What are the schools like in Potsdam, NY?

Potsdam is served primarily by POTSDAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. The district operates 1 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.5:1.

What is the median household income in Potsdam?

The median household income in Potsdam, NY is $31,584 according to the most recent US Census American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The unemployment rate is 9.3%.

What is the weather like in Potsdam, NY?

Potsdam has an average high temperature of 25.9°F in January and 79.7°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 45.9 inches and annual snowfall averages 77.3 inches.

Potsdam, NY Cost of Living, Crime & Is It a Good Place to Live? (2026)

Q: Is Potsdam, NY affordable or expensive?

Potsdam's cost of living index is 94, where 100 represents the national average. This means Potsdam is 6% less expensive than the average US city. The median home value is $143,200 and the median rent is $727 per month.

Q: What is the crime rate in Potsdam, NY?

Potsdam has a violent crime rate of 46.4 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 414.9 per 100,000. The national average violent crime rate is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Is Potsdam, NY a Good Place to Live?

Potsdam is a small town of 8,570 in New York, with a median household income of $31,584 and a 9.3% unemployment rate. Its cost of living index is 94 (US average = 100), which is 6% below the national average.

Strengths: Potsdam stands out for an affordable cost of living, below-average home prices, solid school ratings (A-), a well-educated population, short average commutes.

Trade-offs: Potential downsides include an elevated unemployment rate. Whether Potsdam is right for you depends on your priorities — the full breakdown is below.

All Potsdam city data on this page comes from official government sources — the US Census Bureau, FBI, NCES, BEA, and NOAA — updated annually.

Cost of Living

Index: 94.3

Potsdam's overall cost of living index is 94.3, where 100 represents the US national average. Living in Potsdam costs roughly 6% less than the average American city.

Metric	Potsdam, NY	National Avg
Median Home Value	$143,200	$244,900
Median Monthly Rent	$727	$1,163
Homeownership Rate	36.4%	65.9%
Median Household Income	$31,584	$74,755

Crime & Safety

Very Safe

Potsdam's violent crime rate is 46.4 per 100,000 residents — 88% lower than the national average of ~380 per 100,000.

Violent Crime

46.4 /100k

Property Crime

414.9 /100k

Vertical marker = national average. Source: FBI UCR Program.

Schools & Education

Potsdam is served primarily by POTSDAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. The student-to-teacher ratio is 12.5:1 (better than the national average of ~16:1).

Metric	Potsdam, NY	National Avg
School District	POTSDAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT	—
Elementary Schools	1	—
Middle Schools	1	—
High Schools	1	—
Student/Teacher Ratio	12.5:1	16:1
Bachelor's Degree or Higher	44.7%	35.4%
High School Diploma or Higher	89.5%	91.1%

Weather & Climate

Potsdam sees average highs of 25.9°F in January and 79.7°F in July, with 45.9 inches of annual precipitation and 77.3 inches of snow per year.

Metric	Potsdam, NY
Average High — January	25.9°F
Average High — July	79.7°F
Annual Precipitation	45.9"
Annual Snowfall	77.3"

Demographics

Metric	Potsdam, NY	National Avg
Population	8,570	—
Median Age	21.7	38.9
Unemployment Rate	9.3%	3.7%
Avg Commute Time	14.8 min	26 min
White (non-Hispanic)	81.4%	59.3%
Black or African American	6.0%	13.6%
Hispanic or Latino	3.7%	18.9%
Asian	6.1%	6.3%
Under 18	7.8%	22.2%
65 and over	10.1%	16.8%

Nearby Cities

Hannawa Falls, NY 5 mi Norwood, NY 5 mi Colton, NY 8 mi Norfolk, NY 8 mi Madrid, NY 9 mi

ZIP Codes in Potsdam

Potsdam, NY is covered by 2 ZIP codes:

13676 13699

Potsdam vs Other Cities

Potsdam, NY vs Hannawa Falls, NY Potsdam, NY vs Norwood, NY Potsdam, NY vs Colton, NY Potsdam, NY vs Norfolk, NY Potsdam, NY vs Madrid, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Potsdam, NY affordable or expensive?

Potsdam's cost of living index is 94, where 100 is the national average. That makes Potsdam roughly 6% less expensive than a typical US city — a meaningful affordability advantage. The median home price is $143,200 and median rent is $727/month.

What is the crime rate in Potsdam, NY?

Potsdam's violent crime rate is 46.4 per 100,000 residents — the national average is ~380 per 100,000. Property crime is 414.9 per 100,000 (national avg ~2,100). Data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

What are the schools like in Potsdam?

Public schools in Potsdam are operated by POTSDAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. The district has 1 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high schools. The student-to-teacher ratio is 12.5:1. 44.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Is Potsdam, NY a good place to live?

Potsdam, NY has a population of 8,570, a median household income of $31,584, and an unemployment rate of 9.3%. It offers below-average costs of living, which stretches take-home pay further than in most American cities. Whether it's right for you depends on your priorities — use the compare tool above to stack it against another city you're considering.

What is the weather like in Potsdam?

Potsdam averages 25.9°F in January and 79.7°F in July. Annual rainfall is 45.9 inches with about 77.3 inches of snow per year. Based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991–2020).

What ZIP codes are in Potsdam?

Potsdam, NY is covered by 2 ZIP codes: 13676, 13699.

What is the population of Potsdam?

The population of Potsdam, New York is 8,570 with a median age of 21.7. Source: US Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What are the pros and cons of living in Potsdam?

Key numbers for living in Potsdam: cost of living index 94 (100 = US average), median home $143,200, median household income $31,584, crime index 15 (100 = US average, lower is safer), schools rated A-. Whether these are benefits or drawbacks depends on where you're coming from — compare Potsdam side by side with your current city to see the trade-offs.