Median Income
$54,613
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,300
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$633
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Tupper Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,072
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density1,470/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,613
Per Capita$34,008
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$2,709M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,300
Rent$633
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$317,171
Housing Units1,889
Rent Burden26.3%
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured1.8%
Smoking16.4%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain45.1 in/yr
Elevation1,548 ft (472 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute14 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Tupper Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tupper Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Tupper Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tupper Lake is $54,613, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tupper Lake is $106,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $633 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Tupper Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.1 inches, including 104.9 inches of snow.
Tupper Lake has a population of 3,072 with a density of 1,470 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,072
Total Population
2023 Census
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tupper Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Tupper Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Tupper Lake is $54,613, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,008 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,316. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.9% 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 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Tupper Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,613 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,008 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,316 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,766 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above 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 | 7.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Tupper Lake is $106,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,171, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $185,500 with homes selling in an average of 85 days. Homes sell for 84.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $633 (46% 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. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,889 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $8,069 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $317,171 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $185,500 |
| Median List Price | $179,499 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $185,500 |
| Median List Price | $179,499 |
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 85 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 84.1% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $633 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
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 | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,889 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,069 |
| 131% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.59% |
In Tupper Lake, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 1.8% 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: Tupper Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 1.8% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,898 |
| Dentists | 1:1,784 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 154 |
Tupper Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.1 inches. The area receives 104.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,548 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,548 ft (472 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,470/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2298°N, 74.4619°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Adirondack Regional (SLK)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.1"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.55"
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
56 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 |
68 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
141 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
118 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Jan 9, 2006 |
2 km ESE of Franklin, Canada |
M3.7 |
100 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
68 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
44 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 13, 2020 |
5 km SW of Franklin, Canada |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Feb 26, 2006 |
10 km S of L'Orignal, Canada |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
53 km |
| Feb 1, 2024 |
6 km WNW of Huntingdon, Canada |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Sep 21, 1995 |
3 km W of Huntingdon, Canada |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
70 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 |
292 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
88 km |
1 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1993 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1972 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
78 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 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Tupper Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 15°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Tupper 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 Tupper Lake
What is the population of Tupper Lake?
Tupper Lake has a population of 3,072 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,470 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Tupper Lake expensive to live in?
Tupper 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 $54,613, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,300 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $633 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Tupper Lake?
Tupper Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.1 inches, with 104.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Tupper Lake?
The unemployment rate in Tupper Lake is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 14 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tupper Lake?
The median home value in Tupper Lake is $106,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,171. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $185,500, with homes typically selling within 85 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $633. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,069.
How are the schools in Tupper Lake?
Schools in Tupper Lake have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.5% of adults in Tupper Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tupper Lake?
The obesity rate in Tupper Lake is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 1.8% 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 Tupper Lake?
The average commute in Tupper Lake is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tupper Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tupper Lake is 95.1% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.