Living in Potsdam, New York
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Potsdam · Census data 2020–2024
Potsdam has 8,427 residents with a median age of 21.7. The median household income is $34,546 (60% lower than the New York median), the median home value is $146,400, the median rent is $898/month.
Potsdam at a glance
- Population
- 8,427
- Median age
- 21.7State: 39.8
- Median household income
- $34,546State: $85,974
- Median home value
- $146,400State: $423,800
- Median rent
- $898/moState: $1,621
- Homeowners
- 34.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 51.8%
- Average commute
- 16 min
Is Potsdam a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 65% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes; unemployment of 4.8%.
Cons: Median household income 60% lower than the New York median; a poverty rate of 29%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Potsdam
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Potsdam the median home value is $146,400, 56% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $898 per month, which is 43.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,426 a month in housing costs.
Potsdam median household income
The median household income in Potsdam is $34,546 and the income per person is $20,220. 29% of residents live below the poverty line (New York: 14%).
Housing in Potsdam: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,865
- Owner-occupied
- 34.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 65.6%
- Vacant
- 13.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1959
- Average household size
- 1.81
Potsdam demographics
- Population
- 8,427
- Median age
- 21.7
- Under 18
- 7.9%
- 65 and older
- 10%
- Households
- 2,483
- Foreign-born
- 12.3%
- Veterans
- 0.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Potsdam ›
Education in Potsdam
51.8% of adults 25 and older in Potsdam have a bachelor's degree or higher (New York: 40.2%), and 30.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Potsdam
- Unemployment rate
- 4.8%State: 6.4%
- Average commute
- 16 minState: 33 min
- Work from home
- 10.9%
- Drive alone
- 52%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 28.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 85.5%
Potsdam vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potsdam | 8,427 | $34,546 | $146,400 | $898 |
| Hannawa Falls | 744 | $98,450 | $180,800 | $1,037 |
| Norwood | 1,374 | $54,375 | $100,800 | $683 |
| Colton | 260 | $69,605 | $116,300 | $441 |
| Norfolk | 1,204 | $59,491 | $88,700 | $784 |
| Madrid | 641 | $68,333 | $139,100 | $800 |
| Parishville | 634 | $76,719 | $96,800 | $885 |
| Canton | 7,167 | $62,054 | $183,800 | $796 |
| Winthrop | 530 | $138,231 | $119,900 | — |
More for people moving to Potsdam
Potsdam ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Potsdam: FAQ
What is the median household income in Potsdam, NY?
The median household income in Potsdam is $34,546, 60% lower than the New York median of $85,974 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Potsdam?
The median home value in Potsdam is $146,400, compared with $423,800 in New York.
How much is rent in Potsdam?
The median gross rent in Potsdam is $898 per month, about 43.5% of household income.
Is Potsdam, NY a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 65% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes; unemployment of 4.8%. Minuses: median household income 60% lower than the New York median; a poverty rate of 29%.
What is the median age in Potsdam?
The median age in Potsdam is 21.7 years (New York: 39.8).
How long is the commute in Potsdam?
The average commute to work in Potsdam is 16 minutes; 10.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Potsdam?
The unemployment rate in Potsdam is 4.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Potsdam?
51.8% of adults in Potsdam have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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