Families in Syracuse earn a median $51,770 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $158,100. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $650,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
Syracuse by the numbers
- Median household income
- $51,770Lower than the New York median of $85,820
- Typical home value
- $158,100Lower than the New York median of $449,800
- Homes owned
- 42%58% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 20%61,878 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 16%Median age 32.4
- Veterans
- 4,3803.6% of adults
Living in Syracuse
Syracuse is the 5th largest city in New York, with 146,091 residents and a median age of 32.4. That is younger than the state as a whole, so more families here are in the years when term life matters most.
The median household here earns $51,770, below the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 3.1 times that income.
Compared with nearby Rochester (75 miles away), homes in Syracuse are worth about the same ($158,100 vs $164,300), and a similar share of households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is health care, at 11.9% of workers. Health care workers on shifts and contracts can lose group coverage between jobs.
Who works in Syracuse
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in Syracuse
58% of owned homes in Syracuse still have a mortgage. If your family would struggle to make that payment without you, size a policy to the loan. More on mortgage protection
20% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
16% of people in Syracuse are 65 or older, lower than the New York rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 4,380 veterans live in Syracuse. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in Syracuse
About 22,900 people in Syracuse are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in New York
New York rules that protect you
- Free look: 10 days to return a new policy for a refund
- Grace period: 31 days if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to $500,000 in death benefits
- Help line: New York State Department of Financial Services, 1-800-342-3736
Common questions in Syracuse
How much life insurance do I need in Syracuse?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With Syracuse's median household income of $51,770 and a typical home value of $158,100, that lands near $650,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in Syracuse without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in New York?
Yes. An agent must hold a New York license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736.
What does a funeral cost near Syracuse?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in Syracuse must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in New York?
The Life Insurance Company Guaranty Corporation of New York protects New York policyholders up to $500,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: Life Insurance Company Guaranty Corporation of New York · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near Syracuse
Rochester (75 mi), Albany (122 mi), Buffalo (138 mi), Yonkers (186 mi), New York (200 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for Syracuse, NY. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
