Potsdam, NY
Population 8,507 · New York
About Potsdam, NY
Potsdam is a small town located in New York with a population of 8,507 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,061 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.7 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 Potsdam features a median home value of $144,200, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Potsdam one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,851 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (857 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (1,625 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 Potsdam shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Potsdam have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
48.7% of Potsdam residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 10.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Potsdam, NY
Compared to national averages, Potsdam has a median household income of $32,061 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,200, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Potsdam's income is 67% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 63% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Potsdam, NY?
Potsdam offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and a well-educated community where 48.7% 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 ($32,061) that falls below the national average. However, Potsdam’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Potsdam has a population of 8,507 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare Potsdam with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Potsdam
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malverne | 8,496 | $146,585 | $637,300 | Compare |
| Farmingdale | 8,450 | $134,037 | $530,100 | Compare |
| Hastings-on-Hudson | 8,449 | $181,528 | $872,500 | Compare |
| New Windsor | 8,427 | $85,755 | $324,300 | Compare |
| Wading River | 8,393 | $132,213 | $486,600 | Compare |
| South Lockport | 8,660 | $54,051 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Port Jervis | 8,709 | $50,721 | $220,700 | Compare |
| Valley Cottage | 8,803 | $133,828 | $502,000 | 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 Potsdam With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Potsdam
What is the population of Potsdam, NY?
The population of Potsdam, NY is 8,507 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 Potsdam?
The median household income in Potsdam, NY is $32,061 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Potsdam?
The median home value in Potsdam, NY is $144,200, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Potsdam?
The median monthly rent in Potsdam, NY is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Potsdam?
The unemployment rate in Potsdam, NY is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Potsdam, NY a good place to live?
Potsdam offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,507 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Potsdam, NY?
48.7% of residents in Potsdam 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 Potsdam?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Potsdam, NY: median home value is $144,200 (41% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $32,061. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Potsdam?
The poverty rate in Potsdam, NY is 26.7%, 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 Potsdam, NY?
Potsdam's population is 0.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 10.5% of residents are foreign-born.