Owego, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,912
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,139/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,872
0.0% year-over-year change

Owego population

How many people live in Owego

Owego is home to 3,912 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Owego locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
3,912
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
1,819
Female
53.5%
2,093
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,819 46.5% 9.7%
Female 2,093 53.5% -3.3%
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 Owego is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.1% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.1%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
21%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 905 23.1% 5.2%
15 to 24 496 12.7% 11.0%
25 to 44 821 21% -2.7%
45 to 64 1,061 27.1% 9.9%
Over 65 629 16.1% -11.0%
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 Owego, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,613 92.4% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 269 6.9% 43.1%
Non-citizens 30 0.8% 328.6%
Racial breakdown
White
89.2%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 3,489 89.2%
Black or African American 73 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.1%
Asian 104 2.7%
Two or more races 145 3.7%
Other 96 2.4%

Households in Owego

A peek inside Owego households

Owego has 1,606 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.4% are families, while the remaining 54.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,606
-3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
876
Family households
730
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 876 54.6% -5.2%
Family households 730 45.4% -1.9%
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 Owego

The housing landscape of Owego

Owego's housing consists of 1,872 units, with 48.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,872
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 911 48.7%
1 unit, attached 9 0.5%
2 units 414 22.1%
3 or 4 units 192 10.3%
5 to 9 units 171 9.1%
10 to 19 units 29 1.6%
20 to 49 units 40 2.1%
50 or more units 106 5.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Owego

In Owego, the median construction year is 1938. About 61.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,156 61.8% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 104 5.6% 20.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 169 9% -16.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 154 8.2% 24.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 40 2.1% 21.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 94 5% -21.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 62 3.3% -3.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16 0.8% -54.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 77 4.1% 24.2%
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.

Owego occupancy rates

Out of the 1,606 occupied housing units in Owego, 49.1% are owner-occupied, while 50.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,606
-3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
817
Owner occupied
789
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 817 50.9% -9.4%
Owner occupied 789 49.1% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
14.2%
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.

Owego housing costs

Housing costs in Owego come to a median of $988 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $901.

Median housing costs per month
$988/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 Owego
$901/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 Owego

Owego education at a glance

About 33.5% of the population in Owego went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 13% earned an associate degree and 22.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 80 2.8% 14.3%
High school diploma 946 33.5% -1.2%
College diploma 416 14.7% 9.5%
Associate degree 367 13% -8.9%
Bachelor's degree 645 22.8% 6.3%
Graduate degree 372 13.2% 9.1%
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 Owego

How much people earn in Owego

The average annual household income in Owego was $98,869 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,139, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Owego
$98,869/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Owego
$60,139/year
5.1% year-over-year change

Owego income by age

In Owego, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,125 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,454 in earnings. Overall, 71.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,750 -27.0%
25 - 44 $68,750 26.0%
45 - 64 $85,125 3.1%
Over 65 $42,454 -8.1%
Above poverty level
2,631
Below poverty level
1,064
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,631 71.2% -0.6%
Below poverty level 1,064 28.8% 12.3%

Average renter income in Owego

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Owego, their median household income was $28,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,750
Rent-to-income ratio
37.6%
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 Owego

Workforce and job types in Owego

The job market in Owego is powered by 1,588 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.3% run their own businesses, 48.9% are employed by private companies, and 34.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,588
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,273
Blue collar
315
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,273 80.2% 0.3%
Blue collar 315 19.8% 12.1%
Employer type
Self employees
3.3%
Private companies
48.9%
Governmental workers
34.9%
Not for profit companies
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 52 3.3% -35.8%
Private companies 777 48.9% 0.9%
Governmental workers 554 34.9% 12.8%
Not for profit companies 205 12.9% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Owego stands at 2.9%, 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 Owego

How people get around in Owego

Commuting methods vary: 84.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% 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 1,330 84.9% 11.2%
Taxicab 9 0.6% -25.0%
Subway or elevated 23 1.5% N/A
Walk 54 3.4% -56.5%
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 Owego by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
13827 11,832 4,947 $72,769 $99,895

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FAQs about Owego demographics 

What is the total population of Owego?

Owego has a total population of 3,912 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 +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Owego?

The gender ratio in Owego is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (1,819 residents)
  • 53.5% females (2,093 residents)

What is the median age in Owego?

The median age in Owego is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Owego?

The age distribution in Owego is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.1% (905 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (496 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21% (821 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (1,061 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (629 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Owego?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Owego is as follows:
  • White: 89.2% (3,489 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (73 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (104 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (145 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (96 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Owego.

How many housing units are there in Owego?

There are 1,872 housing units in Owego, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Owego has a total of 1,606 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Owego?

Owego has a median household income of $60,139, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.1% in Owego, with a workforce of 1,588 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.2% (1,273 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.8% (315 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.3% (52 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.9% (777 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 34.9% (554 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.9% (205 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