Median Income
$43,523
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.3%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.9%
13% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.1%
22% higher than US avg
How Mountain Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population500
Median Age27.0 yrs
Density142/mi²
Male / Female25% / 75%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans19.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,523
Per Capita$32,439
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty15.1%
County GDP$183M
Commute39 min
Housing
Ownership88.1%
Zillow$292,053
Housing Units566
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,963/100K
Health
Obesity27.9%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking13.9%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain41.3 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation782 ft (238 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.3%
High School+99.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 39%
Commute39 min
Broadband73.3%
EV Stations8
Libraries4
Is Mountain Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mountain Lakes receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Mountain Lakes has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mountain Lakes is $43,523, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 15.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Mountain Lakes 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 1,963 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mountain Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.3 inches, including 71.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Mountain Lakes has a population of 500 with a density of 142 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 27.0 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 75.2% female and 24.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 19.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.0yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mountain Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mountain Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mountain Lakes is $43,523, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,439 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 180 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 104.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mountain Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,523 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,439 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,928 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 180 |
| County GDP | $183M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,350 |
| 81% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 104.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,053. Homes sell for 92.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,422 for a one-bedroom to $1,851 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 566 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $6,350 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $292,053 |
| Median List Price | $240,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $240,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $247 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,322 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,422 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,851 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.9% |
| Housing Units | 566 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,350 |
| 81% above US avg |
In Mountain Lakes, 27.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,925. The dentist ratio is 1:1,998. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mountain Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.9% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,925 |
| Dentists | 1:1,998 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,787/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Mountain Lakes has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,963 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Mountain Lakes receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Mountain Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,963.3/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Mountain Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.3 inches. The area receives 71.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 782 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 782 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 142/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1247°N, 71.9578°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Essex County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mount Washington Regional (HIE)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.3"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
145 km |
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
120 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
49 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
18 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
94 km |
| May 6, 2020 |
9 km SE of Bedford, Canada |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 |
6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jan 27, 2000 |
3 km WNW of Fremont, New Hampshire |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
54 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
69 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Mar 21, 2016 |
4 km ESE of Warner, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Sep 28, 2002 |
2 km N of Wilton, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
257 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
70 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 17 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1973 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1972 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1955 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2022 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2009 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Mountain Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 17°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Mountain Lakes. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$261 ($156–$417) |
| Specialist Visit |
$365 ($208–$573) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$208 ($104–$365) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,292 ($834–$5,210) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$135 ($78–$208) |
| Dental Filling |
$261 ($156–$417) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$125) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$625 ($417–$1,042) |
| Battery Replacement |
$208 ($104–$365) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$104 ($63–$156) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$94 ($52–$146) |
| HVAC Repair |
$417 ($156–$834) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,294 ($4,168–$12,504) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,042 ($417–$2,084) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,378 ($5,731–$15,630) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,563 ($521–$3,647) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,630 ($5,210–$31,260) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,210 ($2,084–$10,420) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,563 ($834–$3,126) |
| Will Preparation |
$521 ($208–$1,042) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,605 ($1,042–$5,210) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$104) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$156 ($78–$261) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$135) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.27 ($3.13–$5.73) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.65 ($2.61–$5.21) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.96 ($2.61–$5.73) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.69 ($3.13–$6.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.73 ($4.17–$7.82) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.04 ($0.63–$1.88) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$146 ($83–$261) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$156) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$125) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$104) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($31–$104) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($52–$156) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$208 ($78–$521) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,084 ($1,250–$3,647) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$135) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.34–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$104 ($31–$261) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,250 ($625–$2,605) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,042 ($521–$2,084) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$417 ($208–$729) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$104) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,042 ($417–$2,605) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,025 ($5,210–$31,260) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$104 ($52–$208) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$208 ($104–$417) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Lakes
What is the population of Mountain Lakes?
Mountain Lakes has a population of 500 residents and is located in New Hampshire. The population density is 142 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 75.2% female and 24.8% male.
Is Mountain Lakes expensive to live in?
Mountain Lakes has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 104.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,523, 42% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Mountain Lakes safe?
Mountain Lakes 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 1,963 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mountain Lakes receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mountain Lakes?
Mountain Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.3 inches, with 71.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Mountain Lakes?
The job market in Mountain Lakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 180 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Mountain Lakes?
Schools in Mountain Lakes score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.3% of adults in Mountain Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mountain Lakes?
The obesity rate in Mountain Lakes is 27.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,925.
What is transportation like in Mountain Lakes?
The average commute in Mountain Lakes is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mountain Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mountain Lakes is 96.8% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 19.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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