Median Income
$37,600
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,700
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.6%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$746
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Fort Plain Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,274
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density1,684/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$37,600
Per Capita$26,269
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$2,632M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,700
Rent$746
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$181,789
Housing Units1,064
Rent Burden34.0%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured3.5%
Smoking17.7%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Elevation346 ft (105 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.6%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score4.51
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 36%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Fort Plain a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Plain receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fort Plain offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Plain is $37,600, 50% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Plain is $78,700, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $746 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Plain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches, including 53.5 inches of snow.
Fort Plain has a population of 2,274 with a density of 1,684 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,274
Total Population
2023 Census
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Plain vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Plain vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Plain is $37,600, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,269 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,248 business establishments, including 104 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Plain vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,600 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,269 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,796 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,248 |
| County GDP | $2,632M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 104 |
| Healthcare | 190 |
| Retail | 172 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,966 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Fort Plain is $78,700, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,789, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $746 (36% 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. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,064 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,966 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,700 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,789 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $746 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.0% |
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 | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,064 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,966 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.58% |
In Fort Plain, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 3.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,906. The dentist ratio is 1:1,654. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Plain vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 3.5% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,906 |
| Dentists | 1:1,654 |
| Mental Health | 1:968 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,219/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 190 |
Fort Plain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches. The area receives 53.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 346 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 346 ft (105 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,684/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9327°N, 74.6268°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albert S Nader Regional (ONH)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.8"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.52"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on Mar 11, 2020.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
34 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
98 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
59 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
53 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
52 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
52 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
59 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
34 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
59 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
13 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.6 |
56 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
14 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.6 |
59 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 |
189 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
157 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 139 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
83 km |
4 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Fort Plain has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 21°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Fort Plain. 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 Plain
What is the population of Fort Plain?
Fort Plain has a population of 2,274 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,684 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Fort Plain expensive to live in?
Fort Plain 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 $37,600, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,700 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $746 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fort Plain?
Fort Plain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches, with 53.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Plain?
Fort Plain has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 1,248 business establishments in the area, including 104 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Plain?
The median home value in Fort Plain is $78,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,789. For renters, the median monthly rent is $746. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,966.
How are the schools in Fort Plain?
Schools in Fort Plain have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.6% of adults in Fort Plain hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Plain?
The obesity rate in Fort Plain is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 3.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,906.
What is transportation like in Fort Plain?
The average commute in Fort Plain is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Plain?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Plain is 95.1% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 26.1% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.