Median Income
$70,313
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$332,200
18% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
652/100K
71% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
64.3%
91% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.0%
178% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Old Forge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population359
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density201/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$70,313
Per Capita$49,438
Unemployment10.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,360M
Housing
A
Home Value$332,200
Ownership69.4%
Zillow$146,267
Housing Units758
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent652/100K
Property3,835/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking12.1%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain49.8 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,859 ft (567 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+64.3%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+15.8%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 32%
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations9
Libraries13
Is Old Forge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Old Forge receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Old Forge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Old Forge is $70,313, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Old Forge is $332,200, 18% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 652 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
Old Forge is a highly educated community / 64.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Old Forge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 49.8 inches, including 157.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Old Forge has a population of 359 with a density of 201 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Old Forge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Old Forge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Old Forge is $70,313, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,438 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $988, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.0% (above 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 1,297 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 39.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Old Forge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,313 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,438 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,340 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.0% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,297 |
| County GDP | $2,360M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 115 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 57 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,453 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 60.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 39.3% |
The median home value in Old Forge is $332,200, 18% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,267, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 758 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $6,453 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $332,200 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $146,267 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 69.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.6% |
| Housing Units | 758 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,453 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.94% |
In Old Forge, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,746. The dentist ratio is 1:2,493. 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Old Forge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,746 |
| Dentists | 1:2,493 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,044 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 115 |
Old Forge has a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 residents, 71% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Old Forge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Old Forge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 651.5/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,834.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Old Forge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 49.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 157.9 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 1,859 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,859 ft (567 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 201/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7064°N, 74.9691°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Herkimer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Griffiss International (RME)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.8"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
44 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 |
135 km |
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
122 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
63 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
34 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 |
6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Sep 4, 2004 |
3 km S of Massena, New York |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
67 km |
| Mar 9, 1999 |
7 km NW of Dannemora, New York |
M2.9 |
150 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 |
268 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
88 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 12 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
4 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
4.4 in |
|
Old Forge has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 16°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.0") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Old Forge. 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 Old Forge
What is the population of Old Forge?
Old Forge has a population of 359 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 201 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Old Forge expensive to live in?
Old Forge 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 $70,313, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $332,200 (18% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Old Forge safe?
Public safety is a concern in Old Forge, with a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Old Forge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Old Forge?
Old Forge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 49.8 inches, with 157.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Old Forge?
The job market in Old Forge faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $988. There are 1,297 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Old Forge?
The median home value in Old Forge is $332,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,267. The homeownership rate is 69.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,453.
How are the schools in Old Forge?
Schools in Old Forge score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 64.3% of adults in Old Forge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 15.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Old Forge?
The obesity rate in Old Forge is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 5.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,746.
What are the demographics of Old Forge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Old Forge is 93% White, 7% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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