Median Income
$63,839
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,200
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
256/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.8%
21% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,045
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.7%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Speculator Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population389
Median Age60.0 yrs
Density9/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,839
Per Capita$39,347
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$297M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,200
Rent$1,045
Ownership63.1%
Zillow$278,707
Housing Units495
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent256/100K
Property4,442/100K
Health
Obesity30.7%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain43.6 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation2,152 ft (656 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.8%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+27.7%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 35%
Commute12 min
Broadband95.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Speculator a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Speculator 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. Speculator offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Speculator is $63,839, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Speculator is $192,200, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,045 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Speculator is below the national average at 256 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,442 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Speculator has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches, including 101.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Speculator has a population of 389 with a density of 9 people per square mile, spread across 47.2 square miles. The median age is 60.0 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.0yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Speculator vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Speculator vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Speculator is $63,839, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,347. The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 230 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Speculator vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,839 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,676 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 230 |
| County GDP | $297M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,115 |
| 103% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.5% |
| Public Transit | 5.7% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Speculator is $192,200, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,707, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,045 (10% 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. 63.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 495 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $7,115 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,200 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,707 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,045 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
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 | 63.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.9% |
| Housing Units | 495 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,115 |
| 103% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.70% |
In Speculator, 30.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,560. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Speculator vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,560 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,694 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,514/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Speculator has a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,442 per 100,000, 127% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Speculator receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Speculator vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 255.9/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,441.7/100K |
| 127% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Speculator has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. The area receives 101.5 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 2,152 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.0°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,152 ft (656 m) |
| Area | 47.2 sq mi (122.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 9/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5760°N, 74.3562°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hamilton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Adirondack Regional (SLK) 56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.6"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0411 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.09 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 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 |
117 km |
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 |
6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
114 km |
| Mar 9, 1999 |
7 km NW of Dannemora, New York |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
26 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 |
226 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
92 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 109 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Speculator has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 16°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Speculator. 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 Speculator
What is the population of Speculator?
Speculator has a population of 389 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 9 people per square mile, spread across 47.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54% female and 46% male.
Is Speculator expensive to live in?
Speculator 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 $63,839, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,200 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,045 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Speculator safe?
Speculator is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,442 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Speculator receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Speculator?
Speculator has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 43.6 inches, with 101.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Speculator?
The job market in Speculator is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 230 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Speculator?
The median home value in Speculator is $192,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,707. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,045. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.1%. The average annual property tax is $7,115.
How are the schools in Speculator?
Schools in Speculator score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.8% of adults in Speculator hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 27.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Speculator?
The obesity rate in Speculator is 30.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,560.
What is transportation like in Speculator?
The average commute in Speculator is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.5% of workers drive alone to work, 5.7% use public transit, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Speculator?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Speculator is 96.1% White. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.