Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kiamesha Lake, NY
Considering a move to Kiamesha Lake, NY? This quiet Catskills hamlet has a population of around 2,500 and an affordable median home price of $240,000, with average 2-bedroom rents at $1,200. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, short 23-minute average commutes, and access to scenic outdoor recreation. Crime rates are moderate, and public schools are well-rated with small class sizes. The cost of living is slightly above the national average, while the four-season climate offers cool summers and snowy winters—perfect for lovers of nature and small-town living.
Demographics - Kiamesha Lake, NY
Demographics - Kiamesha Lake, NY
Kiamesha Lake is home to about 2,500 residents, with a median age just under 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (nearly two-thirds), but also includes significant Black and other minority populations, and around 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Population density is moderate, offering a small-town feel with some cultural diversity.
Population:
2,500
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.5%
Black:
17.8%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
15.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kiamesha Lake, NY?
The cost of living in Kiamesha Lake is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $240,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,200. While utilities and transportation run higher than average, housing costs remain relatively affordable compared to many New York areas. State income tax rates range from 4% to 8.82%, contributing to overall living expenses.
Median House Value:
$240,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.2
Grocery:
101.5
Housing:
91.2
Utilities:
108.8
Transportation:
106.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
100.5
Crime
Is Kiamesha Lake, NY a safe place to live?
Kiamesha Lake experiences moderate crime, with a property crime rate of 1,400 incidents per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 71, which is comparable to other small towns in the region. Overall, the community maintains a generally safe environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Kiamesha Lake, NY year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with cool summers averaging highs near 80°F and snowy winters with lows around 16°F. The area receives about 47.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes and outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Kiamesha Lake have a median income of $58,200, and the local poverty rate stands at 15.1%. Most adults have completed high school, and average commute times are short at just over 23 minutes, reflecting the area's relaxed pace. Public transportation usage is minimal, highlighting a community-oriented, car-dependent lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$58,200
Family Income:
$64,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
15.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.0%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
21.4%
Education
How are the schools in Kiamesha Lake, NY?
Families in Kiamesha Lake benefit from well-rated public schools with small class sizes, such as Monticello High School and Robert J. Kaiser Middle School. Private schooling is also available, and higher education options include SUNY Sullivan, located just seven miles away. The community values education, with over 86% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Monticello High School
Street:
39 Breakey Ave
Phone:
845-794-8840
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Robert J. Kaiser Middle School
Street:
45 Breakey Ave
Phone:
845-796-3058
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
Yeshiva Zichron Mayir
Street:
Kiamesha Lake Rd
Phone:
845-794-8470
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Sullivan
City:
Loch Sheldrake
State:
NY
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Kiamesha Lake residents have access to Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, a full-service hospital with emergency care nearby. The area offers a moderate supply of physicians, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are reliable for a community of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills
Address:
68 Harris-Bushville Rd, Harris, NY 12742
Phone:
(845) 794-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kiamesha Lake, NY?
The housing market features a median home price of $240,000, with owner-occupancy rates above 64% and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,200. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, and the area maintains a low foreclosure rate. Rental vacancies are slightly higher than average, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Kiamesha Lake residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located in Monticello, just a short drive away. Services include licensing, registration, and vehicle titling, with more information available on the state DMV website. The local office provides convenient access for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1 Liberty Plaza, Monticello, NY 12701
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.