Median Income
$48,295
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,800
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
256/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.3%
78% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Caroga Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population496
Median Age61.9 yrs
Density198/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,295
Per Capita$33,198
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$2,446M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,800
Ownership88.9%
Zillow$222,160
Housing Units830
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent256/100K
Property4,442/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking16.7%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain50.7 in/yr
Sunny Days259/yr
Elevation1,468 ft (447 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.3%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score4.87
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 32%
Commute22 min
Broadband74.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Caroga Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Caroga Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Caroga Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Caroga Lake is $48,295, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Caroga Lake is $116,800, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Caroga Lake is below the national average at 256 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,442 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.
Education
7.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Caroga Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 259 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Caroga Lake has a population of 496 with a density of 198 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 61.9 years, 59% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.1% female and 38.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.9yrs
Median Age
59% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Caroga Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Caroga Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Caroga Lake is $48,295, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,198 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,053, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,190 business establishments, including 118 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Caroga Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,295 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,198 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,053 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,967 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,190 |
| County GDP | $2,446M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 118 |
| Healthcare | 172 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,921 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in Caroga Lake is $116,800, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,160, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 830 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $6,921 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,800 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,160 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
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 | 88.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.1% |
| Housing Units | 830 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,921 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.93% |
In Caroga Lake, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,124. The dentist ratio is 1:4,051. 89.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Caroga Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,124 |
| Dentists | 1:4,051 |
| Mental Health | 1:379 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,922/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 172 |
Caroga Lake has a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,442 per 100,000, 127% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Caroga Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Caroga Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 255.9/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,441.7/100K |
| 127% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Caroga Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 50.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,468 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 259 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,468 ft (447 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 198/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1340°N, 74.4814°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Fulton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albany International (ALB)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.7"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.6 on Apr 23, 2023.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
58 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
73 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
63 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
59 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
49 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
195 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
132 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
4 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Caroga Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 16°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Caroga Lake. 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 Caroga Lake
What is the population of Caroga Lake?
Caroga Lake has a population of 496 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 198 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.1% female and 38.9% male.
Is Caroga Lake expensive to live in?
Caroga Lake 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 $48,295, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,800 (59% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Caroga Lake safe?
Caroga Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,442 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Caroga Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Caroga Lake?
Caroga Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 259 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Caroga Lake?
The job market in Caroga Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,053. There are 1,190 business establishments in the area, including 118 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Caroga Lake?
The median home value in Caroga Lake is $116,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,160. The homeownership rate is 88.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,921.
How are the schools in Caroga Lake?
Schools in Caroga Lake have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.3% of adults in Caroga Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Caroga Lake?
The obesity rate in Caroga Lake is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,124.
What is transportation like in Caroga Lake?
The average commute in Caroga Lake is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Caroga Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Caroga Lake is 98% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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