By Joshua Green
Updated: Sep 21, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
699 movers in Utica
What to know when moving to Utica, NY
Utica at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a 29.2% poverty rate and 49.8% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $865, making it affordable compared to many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- With a 21.9% bachelor's degree rate, educational attainment is lower than the national average.
- Commute:
- Only 2.5% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Plan for a rent budget of $865 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Utica has a population of about 40,235, with a median household income of $49,771. Almost half of the residents are renters, which reflects the area's housing market. The education level is moderate, with only 21.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a notable poverty rate of 29.2%. This mix suggests a diverse community with various income levels and living situations.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated environment or strong public transit options, as only 2.5% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $865, which is quite affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $136,100, indicating a relatively low entry point for homebuyers.
- 21.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, which impacts local employment opportunities.
- The poverty rate stands at 29.2%, highlighting economic challenges in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for New York shows some significant trends. The violent crime rate is 454.9 per 100,000, which is notably higher than the national average of 325.3. Property crime stands at 1,816.5 per 100,000, exceeding the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 454.9 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, with a 4.7% increase since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,816.5 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9, with a 4.6% increase since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 34.5% since 2022, now at 2.7 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for New York).
Schools & Higher Ed
Utica offers access to several educational institutions, primarily within Oneida County.
- Postsecondary institutions: 5
- With College Scorecard data: 5
- Nearby institutions include: Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing, and Utica University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific weather data is unavailable, Utica features several parks and outdoor spaces that residents can enjoy.
- Sherrill Brook Park - 4.6 stars, 705 reviews
- F T Proctor Park - 4.6 stars, 504 reviews
- Lock 20 State Canal Park - 4.5 stars, 434 reviews
- Utica Children's Museum - 4.1 stars, 226 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
