Saranac Lake, NY
Population 5,099 · New York
About Saranac Lake, NY
Saranac Lake is a small town located in New York with a population of 5,099 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,494 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Saranac Lake features a median home value of $188,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Saranac Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $826, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,820 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (1,191 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,315 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 Saranac Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Saranac Lake have an average one-way commute time of 14.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
42.8% of Saranac Lake 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 0.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Saranac Lake, NY
Compared to national averages, Saranac Lake has a median household income of $60,494 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,900, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $826 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Saranac Lake's income is 38% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 51% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Saranac Lake, NY?
Saranac Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $826/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 42.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,494) that falls below the national average. However, Saranac Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Saranac Lake has a population of 5,099 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Saranac Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Saranac Lake
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carle Place | 5,094 | $130,063 | $743,800 | Compare |
| Liberty | 5,083 | $49,125 | $150,500 | Compare |
| Ballston Spa | 5,080 | $82,341 | $281,600 | Compare |
| West Hills | 5,138 | $183,375 | $737,800 | Compare |
| Mechanicville | 5,143 | $47,331 | $185,900 | Compare |
| Hamlin | 5,041 | $69,142 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Sea Cliff | 5,037 | $185,650 | $926,500 | Compare |
| Elmsford | 5,183 | $116,779 | $568,000 | 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 Saranac Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Saranac Lake
What is the population of Saranac Lake, NY?
The population of Saranac Lake, NY is 5,099 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 Saranac Lake?
The median household income in Saranac Lake, NY is $60,494 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Saranac Lake?
The median home value in Saranac Lake, NY is $188,900, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Saranac Lake?
The median monthly rent in Saranac Lake, NY is $826, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Saranac Lake?
The unemployment rate in Saranac Lake, NY is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Saranac Lake, NY a good place to live?
Saranac Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,099 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Saranac Lake, NY?
42.8% of residents in Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Saranac Lake, NY: median home value is $188,900 (23% below national), median rent is $826/month, and median household income is $60,494. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Saranac Lake?
The poverty rate in Saranac Lake, NY is 18.6%, 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 Saranac Lake, NY?
Saranac Lake's population is 0.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.