| City: | Paul Smiths, New York |
| County: | Franklin County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:49:20 PM |
| Population: | 682 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 518 / 838 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 44.4787, -74.2573 |
| Land Area: | 109.016 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 12970 has 682 residents and 145 households (average 1.98 persons per household). The median age is 21.0 years, significantly younger than the state (39.0) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 62.9% male and 37.1% female, which is much higher than the state male share (48.4%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.1%, much higher than the state average of 55.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (3.5%, much lower than the state average of 14.8% and well below the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.9%, which is much lower than the state average (19.5%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 682Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,084Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 205Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 6.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $84,250Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 145Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $242,100Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.98Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.76Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,051 | 1,047 | 976 | 972 | 963 | 952 | 975 | 984 | 935 | 839 | 922 | 937 | 1,022 | 1,084 |
| Decennial Census | 963 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 682 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 21
Male Median Age: 20.9
Female Median Age: 21.4
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 8 | 6 | 8 | 130 | 140 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 9 | 12 | 1 | 5 |
| Female | 5 | 5 | 10 | 69 | 72 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Total | 13 | 11 | 18 | 199 | 212 | 19 | 16 | 3 | 15 | 15 | 9 | 30 | 36 | 34 | 24 | 16 | 1 | 11 |
| White: | 601 | 89.97% |
| Black: | 24 | 3.59% |
| Hispanic:* | 20 | 2.99% |
| Asian: | 8 | 1.20% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.15% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 14 | 2.10% |
| Total: | 668 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 429 | 62.90% | 20.9 years |
| Females: | 253 | 37.10% | 21.4 years |
| Total: | 682 | 100% | 21.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,046 | 96.49% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 3 | 0.28% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 3 | 0.28% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 32 | 3.23% |
| Total Population: | 1,084 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,049 | 96.77% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 35 | 3.23% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $84,250, which is notably higher than the national median ($80,734), is up $41,929 (99.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $8,417. Family households earn a median of $101,607 versus $52,917 for nonfamily households (a difference of $48,690). By gender, male median income is $63,036 and female is $53,438, which is falls short of the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $9,598 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 53.0%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 9.2%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (41.9%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $42,321 | $50,250 | $53,250 | $43,068 | $45,000 | $48,125 | $54,167 | $56,250 | $75,833 | $78,750 | $78,750 | $81,875 | $81,250 | $84,250 |
| Median Family Income | $60,313 | $59,107 | $59,792 | $57,083 | $57,083 | $61,250 | $74,250 | $90,250 | $84,375 | $96,875 | $82,500 | $96,250 | $96,250 | $101,607 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $28,438 | $21,667 | $29,167 | $33,929 | $36,250 | $33,750 | $35,417 | $35,469 | $42,813 | $36,250 | $46,250 | $40,625 | $53,333 | $52,917 |
| Median Male Income | $32,500 | $26,625 | $13,567 | $14,120 | $13,973 | $14,375 | $22,917 | $31,563 | $43,750 | $57,768 | $44,844 | $47,500 | $62,344 | $63,036 |
| Median Female Income | $26,667 | $27,344 | $16,750 | $14,792 | $31,250 | $30,764 | $30,625 | $48,750 | $43,750 | $45,500 | $52,875 | $53,750 | $52,813 | $53,438 |
| Employed: | 492 | 48.14% |
| Unemployed: | 50 | 4.89% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 480 | 46.97% |
| Total: | 1,022 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 206 | 41.87% |
| Service: | 78 | 15.85% |
| Sales and Office: | 139 | 28.25% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 53 | 10.77% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 16 | 3.25% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 492 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $242,100, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $123,900 (104.82%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $52,500. The median gross rent is $1,034, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), is down $34 (3.18%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,034. Of occupied housing, owners make up 64.22% (37.86% with a mortgage, 62.14% free-and-clear) and renters 35.78% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 52.61%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $118,200 | $122,600 | $127,800 | $129,200 | $153,100 | $168,800 | $179,900 | $185,600 | $189,600 | $203,100 | $222,500 | $240,300 | $300,000 | $242,100 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 30 | 38.46% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 14 | 17.95% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 9 | 11.54% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 10 | 12.82% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 15 | 19.23% |
| Total: | 78 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,068 | $1,009 | $1,017 | $1,063 | $1,136 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,583 | $1,425 | $1,300 | $1,453 | $1,034 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 53 | 24.31% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 87 | 39.91% |
| Renter Occupied: | 78 | 35.78% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 218 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 218 | 47.39% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 242 | 52.61% |
| Total Housing Units: | 460 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 411 | 89.35% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 39 | 8.48% |
| Other Units: | 10 | 2.17% |
| Total Housing Units: | 460 | 100% |
In 2024, 48.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 97.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 2.90%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 7.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 7.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.70 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (92.59%). College enrollment is 92.59%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 9 | 2.41% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 1 | 0.27% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 46 | 12.33% |
| Some college, no degree: | 81 | 21.72% |
| Associate's degree: | 55 | 14.75% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 120 | 32.17% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 61 | 16.35% |
| Total: | 373 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 363 | 97.32% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 181 | 48.53% |
| Private Insurance: | 827 | 71.29% |
| Public Insurance: | 302 | 26.03% |
| No Insurance: | 31 | 2.67% |
| Total: | 1,160 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,129 | 97.33% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.1% | 4.0% | 2.7% | 2.6% | 2.7% | 0.0% | 9.3% | 7.4% | 7.4% | 7.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 5 | 0.73% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 20 | 2.91% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 26 | 3.78% |
| College or graduate school: | 637 | 92.59% |
| Total: | 688 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 5 | 0.73% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 46 | 6.69% |
ZIP Code 12970 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 12 business establishments, employing about 423 people with an annual payroll of $12,277,000. USPS data shows 104 residential mailboxes and 0 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 104Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 200Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 104Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 12Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $2,803,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $12,277,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 423Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 12970 is located in Franklin County, New York, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and New York's 21st Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 12970. It covers 109.016 sq mi of land and a water area of 7.579 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 109.016 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 7.579 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 21Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 15114.76 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3656770Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Paul Smiths CDP; New YorkSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 12970 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on March 1, 2026.