Black River, NY
Population 1,880 · New York
About Black River, NY
Black River is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,880 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,111 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Black River features a median home value of $211,000, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Black River in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $957, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 846 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (487 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (287 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Black River shows an unemployment rate of 18.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Black River have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.0% of Black River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Black River, NY
Compared to national averages, Black River has a median household income of $81,111 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,000, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $957 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Black River's income is 16% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 46% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Black River, NY?
Black River offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,111, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $211,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $957/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Black River has a population of 1,880 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Black River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Black River
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great River | 1,880 | $133,385 | $792,100 | Compare |
| Laurel Hollow | 1,880 | $250,001 | $1,524,700 | Compare |
| Peru | 1,880 | $69,671 | $214,700 | Compare |
| St. Johnsville | 1,882 | $49,211 | $81,300 | Compare |
| Athens | 1,877 | $82,500 | $301,200 | Compare |
| Bellport | 1,876 | $147,188 | $699,800 | Compare |
| Stillwater | 1,876 | $80,234 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Macedon | 1,885 | $72,843 | $170,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Black River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Black River
What is the population of Black River, NY?
The population of Black River, NY is 1,880 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Black River?
The median household income in Black River, NY is $81,111 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Black River?
The median home value in Black River, NY is $211,000, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Black River?
The median monthly rent in Black River, NY is $957, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Black River?
The unemployment rate in Black River, NY is 18.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Black River, NY a good place to live?
Black River offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,880 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Black River, NY?
34.0% of residents in Black River aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Black River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Black River, NY: median home value is $211,000 (14% below national), median rent is $957/month, and median household income is $81,111. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Black River?
The poverty rate in Black River, NY is 13.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Black River, NY?
Black River's population is 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.