Median Income
$58,356
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,300
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$959
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Carthage Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,546
Median Age27.8 yrs
Density1,459/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans16.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,356
Per Capita$27,859
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$1,659M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,300
Rent$959
Ownership49.0%
Zillow$189,709
Housing Units1,674
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property216/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.0%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation801 ft (244 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+82.6%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute28 min
Broadband91.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Carthage a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carthage receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Carthage offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carthage is $58,356, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carthage is $126,300, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $959 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Carthage 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 216 per 100,000, 89% below the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Carthage experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 116.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Carthage has a population of 3,546 with a density of 1,459 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 27.8 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (82.9%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 16.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.8yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
The median household income in Carthage is $58,356, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,859 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 28 minutes. 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,356 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,859 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above 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 | 4.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Carthage is $126,300, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,709, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $959 (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. 49.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,674 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,757 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,300 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,709 |
| Median List Price | $99,944 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $99,944 |
| $/Sq Ft | $91 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 9.5% |
| Inventory | 21 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $959 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
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 | 49.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,674 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,757 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.56% |
In Carthage, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Carthage vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,476 |
| Dentists | 1:5,340 |
| Mental Health | 1:466 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Carthage has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 216 per 100,000, 89% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Carthage receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Carthage vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 215.5/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Carthage experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 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 36. The city sits at an elevation of 801 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,459/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9829°N, 75.6030°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lewis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
30 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 |
108 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
36 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
64 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
44 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Feb 24, 2002 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
66 km |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Jul 10, 1997 |
8 km WNW of Cornwall, Canada |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Oct 12, 1997 |
7 km SSW of Fort Covington Hamlet, New York |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 23, 1996 |
15 km NNE of Saranac Lake, New York |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Massena, New York |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
61 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 12 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2012 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1994 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Carthage has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 19°F in February to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Carthage. 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 Carthage
What is the population of Carthage?
Carthage has a population of 3,546 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,459 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Carthage expensive to live in?
Carthage 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 $58,356, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,300 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $959 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carthage safe?
Carthage 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 216 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carthage receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carthage?
Carthage has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 116.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Carthage?
The job market in Carthage is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / 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 28 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage is $126,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,709. For renters, the median monthly rent is $959. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,757.
How are the schools in Carthage?
Schools in Carthage score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Carthage hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carthage?
The obesity rate in Carthage is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 44.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,476.
What is transportation like in Carthage?
The average commute in Carthage is 28 minutes. 76.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carthage?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is 82.9% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 16.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
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