Is Tappan Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tappan
Tappan, a hamlet and census-designated place within the town of Orangetown, New York, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers. Its history is rooted in the Lenape people, with the name “Tappan” derived from a Lenape word believed to mean “cold water.” This area was an early hub for county administration and education in Rockland County, with the first courthouse and schoolhouse established here.
Today, Tappan is a well-established community known for its appealing residential character. It maintains a strong connection to its past while embracing modern living, making it a noteworthy location for those considering a move to the suburban landscape of New York. The community’s development reflects a balance between preserving its historical significance and accommodating contemporary lifestyle needs.
Is it Safe to Live in Tappan?
Tappan is considered a very safe place to live, boasting crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 49% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This safety perception is further reinforced by its high ranking in crime prevention, being safer than 93% of major U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit).
Violent crime in Tappan is generally low, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime at approximately 1 in 209 per year, which is 26% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). However, property crime rates are more favorable, being 27% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents generally feel secure, with a high percentage of them reporting that the area is very safe or pretty safe (as reported by Niche).
Crime Statistics
The crime rate in Tappan is approximately 12.38 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is low, specific types of crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing a higher likelihood of victimization than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). For instance, the chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 60 in the southeast neighborhoods to 1 in 126 in the west (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The murder rate in Tappan is notably low, with a rate of 0.0191 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. This rate is considered much lower than the average U.S. city, and Tappan ranks in the 93rd percentile for safety regarding murder, meaning it is safer than 93% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $181 per year, which is below both the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Tappan
The cost of living in Tappan is considerably higher than both the national and New York state averages. Overall living expenses are about 40% higher than the U.S. national average and 48% higher than New York’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This elevated cost is primarily driven by housing, transportation, and food expenses.
Housing costs in Tappan are a significant factor, with a median home value of $644,200 (as reported by Niche). The median listing price for homes for sale is around $799.4K (as reported by Zillow). Rental costs are also substantial, with the median monthly rent at $2,256 (as reported by Wikipedia) and a median rent price of $2,299 (as reported by Niche).
Housing Costs
The median home value in Tappan is $644,200 (as reported by Niche), which is significantly higher than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). This value has seen an increase, with a 6.97% rise between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Tappan is high, at 93.5% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the median monthly rent is around $2,256 (as reported by Wikipedia). The rental market shows limited availability, with only 16 homes listed for sale and a very low number of rental listings, indicating potential competition for available properties (as reported by Zillow).
Daily Expenses
Daily expenses in Tappan contribute to its high cost of living. Food expenses are approximately 4.7% above the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also elevated, being 1.6% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com).
The total monthly expenses for a single person in Tappan are estimated at $3,467, and for a family of four, they are around $7,634 (as reported by Salary.com). Household bills, including housing, are 73% higher than the U.S. median, amounting to approximately $43,594 annually (as reported by doxo).
Job Market and Economy
Tappan’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with a significant portion of its workforce employed in healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and manufacturing. These sectors represent the primary employment areas for Tappan residents (as reported by Data USA).
The average household income in Tappan is substantial, reported at $174,286 annually (as reported by Census Reporter). This figure is more than double the national median household income, indicating a strong economic standing for its residents (as reported by Census Reporter). The poverty rate in Tappan is notably low, at 2.56% (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026).
Employment Sectors
The primary employment sectors for Tappan residents include Healthcare & Social Assistance, which employs a significant number of individuals, followed by Educational Services and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Education Instruction & Library Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations are the most common job groups held by Tappan residents (as reported by Data USA).
Rockland County, where Tappan is located, has a strong presence in industries such as Biotech & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Healthcare. The county’s proximity to New York City and its position within a densely populated corridor make it attractive for manufacturing and distribution companies (as reported by The Steiner Group).
Salaries and Wages
The average salary in Tappan is reported as $33.26 per hour or $69,187 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher median household income. For instance, the median household income is approximately $174,286 (as reported by Census Reporter), and the average annual household income was $173,699 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
The median income in Tappan is reported to be around $174,286, which has seen a slight decrease of 1.6% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). Households led by residents aged 45 to 64, who are often professionally established, report a median income of $209,655 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Tappan are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, general information about employers in the broader Rockland County and surrounding areas can offer insight. Companies like FedEx, Dairy Queen, Walgreens, YMCA, Subway, Wendy’s, Advance Auto Parts, Stop and Shop Supermarket, and Penske Truck Leasing are present in the Tappan area (as reported by Indeed.com). These businesses contribute to the local employment landscape.
In the wider Hudson Valley region, large employers include Nyack Hospital, Orange Regional Medical Center, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, ShopRite Supermarkets, and Stop & Shop Supermarkets (as reported by Southeast, NY Patch). These entities play a significant role in the regional job market, influencing employment opportunities for residents in and around Tappan.
Climate in Tappan
Tappan experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year, offering a varied seasonal experience for its residents (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York).
Temperatures in Tappan typically range from 24°F in the coldest months to 86°F in the warmest months. The area rarely experiences temperatures below 10°F or above 93°F, providing a relatively predictable temperature range (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperatures
The warm season in Tappan spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 75°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows of 67°F (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York). Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F.
January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 25°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York). The average annual temperature is around 57°F, with average highs of 57°F and lows of 36°F (as reported by Livability.com).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Tappan receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with September typically being the wettest month, averaging about 3.7 inches of rain (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York). February is generally the driest month, with an average of 2.0 inches of rainfall (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York).
Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common during the wetter season, which runs from April to August. July experiences the most wet days, with an average of 10.8 days (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York). The drier season extends from August to April, with January having the fewest wet days, averaging about 7.2 days (as reported by Weather 10983, Tappan, New York).
Demographics of Tappan
Tappan is a diverse community with a population of approximately 6,673 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Tappan is around 44 years, with a slightly older demographic compared to the national median age (as reported by Point2Homes and BestNeighborhood.org).
The racial makeup of Tappan includes a majority of White residents, followed by Asian, and then smaller percentages of African American and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals also form a notable portion of the population (as reported by Wikipedia and Data USA).
Population Breakdown
The population of Tappan was recorded as 6,673 in the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). Recent estimates suggest a population of around 6,690 (as reported by Data USA). The median age is approximately 44 years, with a distribution across age groups, including a notable percentage of residents aged 45 to 64 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Gender distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females compared to males in Tappan. For every 100 females, there are approximately 83.3 males (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026). The population density is around 2,423.0 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
In Tappan, White residents constitute the largest racial group, making up approximately 65.26% of the population (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026). Asian residents represent the second-largest group, at about 13.74% (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026).
Other racial categories include those identifying with two or more races, and smaller percentages for Black or African American residents (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026). Hispanic or Latino individuals, regardless of race, make up a significant portion of the population, around 18.15% (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026).
Age and Household Structure
The median age in Tappan is 44 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population distribution shows approximately 15.5% are children under 15, and 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while 27.2% are between 45 and 64, and 21.3% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Tappan has an average of 3.04 individuals per household (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). Approximately 78% of households are families, with the remaining 22% consisting of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate is low, at 2.56% (as reported by Tappan, New York Population 2026).
Education in Tappan
Tappan is served by a number of public schools, with Tappan Zee High School being a notable institution in the area. The South Orangetown Central School District, which Tappan Zee High School is part of, is recognized for its quality and performance within New York State (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger).
Tappan Zee High School itself receives high ratings, often ranking among the top high schools in New York. It demonstrates strong academic performance across various student subgroups and boasts high graduation rates (as reported by SchoolDigger).
School Ratings
Tappan Zee High School, located in nearby Orangeburg, NY, holds a strong reputation, with an overall Niche Grade of A+ (as reported by Niche). It is ranked among the best public high schools in New York, often placing within the top 100 (as reported by Niche and Nyack, NY Patch). The school also excels in categories such as best public high school teachers and best college prep public high schools in the state (as reported by Niche).
The South Orangetown Central School District, serving Tappan, is ranked as one of the best school districts in New York, holding an A+ overall Niche Grade (as reported by Niche). This district includes Tappan Zee High School and other educational facilities, contributing to the area’s reputation for quality education.
Academic Performance
Tappan Zee High School consistently shows strong academic performance. State test scores indicate that a high percentage of students are proficient in math and reading (as reported by Niche). The school also has a strong four-year graduation rate, ranging from 84.3% to 95.9%, with low dropout rates (as reported by SchoolDigger).
The school performs exceptionally well for various student subgroups, including female, male, Asian, Hispanic, and White students. It also shows strong performance for English Language Learners and students in special education programs (as reported by SchoolDigger). This consistent academic achievement underscores the quality of education provided.
Pros and Cons of Living in Tappan
Living in Tappan offers several advantages, including a high level of safety and a strong sense of community. The area boasts very low crime rates, significantly below national averages, contributing to a secure living environment (as reported by DoorProfit). The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, indicating economic stability for many residents (as reported by Census Reporter).
Tappan’s climate provides distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, which can be appealing to those who enjoy seasonal changes. The community is also historically rich, with early significance in county administration and education (as reported by Wikipedia).
Pros
Tappan is recognized for its safety, with crime rates considerably lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The community offers a high median household income, suggesting a prosperous environment for its residents (as reported by Census Reporter). The area’s demographics show a stable population with a median age higher than the national average, potentially indicating a mature and settled community (as reported by Point2Homes).
The educational system, particularly Tappan Zee High School and the South Orangetown Central School District, receives high ratings and demonstrates strong academic performance (as reported by Niche). Additionally, the natural climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24°F to 86°F, offers a full spectrum of seasonal weather (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Cons
A significant drawback to living in Tappan is the high cost of living, which is substantially above both national and state averages (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs, in particular, are a major factor, with a median home value of $644,200 (as reported by Niche) and median monthly rents around $2,256 (as reported by Wikipedia).
While the overall crime rate is low, Tappan’s violent crime rate is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The job market, though supported by key industries, has seen a slight decline in employment in recent years (as reported by Data USA), and the average salary, while decent, may not fully offset the high cost of living for some.