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Potsdam, NY

View of Potsdam, NY
Image credit: John Marino / CC0
Population
8,019
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
433 ft
Median Home Value
$146,400
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$898/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$34,546
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
General Quality
Overall rating out of 100

Highlights

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OverallBest places in New YorkPopulation rankingHighest population places in New YorkNearest larger communityWatertown, New York67 miles away · 23,517 residents.

About Potsdam

Tucked along the Raquette River in upstate New York, Potsdam is a lively North Country town with a friendly, close-knit feel. Distinctive red sandstone buildings give the historic downtown a cozy charm, filled with independent coffee shops, local diners, and quiet spots by the water. It offers a relaxed pace of everyday life, with the Adirondack foothills right in your backyard and the Canadian border just a short drive north.

First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam

Home to both Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam, the community stays energized year-round with college hockey, live music, and cultural events. Walkable residential streets lead out to welcoming neighborhoods, solid schools, and plenty of open space for hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing. It makes a wonderful base for anyone looking for a genuine small-town lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower FEMA County Drought Risk IndexA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0rating

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