Utica, New York, is grappling with a persistent population decline despite being one of the most affordable cities in the state to buy a home. The median home value in Utica ranges from approximately $87,000 to $157,000, with average prices around $213,000, according to Zillow data. This is significantly lower than the national average home value of roughly $370,000. Rents in the city start around $900 per month, and the overall cost of living is estimated to be 28 to 33 percent below the New York state average.
Despite these attractive housing prices, Utica is losing residents. The city's population has decreased by more than 4 percent since the 2020 census, at an annual rate of about 0.74 percent. A recent analysis of migration patterns identified Utica as one of several upstate municipalities experiencing significant resident loss, with approximately 1,500 people moving away.
Economic Challenges Fuel Exodus
The roots of Utica's population decline are deeply tied to decades of deindustrialization. The closure of major employers such as General Electric and Lockheed Martin led to job losses, a shrinking tax base, and increased poverty. The current poverty rate in Utica exceeds 27 percent, nearly double the national average. Unemployment figures range from 4.5 to 6 percent, according to the Department of Labor.
The median household income in Utica is approximately $52,000, which is below the state median. The median individual income was reported as $30,785 in 2024. This economic landscape presents a challenge for retaining residents, as noted by a local real estate agent who stated that while homes are affordable, convincing people to stay is difficult.
For instance, a five-bedroom home at 707 Spring St. W is listed for $89,900, and a three-bedroom property is available for $99,900. On the higher end for the area, a 2,532-square-foot, five-bedroom home at 1527 Mohawk St. is on the market for $299,900.
Real estate agents describe the situation as a paradox: the city offers the cheapest housing opportunities in the state, yet it struggles to attract and retain its population. The difficulty lies not in the price of housing, but in the broader economic and social factors that influence long-term residency.