Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Drum, NY
Thinking about relocating to Fort Drum, NY? With a population of around 13,000, Fort Drum offers affordable living, with median home prices at $178,000 and average rent at $1,350. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 17 minutes), low violent crime rates (170 per 100K), and access to quality healthcare and local schools. While winters are cold and snowy, the community is close-knit, with a youthful population and convenient access to Watertown’s amenities. Explore more about cost of living, housing, and education below to see if Fort Drum is right for you.
Demographics - Fort Drum, NY
Demographics - Fort Drum, NY
Fort Drum is a young and diverse community of about 13,000 residents, with a notably low median age of 22.5 and a strong male-to-female ratio due to its military presence. The population features a mix of backgrounds, including 65% White and 17% Black residents, and around 10% speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
13,000
Density:
1,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.5
Gender Ratio:
180 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.2%
Black:
17.1%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
15.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Drum, NY?
Living in Fort Drum is affordable, with median home values around $178,000 and average rent at $1,350. The cost of living index is below the U.S. average, making essentials like housing and groceries relatively budget-friendly for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.5
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
96.5
Health Care:
103.2
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Fort Drum, NY a safe place to live?
Fort Drum experiences low violent crime rates, with only 170 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crimes remain moderate compared to national averages. Residents can generally feel secure, with a 1 in 588 chance of being affected by violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,290
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Drum, NY year-round?
The area has distinct seasons, featuring cold, snowy winters with average lows of 9°F and warm summers reaching highs around 78°F. Residents enjoy about 47% sunny days each year, and annual rainfall is moderate at 39 inches.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Fort Drum's neighborhoods are primarily made up of young families and military personnel, with a median household income of $47,800 and a poverty rate of 11.2%. Commutes are short at about 17 minutes, and most residents have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a well-educated and tight-knit community.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$47,800
Family Income:
$50,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,200
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.1%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Drum, NY?
Fort Drum families benefit from local public schools such as Indian River High and Calcium Primary, known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education options are close by, including Jefferson Community College just 11 miles away, making educational opportunities readily available.
Public Schools
Name:
Indian River High School
Street:
32925 US Route 11
Phone:
315-642-3427
Students:
1,060
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Calcium Primary School
Street:
25440 Indian River Dr
Phone:
315-629-1100
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Immaculate Heart Central Schools
Street:
1316 Ives St
Phone:
315-788-4670
Students:
480
Colleges
Name:
Jefferson Community College
City:
Watertown
State:
NY
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
SUNY Potsdam
City:
Potsdam
State:
NY
Distance:
53 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like Samaritan Medical Center in nearby Watertown, and over 92% have health insurance coverage. The area offers a solid range of healthcare services, with approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samaritan Medical Center
Address:
830 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601
Phone:
(315) 785-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Carthage Area Hospital
Address:
1001 West St, Carthage, NY 13619
Phone:
(315) 493-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
76.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Drum, NY?
The housing market in Fort Drum is accessible, with median home prices at $178,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $1,350. Homeownership rates are lower due to a transient military population, but vacancy and foreclosure rates remain stable.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Fort Drum residents are managed by the New York State DMV, with a convenient office located in nearby Watertown. Essential services and information are easily accessible both in person and online.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
317 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.