Median Income
$35,464
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.3%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$842
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.0%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.7%
83% higher than US avg
How Gouverneur Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,623
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,654/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,464
Per Capita$22,639
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$6,588M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,500
Rent$842
Ownership52.7%
Zillow$123,312
Housing Units2,017
Rent Burden34.5%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property3,949/100K
Health
Obesity45.0%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking19.8%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation427 ft (130 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute20 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries22
Is Gouverneur a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gouverneur receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Gouverneur has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gouverneur is $35,464, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gouverneur is $107,500, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gouverneur is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,949 per 100,000, 101% above the national average.
Education
18.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Gouverneur 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.
Gouverneur has a population of 3,623 with a density of 1,654 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.2%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gouverneur vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gouverneur vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gouverneur is $35,464, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,639 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,202, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gouverneur vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,464 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,202 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% 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 | 6.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Gouverneur is $107,500, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,312, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $842 (28% 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. 52.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,017 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,866 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,312 |
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $36 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.4% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $842 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.5% |
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 | 52.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,017 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.39% |
In Gouverneur, 45.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Gouverneur vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,505 |
| Mental Health | 1:404 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 233 |
Gouverneur has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,949 per 100,000, 101% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gouverneur receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gouverneur vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.1/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,949.0/100K |
| 101% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gouverneur 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 427 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 | 427 ft (130 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,654/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3366°N, 75.4660°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | St. Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ogdensburg International (OGS) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.06"
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
59 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
142 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Feb 25, 2006 |
4 km NE of Thurso, Canada |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Sep 18, 2011 |
1 km E of Thurso, Canada |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
95 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
69 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Buckingham, Canada |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Feb 26, 2006 |
10 km S of L'Orignal, Canada |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| May 8, 2009 |
9 km E of Constance Bay, Canada |
M3.1 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
10 km |
1 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1983 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1969 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1959 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2024 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2016 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Gouverneur has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 16°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Gouverneur. 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 Gouverneur
What is the population of Gouverneur?
Gouverneur has a population of 3,623 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,654 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Gouverneur expensive to live in?
Gouverneur 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 $35,464, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,500 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gouverneur safe?
Gouverneur is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,949 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gouverneur receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gouverneur?
Gouverneur 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 Gouverneur?
The unemployment rate in Gouverneur is 5.2%, 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 20 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gouverneur?
The median home value in Gouverneur is $107,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,312. For renters, the median monthly rent is $842. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,866.
How are the schools in Gouverneur?
Schools in Gouverneur score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.3% of adults in Gouverneur hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gouverneur?
The obesity rate in Gouverneur is 45.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831.
What is transportation like in Gouverneur?
The average commute in Gouverneur is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gouverneur?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gouverneur is 89.2% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.