Median Income
$60,494
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$188,900
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.8%
27% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$826
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
0% lower than US avg
How Saranac Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,099
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density1,752/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,494
Per Capita$39,013
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty12.4%
County GDP$2,709M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$188,900
Rent$826
Ownership47.5%
Zillow$317,171
Housing Units2,815
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property2,328/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking13.9%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,544 ft (471 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.8%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+19.6%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute15 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations17
Libraries5
Is Saranac Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Saranac Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Saranac Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Saranac Lake is $60,494, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Saranac Lake is $188,900, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $826 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Saranac Lake 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 42.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Saranac Lake 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 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Saranac Lake has a population of 5,099 with a density of 1,752 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Saranac Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Saranac Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Saranac Lake is $60,494, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,013. The average weekly wage is $1,316. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Saranac Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,494 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,013 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,316 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,766 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Saranac Lake is $188,900, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,171, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $826 (29% 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. 47.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,815 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $8,069 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $188,900 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $317,171 |
| Median List Price | $479,925 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $479,925 |
| $/Sq Ft | $203 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $826 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
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 | 47.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,815 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,069 |
| 131% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.27% |
In Saranac Lake, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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: Saranac Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,898 |
| Dentists | 1:1,784 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 154 |
Saranac Lake 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 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Saranac Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Saranac Lake 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) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Saranac Lake 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 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,544 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,544 ft (471 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,752/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3259°N, 74.1309°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Adirondack Regional (SLK)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
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
62 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 |
40 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Mar 16, 2011 |
6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
43 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Nov 6, 2012 |
Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
80 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
40 km |
| Sep 12, 1995 |
8 km S of Brownsburg-Chatham, Canada |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
36 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Aug 20, 1995 |
4 km S of Chambly, Canada |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Jun 1, 2002 |
3 km SW of Boisbriand, Canada |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
46 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 |
291 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 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1973 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1973 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1953 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF0 |
88 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 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°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) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Saranac Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 14°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Saranac Lake. 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 Saranac Lake
What is the population of Saranac Lake?
Saranac Lake has a population of 5,099 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,752 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Saranac Lake expensive to live in?
Saranac Lake 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 $60,494, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $188,900 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $826 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Saranac Lake safe?
Saranac Lake 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, Saranac Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Saranac Lake?
Saranac Lake 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 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Saranac Lake?
The job market in Saranac Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 15 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Saranac Lake?
The median home value in Saranac Lake is $188,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,171. For renters, the median monthly rent is $826. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,069.
How are the schools in Saranac Lake?
Schools in Saranac Lake have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 42.8% of adults in Saranac Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 19.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Saranac Lake?
The obesity rate in Saranac Lake is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898.
What is transportation like in Saranac Lake?
The average commute in Saranac Lake is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Saranac Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Saranac Lake is 93.3% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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