Median Income
$100,313
33% higher than US avg
Home Value
$178,100
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.9%
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Adams Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,002
Median Age54.1 yrs
Density206/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,313
Per Capita$43,263
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$1,659M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,100
Ownership94.2%
Zillow$237,638
Housing Units503
Rent Burden25.5%
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Elevation686 ft (209 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.9%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+26.5%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute17 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations19
Libraries10
Is Adams Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Adams Center receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Adams Center stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Adams Center is $100,313, which is significantly higher than the national average / 33% above $75,149. This places Adams Center among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Adams Center is $178,100, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Adams Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches, including 116.4 inches of snow.
Adams Center has a population of 1,002 with a density of 206 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 54.1 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,002
Total Population
2023 Census
54.1yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Adams Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Adams Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Adams Center is $100,313, which is 33% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,263 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 600 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Adams Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,313 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,263 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 600 |
| County GDP | $1,659M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 73 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,757 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Adams Center is $178,100, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,638, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $359,000 with homes selling in an average of 127 days. Homes sell for 105.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 503 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $5,757 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,100 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,638 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $359,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $359,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $144 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 127 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 105.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.8% |
| Housing Units | 503 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,757 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.23% |
In Adams Center, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,476. The dentist ratio is 1:5,340. 44.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Adams Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,476 |
| Dentists | 1:5,340 |
| Mental Health | 1:466 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Adams Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. The area receives 116.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 686 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 686 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (12.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 206/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8700°N, 75.9887°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lewis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
4.22"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
3 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
31 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
57 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Massena, New York |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Mar 21, 2018 |
9 km NNW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
59 km |
| Jul 27, 2019 |
9 km SE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
3 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
12 km SSW of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
65 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 13 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2012 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Adams Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 20°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with October being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Adams Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162-$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216-$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108-$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863-$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81-$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162-$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27-$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54-$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162-$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22-$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432-$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108-$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65-$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54-$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162-$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316-$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432-$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935-$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540-$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395-$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158-$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863-$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216-$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079-$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16-$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32-$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81-$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16-$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27-$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54-$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24-$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70-$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70-$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24-$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32-$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65-$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86-$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32-$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43-$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43-$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32-$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54-$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81-$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295-$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32-$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63-$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32-$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647-$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540-$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216-$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27-$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432-$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395-$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32-$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54-$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32-$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22-$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162-$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108-$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Adams Center
What is the population of Adams Center?
Adams Center has a population of 1,002 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 206 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Adams Center expensive to live in?
Adams Center is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $100,313, 33% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,100 (37% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Adams Center?
Adams Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches, with 116.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Adams Center?
The job market in Adams Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 600 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Adams Center?
The median home value in Adams Center is $178,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,638. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $359,000, with homes typically selling within 127 days. The homeownership rate is 94.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,757.
How are the schools in Adams Center?
Schools in Adams Center score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.9% of adults in Adams Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 26.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Adams Center?
The obesity rate in Adams Center is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 44.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,476.
What is transportation like in Adams Center?
The average commute in Adams Center is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Adams Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Adams Center is 96.4% White, 1% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.