Fort Drum, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,065
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,291/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,264
-0.6% year-over-year change

Fort Drum population

How many people live in Fort Drum

Fort Drum is home to 16,065 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.3% of Fort Drum locals are male, and 41.7% are female.

Total population
16,065
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.3%
9,369
Female
41.7%
6,696
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,369 58.3% -0.2%
Female 6,696 41.7% -0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fort Drum is 23, with the population distributed as follows: about 29.3% are children under 15, then 27.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 39% of the population, while another 4.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 0.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
23.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
29.3%
15 to 24
27.1%
25 to 44
39%
45 to 64
4.4%
Over 65
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,711 29.3% 5.9%
15 to 24 4,360 27.1% -5.6%
25 to 44 6,269 39% -2.2%
45 to 64 709 4.4% 12.9%
Over 65 16 0.1% 6.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fort Drum, 84.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66% of locals are Caucasian, 10.8% are African American and 4.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.1%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,637 84.9% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,949 12.1% -6.0%
Non-citizens 479 3% -6.8%
Racial breakdown
White
66%
Black or African American
10.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
4.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
11.4%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 10,608 66%
Black or African American 1,742 10.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 188 1.2%
Asian 728 4.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 54 0.3%
Two or more races 1,828 11.4%
Other 917 5.7%

Households in Fort Drum

A peek inside Fort Drum households

Fort Drum has 5,087 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 84.9% are families, while the remaining 15.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,087
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
766
Family households
4,321
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 766 15.1% -0.7%
Family households 4,321 84.9% 0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fort Drum

The housing landscape of Fort Drum

Fort Drum's housing consists of 5,264 units, with 13.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 45.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,264
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 711 13.5%
1 unit, attached 2,408 45.7%
2 units 188 3.6%
3 or 4 units 1,432 27.2%
5 to 9 units 69 1.3%
10 to 19 units 147 2.8%
20 to 49 units 181 3.4%
50 or more units 128 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Drum

In Fort Drum, the median construction year is 2004. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 443 8.4% 37.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 40 0.8% 42.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 156 3% 16.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 232 4.4% -10.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 357 6.8% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 748 14.2% -27.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,799 34.2% -5.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,489 28.3% 18.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fort Drum occupancy rates

Out of the 5,087 occupied housing units in Fort Drum, 4% are owner-occupied, while 96% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,087
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,881
Owner occupied
206
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,881 96% -0.5%
Owner occupied 206 4% 24.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fort Drum housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Drum come to a median of $1,567 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,622.

Median housing costs per month
$1,567/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fort Drum
$1,622/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fort Drum

Fort Drum education at a glance

About 31.8% of the population in Fort Drum went to high school, while 32.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 21.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 54 0.5% 38.5%
High school diploma 3,499 31.8% -9.1%
College diploma 3,601 32.7% 1.5%
Associate degree 924 8.4% 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,411 21.9% -5.7%
Graduate degree 526 4.8% 7.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fort Drum

How much people earn in Fort Drum

The average annual household income in Fort Drum was $71,140 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,291, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Drum
$71,140/year
-4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Drum
$62,291/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Fort Drum income by age

In Fort Drum, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,651. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,250 overall. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,200 -1.5%
25 - 44 $74,651 1.4%
45 - 64 $119,250 1.5%
Above poverty level
11,824
Below poverty level
1,564
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,824 88.3% -2.2%
Below poverty level 1,564 11.7% 46.9%

Average renter income in Fort Drum

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Drum, their median household income was $57,125 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,125
Rent-to-income ratio
34.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fort Drum

Workforce and job types in Fort Drum

The job market in Fort Drum is powered by 2,801 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.2% run their own businesses, 50.1% are employed by private companies, and 24.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,801
-1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
2,516
Blue collar
285
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,516 89.8% -0.1%
Blue collar 285 10.2% -10.1%
Employer type
Self employees
15.2%
Private companies
50.1%
Governmental workers
24.1%
Not for profit companies
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 427 15.2% 23.8%
Private companies 1,404 50.1% -2.2%
Governmental workers 675 24.1% -12.0%
Not for profit companies 295 10.5% 2.1%
Unemployment rate
8.7%
36.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fort Drum stands at 8.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fort Drum

How people get around in Fort Drum

Commuting methods vary: 76.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,580 76.4% -2.7%
Bicycle 15 0.2% 25.0%
Walk 693 8% -27.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Fort Drum demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Drum?

Fort Drum has a total population of 16,065 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Drum?

The gender ratio in Fort Drum is as follows:
  • 58.3% males (9,369 residents)
  • 41.7% females (6,696 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Drum?

The median age in Fort Drum is 23.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Drum?

The age distribution in Fort Drum is as follows:
  • Under 15: 29.3% (4,711 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 27.1% (4,360 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 39% (6,269 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 4.4% (709 residents)
  • Over 65: 0.1% (16 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Drum?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Drum is as follows:
  • White: 66% (10,608 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.8% (1,742 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (188 residents)
  • Asian: 4.5% (728 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (54 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.4% (1,828 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (917 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fort Drum are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.9% of the population in Fort Drum.

How many housing units are there in Fort Drum?

There are 5,264 housing units in Fort Drum, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fort Drum and what is the average household size?

Fort Drum has a total of 5,087 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Drum?

Fort Drum has a median household income of $62,291, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fort Drum?

The employment rate is 91.3% in Fort Drum, with a workforce of 2,801 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.8% (2,516 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.2% (285 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.2% (427 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.1% (1,404 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.1% (675 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.5% (295 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025