Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Potsdam, NY
Thinking of moving to West Potsdam, NY? This small, peaceful community of about 1,250 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $124,000 and average rent at $860. Enjoy short commutes (about 20 minutes), low crime rates, and easy access to local healthcare and higher education options like SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University. Expect a quiet, rural lifestyle with cold winters, friendly neighbors, and a strong sense of community.
Demographics - West Potsdam, NY
Demographics - West Potsdam, NY
West Potsdam is a close-knit community of about 1,250 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 41.2 years. The population density is low at 90 people per square mile, creating a quiet, spacious atmosphere, and the gender ratio is nearly balanced.
Population:
1,250
Density:
90 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Potsdam, NY?
West Potsdam offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $124,000 and average rent around $860. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$124,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
63.5
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
91.8
Health Care:
102.1
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is West Potsdam, NY a safe place to live?
The area is relatively safe, with a low violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 725 chance of experiencing a violent crime. Property crime is also moderate, contributing to a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
138
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,130
Crime Index:
1,268
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 725
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in West Potsdam, NY year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters where temperatures can dip to 8°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year.

Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
West Potsdam is characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $54,100 and a poverty rate of 17.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commutes are short, averaging just over 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$54,100
Family Income:
$66,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,700
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
20.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
28.0%
Education
How are the schools in West Potsdam, NY?
Local public schools have favorable student-teacher ratios around 11:1, supporting a quality learning environment. Higher education opportunities are close by, with SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University located just a few miles from the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Lawrence Avenue Elementary School
Street:
40 Lawrence Ave
Phone:
315-265-2000
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Name:
A.A. Kingston Middle School
Street:
89 Market St
Phone:
315-265-2000
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Name:
Potsdam Senior High School
Street:
29 Leroy St
Phone:
315-265-2000
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Potsdam
City:
Potsdam
State:
NY
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
Clarkson University
City:
Potsdam
State:
NY
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served locally, with Canton-Potsdam Hospital nearby offering emergency and general services. The community benefits from solid health insurance coverage, with 94.8% of residents insured and a good supply of physicians.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Canton-Potsdam Hospital
Address:
50 Leroy St, Potsdam, NY 13676
Phone:
(315) 265-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Potsdam, NY?
The housing market is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $124,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 80%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancies remain low, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$124,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
West Potsdam residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Canton, providing access to standard licensing and vehicle registration services. The office is conveniently located on Court Street and offers resources both in-person and online.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
21 Court St, Canton, NY 13617
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.