Median Income
$78,047
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$252,900
10% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
256/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$763
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population597
Median Age54.3 yrs
Density77/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,047
Per Capita$30,546
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,446M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$252,900
Rent$763
Ownership89.0%
Zillow$278,707
Housing Units492
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent256/100K
Property4,442/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking17.2%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain50.7 in/yr
Sunny Days259/yr
Elevation992 ft (302 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+76.7%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score4.87
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 32%
Commute37 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Wells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wells receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times. Wells offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wells is $78,047, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wells is $252,900, 10% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wells 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
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Wells has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 259 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wells has a population of 597 with a density of 77 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age is 54.3 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.3yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Wells is $78,047, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,546 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,053, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,190 business establishments, including 118 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,047 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,546 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,053 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,967 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,190 |
| County GDP | $2,446M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 118 |
| Healthcare | 172 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,921 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Wells is $252,900, 10% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,707, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $763 (34% 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. 89.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 492 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $6,921 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $252,900 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,707 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $763 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
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 | 89.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.0% |
| Housing Units | 492 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,921 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Wells, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,124. The dentist ratio is 1:4,051. 89.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,124 |
| Dentists | 1:4,051 |
| Mental Health | 1:379 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,922/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 172 |
Wells 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, Wells receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wells 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 | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wells has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 50.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 992 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 259 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 992 ft (302 m) |
| Area | 7.7 sq mi (20.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 77/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3917°N, 74.3000°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Fulton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Albany International (ALB)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.7"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.6 on Apr 23, 2023.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
134 km |
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
62 km |
| Apr 8, 2003 |
17 km ESE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
13 km ENE of Saint Regis Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 |
6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Mar 2, 1995 |
3 km ENE of Tupper Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Oct 13, 1997 |
18 km NW of Cranberry Lake, New York |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
41 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Jul 23, 1996 |
15 km NNE of Saranac Lake, New York |
M2.8 |
120 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 |
206 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
110 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 125 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1973 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1969 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1955 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Wells has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 16°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Wells. 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 Wells
What is the population of Wells?
Wells has a population of 597 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 77 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Wells expensive to live in?
Wells 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 $78,047, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $252,900 (10% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wells safe?
Wells 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, Wells receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wells?
Wells has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 259 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wells?
The unemployment rate in Wells is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,053. There are 1,190 business establishments in the area, including 118 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wells?
The median home value in Wells is $252,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,707. For renters, the median monthly rent is $763. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,921.
How are the schools in Wells?
Schools in Wells have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.3% of adults in Wells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wells?
The obesity rate in Wells is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 89.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,124.
What is transportation like in Wells?
The average commute in Wells is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wells is 96% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
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