Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
100.0%
197% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
How Paul Smiths Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population594
Median Age20.4 yrs
Density2,285/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$6,705
Unemployment6.6%
County GDP$2,709M
Commute10 min
Housing
Zillow$317,171
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property3,949/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking11.4%
Depression18.5%
Heart Disease3.8%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,624 ft (495 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+100.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute10 min
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Paul Smiths a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paul Smiths receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Paul Smiths offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Paul Smiths 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
Paul Smiths is a highly educated community / 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Paul Smiths has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Paul Smiths has a population of 594 with a density of 2,285 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 20.4 years, 48% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.2% female and 64.8% male. The city is predominantly White (81%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 4.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.9% of residents, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.4yrs
Median Age
48% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Paul Smiths vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.9%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.1%
25% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Paul Smiths vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $6,705 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,316. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 1,108 business establishments, including 113 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Paul Smiths vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $6,705 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,316 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,766 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 1,108 |
| County GDP | $2,709M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 154 |
| Retail | 157 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,069 |
| 131% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 31.5% |
| Public Transit | 3.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,171. Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $8,069 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,069 |
| 131% above US avg |
In Paul Smiths, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 3.8% of residents, below the national average. 23.8% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.5% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898. The dentist ratio is 1:1,784. 57.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paul Smiths vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 3.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.8% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 18.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,898 |
| Dentists | 1:1,784 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.6% |
| Dental Visits | 55.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 154 |
Paul Smiths 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 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paul Smiths receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paul Smiths 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) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paul Smiths has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 64°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,624 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,624 ft (495 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,285/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4334°N, 74.2508°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Adirondack Regional (SLK)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
73 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 |
45 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Mar 16, 2011 |
6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
54 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
80 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Nov 6, 2012 |
Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
45 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
21 km |
| Sep 12, 1995 |
8 km S of Brownsburg-Chatham, Canada |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Feb 28, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Brownsburg-Chatham, Canada |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
55 km |
| Aug 20, 1995 |
4 km S of Chambly, Canada |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
30 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 10 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1973 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1973 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1953 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF0 |
85 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 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Paul Smiths has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 14°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Paul Smiths. 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 Paul Smiths
What is the population of Paul Smiths?
Paul Smiths has a population of 594 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 2,285 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.2% female and 64.8% male.
Is Paul Smiths expensive to live in?
Paul Smiths is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Paul Smiths safe?
Paul Smiths 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, Paul Smiths receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paul Smiths?
Paul Smiths has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Paul Smiths?
The unemployment rate in Paul Smiths is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,316. There are 1,108 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Paul Smiths?
Schools in Paul Smiths have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 100.0% of adults in Paul Smiths hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paul Smiths?
The obesity rate in Paul Smiths is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 18.5% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 57.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898.
What is transportation like in Paul Smiths?
The average commute in Paul Smiths is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 31.5% of workers drive alone to work, 3.3% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paul Smiths?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paul Smiths is 81% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 89.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.4% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
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