Plattsburgh, NY
Population 19,878 · New York
About Plattsburgh, NY
Plattsburgh is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 19,878 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,962 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.5 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 Plattsburgh features a median home value of $189,600, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Plattsburgh in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $964, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,806 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (3,415 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (5,558 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 Plattsburgh shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Plattsburgh have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.9% of Plattsburgh 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, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Plattsburgh, NY
Compared to national averages, Plattsburgh has a median household income of $53,962 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,600, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $964 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Plattsburgh's income is 44% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 51% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Plattsburgh, NY?
Plattsburgh offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $964/month, and a well-educated community where 38.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,962) that falls below the national average. However, Plattsburgh’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Plattsburgh has a population of 19,878 with a median age of 29.5 years. Compare Plattsburgh with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Plattsburgh
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamaroneck | 19,840 | $125,459 | $705,200 | Compare |
| Lackawanna | 19,779 | $48,185 | $126,500 | Compare |
| East Northport | 19,672 | $153,380 | $601,300 | Compare |
| Nanuet | 20,089 | $113,582 | $502,700 | Compare |
| Huntington | 20,117 | $162,066 | $733,000 | Compare |
| Roosevelt | 19,636 | $135,158 | $454,100 | Compare |
| East Massapequa | 20,142 | $145,875 | $596,700 | Compare |
| Lynbrook | 20,251 | $138,866 | $592,400 | 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 Plattsburgh With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Plattsburgh
What is the population of Plattsburgh, NY?
The population of Plattsburgh, NY is 19,878 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 Plattsburgh?
The median household income in Plattsburgh, NY is $53,962 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Plattsburgh?
The median home value in Plattsburgh, NY is $189,600, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Plattsburgh?
The median monthly rent in Plattsburgh, NY is $964, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Plattsburgh?
The unemployment rate in Plattsburgh, NY is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Plattsburgh, NY a good place to live?
Plattsburgh offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,878 and a median age of 29.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Plattsburgh, NY?
38.9% of residents in Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Plattsburgh, NY: median home value is $189,600 (23% below national), median rent is $964/month, and median household income is $53,962. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Plattsburgh?
The poverty rate in Plattsburgh, NY is 24.2%, 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 Plattsburgh, NY?
Plattsburgh's population is 0.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.