New York City Elevation    

Explore the elevation of New York City—perched just 33 feet above sea level, this iconic metropolis blends towering skyscrapers with coastal landscapes, offering one of the most dynamic urban environments on Earth.

Table of Contents

• Where is New York City?
• City Profile
• Elevation Basics
• Must-Know Elevation Facts
• Climate and Tourism

Where is New York City?

• Location: Located in southeastern New York State, New York City rests at the mouth of the Hudson River along the Atlantic Coast.

City Profile

• Nicknames: Known as The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, and Gotham.
• Fame: Globally renowned for its finance, media, fashion, culture, and landmarks.
• Population: Over 8.6 million residents in the city, with more than 20 million in the metro area.
• Size rank: The largest city in the United States, spanning more than 460 square miles.

Elevation Basics

• City elevation: New York City has a low elevation of just 33 feet (10 m) above sea level.
• State comparison: New York State’s mean elevation is 1,000 feet (300 m), placing NYC significantly below average.
• City founding: Originated as New Amsterdam, founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century.
• Name origin: Renamed New York after the Duke of York under English rule.
• Growth story: Evolved into a national and global center for commerce and immigration.
• Modern evolution: Today, NYC stands as the cultural and financial capital of the world.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

• Local contrast: Though home to high-rises, New York City’s natural elevation is minimal.
• Highest natural point: Todt Hill on Staten Island – 401 feet (122 m), highest point in the Atlantic coastal plain.
• Highest in state: Mount Marcy – 5,343 feet (1,629 m), located in the Adirondacks.
• Lowest point in state: The Atlantic Ocean – 0 feet (0 m)
• Other NY cities comparison:
  • Albany: 64 feet (20 m)
  • Buffalo: 600 feet (183 m)
  • Rochester: 505 feet (154 m)
  New York City is lower in elevation than all of these.