Fort Drum, NY
Population 16,124 · New York
About Fort Drum, NY
Fort Drum is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 16,124 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,194 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Drum features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Drum one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,563, 34% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,293 total housing units, 3% are owner-occupied (166 units) and 97% are renter-occupied (4,904 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Drum shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Drum have an average one-way commute time of 11.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.2% of Fort Drum 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 5.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, and 6.4% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Drum, NY
Compared to national averages, Fort Drum has a median household income of $63,194 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,563 is 34% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Fort Drum's income is 35% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 100% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Fort Drum, NY?
Fort Drum offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 37.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,194) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Drum’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Drum has a population of 16,124 with a median age of 23.4 years. Compare Fort Drum with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Fort Drum
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floral Park | 16,025 | $150,350 | $754,300 | Compare |
| Kings Park | 16,249 | $118,723 | $586,300 | Compare |
| Pearl River | 16,282 | $146,574 | $567,800 | Compare |
| Seaford | 15,884 | $156,488 | $631,000 | Compare |
| Mastic Beach | 16,382 | $109,381 | $326,600 | Compare |
| Rye | 16,410 | $237,727 | $1,785,400 | Compare |
| Westbury | 15,789 | $136,917 | $599,700 | Compare |
| Bellmore | 15,652 | $159,158 | $661,700 | 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 Fort Drum With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Drum
What is the population of Fort Drum, NY?
The population of Fort Drum, NY is 16,124 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Fort Drum?
The median household income in Fort Drum, NY is $63,194 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Drum?
The median home value in Fort Drum, NY is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Drum?
The median monthly rent in Fort Drum, NY is $1,563, which is 34% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Drum?
The unemployment rate in Fort Drum, NY is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Drum, NY a good place to live?
Fort Drum offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,124 and a median age of 23.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Drum, NY?
37.2% of residents in Fort Drum 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 Fort Drum?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Drum, NY: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $1,563/month, and median household income is $63,194. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Drum?
The poverty rate in Fort Drum, NY is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Drum, NY?
Fort Drum's population is 5.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, and 11.8% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.