Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Plattsburgh, NY
Thinking of moving to Plattsburgh, NY? With a population just under 20,000, Plattsburgh offers affordable living—median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $990. Enjoy short commute times (about 15 minutes), solid healthcare access, and proximity to SUNY Plattsburgh. The city boasts a four-season climate, low housing costs, and a walkable downtown along Lake Champlain, making it a welcoming spot for families and students alike.
Demographics - Plattsburgh, NY
Demographics - Plattsburgh, NY
Plattsburgh is home to just under 20,000 residents with a youthful median age of 31.2, reflecting its vibrant student and young professional population. The community is predominantly White at 85%, with a modest representation of other ethnic groups and about 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. With a population density of 2,900 people per square mile, the city offers an energetic yet comfortable small-city atmosphere.
Population:
19,841
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.3%
Black:
4.7%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Plattsburgh, NY?
Living costs in Plattsburgh are below the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.7. Median home values are attractively priced at $185,000 and average rent is $990, making housing accessible for many. Utilities and everyday expenses are generally reasonable, providing good overall affordability for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$990
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.7
Grocery:
96.8
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
98.4
Health Care:
99.1
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Plattsburgh, NY a safe place to live?
Plattsburgh offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,900 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 313, which is lower than many urban areas. Residents enjoy peace of mind while benefiting from the city's close-knit community feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Crime Index:
2,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Plattsburgh, NY year-round?
Plattsburgh experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 8°F and warm summers reaching highs of 80°F. The city receives about 32.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This diverse climate offers a mix of outdoor activities year-round, from winter sports to summer lakeside recreation.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Plattsburgh are characterized by a median household income of $48,200 and a family income of $62,400. The area has a poverty rate of 19.6%, but most residents enjoy short commutes, averaging just over 15 minutes, and a high school graduation rate near 89%. The community is diverse and welcoming, with a modest proportion of non-English speakers and a strong sense of local identity.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$24,900
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$30,800
Poverty Rate:
19.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$990
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
25.4%
Education
How are the schools in Plattsburgh, NY?
Plattsburgh features a range of educational opportunities, including public schools with student-teacher ratios around 12:1 and access to higher education at SUNY Plattsburgh and Clinton Community College. The city’s public and private schools serve a diverse student body, while local colleges provide strong academic and professional pathways. This educational environment makes Plattsburgh an appealing choice for families and students seeking quality learning options.
Public Schools
Name:
Plattsburgh Senior High School
Street:
1 Clifford Dr
Phone:
518-561-7500
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Stafford Middle School
Street:
15 Broad St
Phone:
518-563-9770
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Seton Catholic Central School
Street:
206 New York Rd
Phone:
518-561-4031
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
SUNY Plattsburgh
City:
Plattsburgh
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
Clinton Community College
City:
Plattsburgh
State:
NY
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Plattsburgh offers quality healthcare with major facilities like CVPH Medical Center providing full emergency and general services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 94.6%, locals have reliable access to medical care. The city’s healthcare index of 72.1 reflects overall solid health services for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CVPH Medical Center
Address:
75 Beekman St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone:
(518) 561-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Plattsburgh, NY?
The housing market in Plattsburgh is approachable, with a median home price of $185,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $990. Around 40% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.6%. Modest home appreciation and a stable rental market make the city attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$990
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access full motor vehicle services locally at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office, conveniently located on Margaret Street in Plattsburgh. The office offers standard New York DMV services, including licensing, vehicle registration, and title processing. For more information, residents can visit the official DMV website or contact the office directly.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
22 Margaret St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone:
1-518-561-4760
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.