At a Glance
Median Income
$32,061
$21,053 per capita
Home Value
$144,200
Zillow: $193,404
Median Rent
$819/mo
43.3% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
48.7%
92.0% high school+
Unemployment
7.0%
12.4% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
41.8%
14.6% smoking rate
How Potsdam Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Potsdam's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Potsdam a Good Place to Live?
B+
3.8 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Potsdam residents earn a median household income of $32,061 , which is 57% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $21,053. The unemployment rate stands at 7.0% (94% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,108 business establishments, including 113 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Potsdam is $144,200 , 49% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $193,404. Median rent is $819/month, with 43.3% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 107.9 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1958.
Education
48.7% of adults in Potsdam hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(45% above the national average).
92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 4.5/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Potsdam has an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C).
Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population8,507
Median Age21.7 yrs
Density1,729/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Foreign Born10.5%
Veterans0.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$32,061
Per Capita$21,053
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty12.4%
County GDP$2,709M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,316
Housing
A
Home Value$144,200
Rent$819
Ownership34.5%
Zillow$193,404
Housing Units3,025
Rent Burden43.3%
Health
Obesity41.8%
Diabetes10.4%
Smoking14.6%
Heart Disease5.8%
Premature Death7,951/100K
Climate
Avg Temp45°F
Rain38.2 in/yr
Elevation413 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.7%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+26.0%
School Score4.5/10
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute15 min
Broadband80.4%
Internet Speed123 Mbps
EV Stations7
Libraries5
Did You Know?
The median home in Potsdam was built in 1958.
The nearest airport is Massena International-Richards Field (20 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.440 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
15.0% of the population has a disability.
10.5% of residents are foreign-born.
Average internet download speed is 123 Mbps.
There are 113 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 7 fatal vehicle crashes.