Median Income
$49,556
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$370,700
32% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.5%
38% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$966
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lake Placid Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,159
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density1,588/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$49,556
Per Capita$49,018
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,335M
Commute16 min
Housing
C
Home Value$370,700
Rent$966
Ownership56.9%
Zillow$333,857
Housing Units2,169
Rent Burden43.1%
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property2,328/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking12.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain43.8 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation1,969 ft (600 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.5%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+14.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 50%
Commute16 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations28
Libraries16
Is Lake Placid a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Placid receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lake Placid offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Placid is $49,556, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Placid is $370,700, 32% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $966 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Placid is below the national average at 172 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,328 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Placid has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.8 inches, including 104.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Lake Placid has a population of 2,159 with a density of 1,588 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.4% of residents, while 24.6% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Placid vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.4%
4% below US avg
Spanish
24.6%
84% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Placid vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Placid is $49,556, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,018 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,127, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,334 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Placid vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,556 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,018 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,127 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,793 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,334 |
| County GDP | $2,335M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 160 |
| Retail | 186 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,236 |
| 164% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.0% |
The median home value in Lake Placid is $370,700, 32% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $333,857. Monthly rent averages $966 (17% 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. 56.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $9,236 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 43.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $370,700 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $333,857 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $966 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.1% |
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 | 56.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.1% |
| Housing Units | 2,169 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,236 |
| 164% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Lake Placid, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,961. The dentist ratio is 1:3,691. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Placid vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,961 |
| Dentists | 1:3,691 |
| Mental Health | 1:490 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 160 |
Lake Placid has a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,328 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Placid receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Placid vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.2/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,328.1/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Placid has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.8 inches. The area receives 104.1 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 1,969 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,969 ft (600 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,588/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2842°N, 73.9864°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Essex County County |
| Nearest Airport | Adirondack Regional (SLK) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.8"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0436 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.14 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.5 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
56 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 |
34 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
139 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
109 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
43 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
33 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
46 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| Aug 20, 1995 |
4 km S of Chambly, Canada |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
56 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Jun 1, 2002 |
3 km SW of Boisbriand, Canada |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Feb 26, 2006 |
10 km S of L'Orignal, Canada |
M3.2 |
150 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
56 km |
| Sep 21, 1995 |
3 km W of Huntingdon, Canada |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
35 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 |
282 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
32 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1973 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1973 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1953 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLAT ROCK FIRE (658 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FLAT ROCK FIRE |
658 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lake Placid has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 15°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Lake Placid. 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 Lake Placid
What is the population of Lake Placid?
Lake Placid has a population of 2,159 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,588 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Lake Placid expensive to live in?
Lake Placid 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 $49,556, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $370,700 (32% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $966 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Lake Placid safe?
Lake Placid is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Placid receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Placid?
Lake Placid has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.8 inches, with 104.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Lake Placid?
The job market in Lake Placid is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,127. There are 1,334 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 19.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Placid?
The median home value in Lake Placid is $370,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $333,857. For renters, the median monthly rent is $966. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.9%. The average annual property tax is $9,236.
How are the schools in Lake Placid?
Schools in Lake Placid score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.5% of adults in Lake Placid hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 14.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Placid?
The obesity rate in Lake Placid is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,961.
What is transportation like in Lake Placid?
The average commute in Lake Placid is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Placid?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Placid is 93.7% White. 75.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.6% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.