Median Income
$81,111
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$211,000
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.0%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$957
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.6%
194% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.6%
18% higher than US avg
How Black River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,880
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density1,056/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans17.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$81,111
Per Capita$38,532
Unemployment10.6%
Poverty14.6%
County GDP$6,588M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$211,000
Rent$957
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$229,458
Housing Units799
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property638/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking14.0%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation582 ft (177 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.0%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute16 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries22
Is Black River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Black River receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Black River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Black River is $81,111, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.6%, unemployment is notably high. 14.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Black River is $211,000, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $957 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Black River is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 638 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Black River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 92.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Black River has a population of 1,880 with a density of 1,056 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.7% of residents, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Black River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.7%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.3%
23% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Black River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Black River is $81,111, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,532. The average weekly wage is $1,202, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,104 business establishments, including 253 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Black River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,111 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,202 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.6% |
| 194% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.6% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,104 |
| County GDP | $6,588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 253 |
| Healthcare | 233 |
| Retail | 339 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Black River is $211,000, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,458. Homes sell for 93.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $957 (18% 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. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 799 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,866 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $211,000 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,458 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $52 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $957 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
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 | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 799 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.25% |
In Black River, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831. The dentist ratio is 1:2,505. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Black River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,505 |
| Mental Health | 1:404 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 233 |
Black River has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 638 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 638, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Black River receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Black River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 638.5/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 638.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Black River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 92.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 582 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 582 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,056/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0095°N, 75.7965°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | St. Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
24 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
53 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
55 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Oct 12, 1997 |
7 km SSW of Fort Covington Hamlet, New York |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 10, 1997 |
8 km WNW of Cornwall, Canada |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Massena, New York |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jul 23, 1996 |
15 km NNE of Saranac Lake, New York |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
107 km |
| Mar 21, 2018 |
9 km NNW of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Aug 11, 2007 |
4 km N of Kingston, Canada |
M2.6 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
59 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2012 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1994 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Black River has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 16°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Black River. 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 Black River
What is the population of Black River?
Black River has a population of 1,880 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,056 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Black River expensive to live in?
Black River 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 $81,111, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $211,000 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $957 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Black River safe?
Black River is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 638 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Black River receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Black River?
Black River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 92.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Black River?
The job market in Black River faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,202. There are 2,104 business establishments in the area, including 253 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Black River?
The median home value in Black River is $211,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,458. For renters, the median monthly rent is $957. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,866.
How are the schools in Black River?
Schools in Black River score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.0% of adults in Black River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Black River?
The obesity rate in Black River is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831.
What is transportation like in Black River?
The average commute in Black River is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Black River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Black River is 90.8% White. 89.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
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