Median Income
$60,494
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$188,900
33% 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$317,171
Health
Obesity37.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F
AQI36 (Good)
Elevation1,544 ft
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.8%
High School+90.6%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute15 min
EV Stations17
Libraries5
Is Saranac Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Saranac Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Saranac Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
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.
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 5.4/10.
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. 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. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 2.6% Black.
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. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes.
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 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Saranac Lake is $188,900, 33% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $826 (29% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,171.
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 |
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 |
| Effective Rate | 4.27% |
In Saranac Lake, 37.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.3% report depression. 23.6% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 154 |
Crime Rates: Saranac Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
Safety Score
Saranac Lake has an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
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) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 36033 |