Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Speculator, NY
Thinking of moving to Speculator, NY? This scenic Adirondack village offers a peaceful lifestyle with a small population of 315 and affordable housing—median home prices are around $172,000 and average rents just $900. Residents enjoy a safe, low-crime environment, short commute times, and abundant outdoor recreation. While the cost of living is below the national average, the village features a tight-knit community and a slower pace, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Demographics - Speculator, NY
Demographics - Speculator, NY
Speculator, NY is a small village with only 315 residents, offering a quiet and close-knit community. The median age is nearly 60, reflecting an older population, and the vast majority of residents are White. With a low population density and very few non-English speakers, it's a peaceful destination for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
315
Density:
54 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.3
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Speculator, NY?
Living in Speculator is affordable, with median home values at $172,000 and average rents of $900, both below the national average. Utilities and groceries are slightly above average, but overall, the cost of living index is 97, making it an economical choice for residents. State taxes range from 4% to 8.82%, and homeowners without a mortgage enjoy particularly low monthly costs.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
101.3
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Speculator, NY a safe place to live?
Speculator offers a notably safe environment, with violent crime rates extremely low at 60 incidents per 100,000 people and property crimes at 380 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 1,667 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it one of the more secure communities in the region. This peace of mind is a significant draw for those seeking safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
380
Crime Index:
440
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 263
Weather
What is the weather like in Speculator, NY year-round?
Speculator experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 6°F and warm summers peaking near 78°F. The village receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 48% of the year. The climate is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate both snowy winters and mild summers.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $51,200 and a family income of $61,400, with a poverty rate of 11.2%. Most residents commute just over 22 minutes, and nearly all have completed high school, though only a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. With no public transport usage and a low unemployment rate, the area offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$61,400
Per Capita Income:
$29,300
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
24.2%
Education
How are the schools in Speculator, NY?
Education in Speculator centers on Lake Pleasant Central School, a small public school with a low student-teacher ratio of 6.8, ensuring personalized attention for its 95 students. While there are no private schools in town, nearby SUNY Adirondack offers higher education opportunities 62 miles away. The village’s schools foster a supportive, community-focused learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Lake Pleasant Central School
Street:
6014 NY-8, Speculator, NY 12164
Phone:
518-548-7571
Students:
95
Student Teacher Ratio:
6.8

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Adirondack
City:
Queensbury
State:
NY
Distance:
62 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Speculator is served by nearby healthcare facilities like Nathan Littauer Hospital, located in Gloversville, offering general and emergency services. The village has a solid health insurance coverage rate of 94.1% and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. Healthcare access is reliable, supporting residents’ well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Nathan Littauer Hospital
Address:
99 E State St, Gloversville, NY 12078
Phone:
(518) 725-8621
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Speculator, NY?
Home ownership is high in Speculator, with 85% of homes owner-occupied and median home prices at an accessible $172,000. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $900 and a vacancy rate of 8.2%. The housing market is stable, with modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Speculator residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office in Johnstown, just a short drive away. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are easily accessible both in-person and online. For more information, residents can visit the DMV’s official website or call the local office.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2241 State Route 29, Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone:
(518) 736-5963
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.