Oneonta, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,045
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,111/yr
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,436
6.3% year-over-year change

Oneonta population

How many people live in Oneonta

Oneonta is home to 15,045 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Oneonta locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
15,045
4.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
7,300
Female
51.5%
7,745
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,300 48.5% 4.5%
Female 7,745 51.5% 3.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Oneonta is 23, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.4% are children under 15, then 45.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.9% of the population, while another 14.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
23.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.4%
15 to 24
45.9%
25 to 44
17.9%
45 to 64
14.6%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,119 7.4% -7.4%
15 to 24 6,910 45.9% 7.9%
25 to 44 2,697 17.9% 6.1%
45 to 64 2,198 14.6% 1.5%
Over 65 2,121 14.1% -1.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Oneonta, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.7% of locals are Caucasian, 5.8% are African American and 2.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,327 95.2% 4.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 549 3.6% -8.5%
Non-citizens 169 1.1% 1.2%
Racial breakdown
White
81.7%
Black or African American
5.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 12,292 81.7%
Black or African American 874 5.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 67 0.4%
Asian 374 2.5%
Two or more races 951 6.3%
Other 487 3.2%

Households in Oneonta

A peek inside Oneonta households

Oneonta has 5,319 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.8% are families, while the remaining 50.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,319
10.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,673
Family households
2,646
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,673 50.2% 15.9%
Family households 2,646 49.8% 6.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Oneonta

The housing landscape of Oneonta

Oneonta's housing consists of 6,436 units, with 40% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,436
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,574 40%
1 unit, attached 62 1%
2 units 1,266 19.7%
3 or 4 units 1,271 19.8%
5 to 9 units 654 10.2%
10 to 19 units 186 2.9%
20 to 49 units 214 3.3%
50 or more units 209 3.2%
Homes built since 2020
17
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oneonta

In Oneonta, the median construction year is 1938. About 55.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,581 55.6% 7.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 771 12% 14.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 559 8.7% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 351 5.4% -1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 648 10.1% 10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 176 2.7% -34.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 155 2.4% 5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 63 1% 173.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 115 1.8% 29.2%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.3% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Oneonta occupancy rates

Out of the 5,319 occupied housing units in Oneonta, 46% are owner-occupied, while 54% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,319
10.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,872
Owner occupied
2,447
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,872 54% 22.3%
Owner occupied 2,447 46% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
17.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Oneonta housing costs

Housing costs in Oneonta come to a median of $1,052 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,021.

Median housing costs per month
$1,052/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Oneonta
$1,021/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Oneonta

Oneonta education at a glance

About 34.7% of the population in Oneonta went to high school, while 29.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 180 1.3% -21.1%
High school diploma 4,734 34.7% 4.7%
College diploma 4,068 29.8% 2.2%
Associate degree 1,060 7.8% 18.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,037 14.9% 11.6%
Graduate degree 1,560 11.4% -3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Oneonta

How much people earn in Oneonta

The average annual household income in Oneonta was $74,782 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,111, reflecting a -6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oneonta
$74,782/year
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oneonta
$61,111/year
-6.0% year-over-year change

Oneonta income by age

In Oneonta, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,893. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,021 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,933, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,506 in earnings. Overall, 84% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,933 N/A
25 - 44 $60,893 -13.7%
45 - 64 $77,021 4.1%
Over 65 $66,506 4.0%
Above poverty level
8,751
Below poverty level
1,667
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,751 84% 8.2%
Below poverty level 1,667 16% -9.5%

Average renter income in Oneonta

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oneonta, their median household income was $30,764 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,764
Rent-to-income ratio
39.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Oneonta

Workforce and job types in Oneonta

The job market in Oneonta is powered by 6,311 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.6% run their own businesses, 54.6% are employed by private companies, and 26.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,311
5.7% year-over-year change
White collar
5,767
Blue collar
544
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,767 91.4% 7.8%
Blue collar 544 8.6% -12.7%
Employer type
Self employees
5.6%
Private companies
54.6%
Governmental workers
26.7%
Not for profit companies
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 353 5.6% 14.2%
Private companies 3,446 54.6% 3.1%
Governmental workers 1,683 26.7% 14.1%
Not for profit companies 829 13.1% -1.8%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
101.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oneonta stands at 6.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Oneonta

How people get around in Oneonta

Commuting methods vary: 70.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 16.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,310 70.2% -0.1%
Taxicab 1 0% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 123 2% 17.1%
Subway or elevated 3 0% N/A
Bicycle 23 0.4% 4.5%
Walk 1,038 16.9% 13.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Oneonta by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
13820 23,056 8,604 $65,953 $84,634
13861 462 291 $57,847 $88,253

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FAQs about Oneonta demographics 

What is the total population of Oneonta?

Oneonta has a total population of 15,045 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +4.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oneonta?

The gender ratio in Oneonta is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (7,300 residents)
  • 51.5% females (7,745 residents)

What is the median age in Oneonta?

The median age in Oneonta is 23.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oneonta?

The age distribution in Oneonta is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.4% (1,119 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 45.9% (6,910 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.9% (2,697 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.6% (2,198 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (2,121 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oneonta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oneonta is as follows:
  • White: 81.7% (12,292 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.8% (874 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (67 residents)
  • Asian: 2.5% (374 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (951 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (487 residents)

What percentage of the population in Oneonta are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Oneonta.

How many housing units are there in Oneonta?

There are 6,436 housing units in Oneonta, reflecting a +6.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Oneonta and what is the average household size?

Oneonta has a total of 5,319 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oneonta?

Oneonta has a median household income of $61,111, representing a -6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Oneonta?

The employment rate is 93.6% in Oneonta, with a workforce of 6,311 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.4% (5,767 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.6% (544 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.6% (353 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.6% (3,446 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.7% (1,683 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.1% (829 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025