Median Income
$63,194
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.2%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,563
34% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Fort Drum Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,124
Median Age23.4 yrs
Density1,124/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans18.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,194
Per Capita$26,230
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$6,588M
Commute11 min
Housing
B+
Rent$1,563
Ownership3.3%
Zillow$229,458
Housing Units4,837
Rent Burden30.1%
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured2.2%
Smoking13.5%
Depression17.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain45.1 in/yr
Elevation571 ft (174 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.2%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute11 min
Broadband94.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries22
Is Fort Drum a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Drum receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Fort Drum offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Drum is $63,194, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,563 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Drum experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.1 inches, including 116.4 inches of snow.
Fort Drum has a population of 16,124 with a density of 1,124 people per square mile, spread across 14.4 square miles. The median age is 23.4 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.8% female and 58.2% male. The city is predominantly White (64.3%), with 19.4% Hispanic, 12.4% Black, 4.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.1% of residents, while 22.6% speak Spanish. 18.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
16,124
Total Population
2023 Census
23.4yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Drum vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.1%
1% above US avg
Spanish
22.6%
69% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Drum vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Drum is $63,194, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,230 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,202, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Fort Drum vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,194 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,230 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,202 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.1% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,458. Monthly rent averages $1,563 (34% above 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. 3.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,837 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $6,866 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,563 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
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 | 3.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 3.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 96.7% |
| Housing Units | 4,837 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
In Fort Drum, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 17.9% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 2.2% 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.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
2.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
123.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fort Drum vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 17.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 46.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 2.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,505 |
| Mental Health | 1:404 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 233 |
Fort Drum 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. Annual precipitation totals 45.1 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 571 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 571 ft (174 m) |
| Area | 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,124/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0447°N, 75.7878°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | St. Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown International (ART)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.1"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
5.06"
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
31 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 |
132 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
27 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
56 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Feb 24, 2002 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
74 km |
| Nov 7, 2002 |
13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Oct 12, 1997 |
7 km SSW of Fort Covington Hamlet, New York |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jul 10, 1997 |
8 km WNW of Cornwall, Canada |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jul 23, 1996 |
15 km NNE of Saranac Lake, New York |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
8 km WNW of Massena, New York |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
12 km S of Osgoode, Canada |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
19 km SW of Winchester, Canada |
M2.7 |
103 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
3 km SSW of Massena, New York |
M2.7 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
55 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2012 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1994 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1989 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Fort Drum has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 20°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.1 inches, with October being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Fort Drum. 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 Fort Drum
What is the population of Fort Drum?
Fort Drum has a population of 16,124 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,124 people per square mile, spread across 14.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.8% female and 58.2% male.
Is Fort Drum expensive to live in?
Fort Drum 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 $63,194, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,563 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Fort Drum?
Fort Drum 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. Annual rainfall totals 45.1 inches, with 116.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Drum?
The unemployment rate in Fort Drum is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 11 minutes, and 14.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Drum?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,563. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 3.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,866.
How are the schools in Fort Drum?
Schools in Fort Drum score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.2% of adults in Fort Drum hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Drum?
The obesity rate in Fort Drum is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 17.9% of residents report depression. 2.2% 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 Fort Drum?
The average commute in Fort Drum is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Drum?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Drum is 64.3% White, 12.4% Black or African American, 19.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Asian. 79.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 22.6% speak Spanish. 18.2% of the population are military veterans. 3.6% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.