in Ogdensburg is around 39 inches, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, hail, and freezing rain (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is significant, with an average of 88 inches annually (myPerfectWeather). October typically sees the most precipitation, with an average of 4 inches for the month (myPerfectWeather).

Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common from April to November. February has the fewest wet days, averaging about 6.1 days (myPerfectWeather). The humidity level is generally comfortable during the summer months (myPerfectWeather).

Education in Ogdensburg

School District Overview

The Ogdensburg City School District serves the community, encompassing three public schools: two elementary schools (Madill School and John F. Kennedy School) and one high school (Ogdensburg Free Academy) (SchoolDigger.com). The district has approximately 1,420 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1 (Niche).

State test scores indicate that 54% of students are proficient in math and 47% in reading within the district (Niche). The district’s average testing ranking is 5/10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in New York (Public School Review).

School Performance

Ogdensburg Free Academy is highlighted as a standout school within the district, consistently performing well. It is ranked among the top high schools in New York state and holds a 4-star rating (SchoolDigger.com). The academy boasts an 84.3% 4-year graduation rate and a low 4.5% dropout rate (SchoolDigger.com).

In contrast, the elementary schools, John F. Kennedy School and Madill School, have lower performance ratings and more mixed results on state assessments (SchoolDigger.com). A significant portion of students in the district, over 44%, are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a substantial population of economically disadvantaged students (SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics of Ogdensburg

Population and Diversity

Ogdensburg has a population of approximately 9,455 people, a decrease from the 2020 Census count (Data USA, Kurby AI). The city’s population is declining at an annual rate of about -1.61% (World Population Review). The median age in Ogdensburg is 42.5 years (Data Commons).

The racial composition of Ogdensburg is predominantly White, making up about 87% of the population (Niche, AreaVibes). Other racial groups include African American (around 6%), Hispanic (about 2%), and smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and multiracial individuals (Niche, AreaVibes).

Citizenship and Income

Approximately 97.9% of Ogdensburg residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (Data USA). The median household income in Ogdensburg is reported to be around $61,824 (Livability.com, Data Commons), though some sources cite figures around $58,184 (Kurby AI) or $74,409 for 2024 (Point2Homes).

The poverty rate in Ogdensburg is 16.1% (Livability.com). For households headed by residents aged 25 to 44, the median income is approximately $74,441, while those with someone aged 45 to 64 in charge earn around $65,293 (Point2Homes).