Median Income
$59,286
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,600
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.4%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.5%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
48% higher than US avg
How Star Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population640
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density147/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans21.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,286
Per Capita$35,139
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty18.3%
County GDP$6,588M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,600
Rent$731
Ownership82.3%
Zillow$118,091
Housing Units466
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property3,949/100K
Health
Obesity43.5%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking17.6%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation1,478 ft (450 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.4%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+16.5%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries22
Is Star Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Star Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Star Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Star Lake is $59,286, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. The poverty rate of 18.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Star Lake is $83,600, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Star Lake 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
27.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Star Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Star Lake has a population of 640 with a density of 147 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.7% female and 57.3% male. The city is predominantly White (82.5%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 4.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 21.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Star Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.2%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Star Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Star Lake is $59,286, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,139. The average weekly wage is $1,202, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,104 business establishments, including 253 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 19.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Star Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,286 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,139 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,202 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.3% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,104 |
| County GDP | $6,588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 253 |
| Healthcare | 233 |
| Retail | 339 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 19.0% |
The median home value in Star Lake is $83,600, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,091, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% 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. 82.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 466 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $6,866 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,600 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,091 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
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 | 82.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.7% |
| Housing Units | 466 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,866 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.21% |
In Star Lake, 43.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831. The dentist ratio is 1:2,505. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Star Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.5% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,831 |
| Dentists | 1:2,505 |
| Mental Health | 1:404 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 49.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 233 |
Star Lake 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 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Star Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Star Lake 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) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Star Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,478 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,478 ft (450 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 147/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1695°N, 75.0389°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | St. Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ogdensburg International (OGS)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
51 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 |
113 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
67 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
66 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Feb 24, 2002 |
7 km WSW of Casselman, Canada |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Feb 1, 2024 |
6 km WNW of Huntingdon, Canada |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Sep 21, 1995 |
3 km W of Huntingdon, Canada |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
22 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
40 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
44 km |
1 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2021 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2005 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1969 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Star Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 16°F in February to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Star 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 Star Lake
What is the population of Star Lake?
Star Lake has a population of 640 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 147 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.7% female and 57.3% male.
Is Star Lake expensive to live in?
Star 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 $59,286, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,600 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Star Lake safe?
Star Lake 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, Star Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Star Lake?
Star Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Star Lake?
The job market in Star Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,202. There are 2,104 business establishments in the area, including 253 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 19.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Star Lake?
The median home value in Star Lake is $83,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,091. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,866.
How are the schools in Star Lake?
Schools in Star Lake score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.4% of adults in Star Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 16.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Star Lake?
The obesity rate in Star Lake is 43.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,831.
What is transportation like in Star Lake?
The average commute in Star Lake is 26 minutes. 71% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 19.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Star Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Star Lake is 82.5% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 21.2% of the population are military veterans. 25.0% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
