Median Income
$62,411
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$188,400
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.3%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$822
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Adams Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,730
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density1,193/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,411
Per Capita$34,089
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$8,276M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$188,400
Rent$822
Ownership60.3%
Zillow$224,629
Housing Units880
Rent Burden27.2%
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured3.8%
Smoking14.6%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Elevation643 ft (196 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.3%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute27 min
Broadband90.9%
EV Stations19
Libraries25
Is Adams a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Adams receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Adams 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 is $62,411, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Adams is $188,400, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $822 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
29.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Adams 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Adams has a population of 1,730 with a density of 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,730
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Adams is $62,411, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,089 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,950 business establishments, including 307 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,411 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,089 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,822 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,950 |
| County GDP | $8,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 307 |
| Healthcare | 257 |
| Retail | 442 |
| Manufacturing | 63 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,803 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Adams is $188,400, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,629, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $822 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 880 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,803 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $188,400 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,629 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $822 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.2% |
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 | 60.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.7% |
| Housing Units | 880 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,803 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Adams, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971. The dentist ratio is 1:1,070. 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Adams vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 3.8% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,971 |
| Dentists | 1:1,070 |
| Mental Health | 1:403 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 257 |
Adams 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. 97% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 643 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 | 643 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8102°N, 76.0230°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
4.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 97.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 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 |
142 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
6 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
26 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
56 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
63 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
6 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
12 km SSW of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Jul 27, 2022 |
2 km SSW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.5 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
71 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 13 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
4 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF1 |
84 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 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. 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
What is the population of Adams?
Adams has a population of 1,730 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Adams expensive to live in?
Adams 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 $62,411, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $188,400 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $822 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Adams?
Adams 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Adams?
The job market in Adams is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 2,950 business establishments in the area, including 307 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Adams?
The median home value in Adams is $188,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,629. For renters, the median monthly rent is $822. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,803.
How are the schools in Adams?
Schools in Adams score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.3% of adults in Adams hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Adams?
The obesity rate in Adams is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 3.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971.
What is transportation like in Adams?
The average commute in Adams is 27 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Adams?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Adams is 92.5% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.