Tupper Lake, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,929
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,902/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,967
-0.9% year-over-year change

Tupper Lake population

How many people live in Tupper Lake

Tupper Lake is home to 2,929 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.4% of Tupper Lake locals are male, and 55.6% are female.

Total population
2,929
-4.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.4%
1,300
Female
55.6%
1,629
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,300 44.4% -3.0%
Female 1,629 55.6% -6.0%
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 Tupper Lake is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 3.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.9% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
3.2%
25 to 44
29.9%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
25.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 488 16.7% 5.9%
15 to 24 95 3.2% -56.6%
25 to 44 877 29.9% 11.4%
45 to 64 723 24.7% -11.8%
Over 65 746 25.5% -5.0%
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 Tupper Lake, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,875 98.2% -4.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 50 1.7% -12.3%
Non-citizens 4 0.1% -63.6%
Racial breakdown
White
94.8%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 2,777 94.8%
Black or African American 33 1.1%
Two or more races 87 3%
Other 32 1.1%

Households in Tupper Lake

A peek inside Tupper Lake households

Tupper Lake has 1,423 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.6% are families, while the remaining 50.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,423
-6.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
717
Family households
706
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 717 50.4% -5.5%
Family households 706 49.6% -6.9%
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 Tupper Lake

The housing landscape of Tupper Lake

Tupper Lake's housing consists of 1,967 units, with 67% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,967
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,317 67%
1 unit, attached 42 2.1%
2 units 158 8%
3 or 4 units 72 3.7%
5 to 9 units 76 3.9%
10 to 19 units 156 7.9%
20 to 49 units 26 1.3%
50 or more units 43 2.2%
Mobile home 77 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tupper Lake

In Tupper Lake, the median construction year is 1948. About 37.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.6% going up by 1949. 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 739 37.6% 12.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 307 15.6% -1.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 222 11.3% -7.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 64 3.2% -43.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 362 18.4% 17.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 69 3.5% -46.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 123 6.2% -18.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 63 3.2% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 18 0.9% 12.5%
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.

Tupper Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 1,423 occupied housing units in Tupper Lake, 64.4% are owner-occupied, while 35.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,423
-6.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
506
Owner occupied
917
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 506 35.6% -6.8%
Owner occupied 917 64.4% -5.8%
Unoccupied housing units
27.7%
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.

Tupper Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Tupper Lake come to a median of $808 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $779.

Median housing costs per month
$808/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 Tupper Lake
$779/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 Tupper Lake

Tupper Lake education at a glance

About 40.6% of the population in Tupper Lake went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 16.1% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 72 3% 100.0%
High school diploma 968 40.6% -18.1%
College diploma 469 19.7% 11.9%
Associate degree 385 16.1% -9.2%
Bachelor's degree 315 13.2% 0.3%
Graduate degree 177 7.4% 14.9%
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 Tupper Lake

How much people earn in Tupper Lake

The average annual household income in Tupper Lake was $67,432 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,902, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tupper Lake
$67,432/year
-3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tupper Lake
$56,902/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Tupper Lake income by age

In Tupper Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,438. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,244 overall. Overall, 77.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,438 12.3%
45 - 64 $60,244 -11.1%
Over 65 $39,872 12.4%
Above poverty level
2,260
Below poverty level
644
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,260 77.8% -5.2%
Below poverty level 644 22.2% -4.6%

Average renter income in Tupper Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tupper Lake, their median household income was $26,333 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,333
Rent-to-income ratio
35.5%
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 Tupper Lake

Workforce and job types in Tupper Lake

The job market in Tupper Lake is powered by 1,136 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 32.1% are employed by private companies, and 41.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,136
-10.1% year-over-year change
White collar
943
Blue collar
193
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 943 83% 7.5%
Blue collar 193 17% -50.0%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
32.1%
Governmental workers
41.6%
Not for profit companies
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 137 12.1% -5.5%
Private companies 365 32.1% -32.5%
Governmental workers 473 41.6% 19.1%
Not for profit companies 161 14.2% -10.6%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-43.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tupper Lake stands at 3.6%, 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 Tupper Lake

How people get around in Tupper Lake

Commuting methods vary: 80% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.2% 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 872 80% -13.9%
Bicycle 12 1.1% N/A
Walk 100 9.2% -23.7%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Tupper Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12986 5,326 2,335 $67,883 $81,520

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FAQs about Tupper Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Tupper Lake?

Tupper Lake has a total population of 2,929 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 -4.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tupper Lake?

The gender ratio in Tupper Lake is as follows:
  • 44.4% males (1,300 residents)
  • 55.6% females (1,629 residents)

What is the median age in Tupper Lake?

The median age in Tupper Lake is 45.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tupper Lake?

The age distribution in Tupper Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (488 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.2% (95 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.9% (877 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (723 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.5% (746 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tupper Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tupper Lake is as follows:
  • White: 94.8% (2,777 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (33 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (87 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (32 residents)

What percentage of the population in Tupper Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Tupper Lake.

How many housing units are there in Tupper Lake?

There are 1,967 housing units in Tupper Lake, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Tupper Lake and what is the average household size?

Tupper Lake has a total of 1,423 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tupper Lake?

Tupper Lake has a median household income of $56,902, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Tupper Lake?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Tupper Lake, with a workforce of 1,136 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83% (943 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17% (193 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (137 residents)
  • Private companies: 32.1% (365 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 41.6% (473 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.2% (161 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