Fort Drum, NY Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Fort Drum, NY Utility & Living Guide

Living in Fort Drum offers a tight-knit community with a strong military presence and access to beautiful natural surroundings.

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Fort Drum
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

National Grid
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Fort Drum Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Fort Drum Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Fort Drum is influenced by its military base, with steady demand for rentals. Home prices are relatively affordable compared to national averages.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 4% + County 3% + City 0.5%</p>

New York State has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in defense, healthcare, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Housing availability, job opportunities, school quality
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks are generally well-maintained for stroller use.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Thompson Park Zoo
  • 🎯
    Salmon Run Mall Play Area
  • 🎯
    Black River Trail

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The areas around Post Street and Patriot Drive are popular among families due to proximity to schools and parks. Off-base housing options are also well-regarded.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Fort Drum based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents must adhere to military base regulations, including noise restrictions and parking rules.

Fort Drum's economy is bolstered by military spending, with recent investments in infrastructure. Local businesses benefit from the steady population of service members and their families.

Financial Tools

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📊 Fort Drum — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$53,167
👤 Median Age
22.2
🏠 Homeownership Rate
2.1%
🔑 Renter Rate
97.9%
📉 Poverty Rate
7.9%
💼 Unemployment Rate
10.9%
📡 Internet Access
97.3%
🎓 College Educated
28.0%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs rise in winter due to increased heating needs, while summer sees moderate electricity use for cooling.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by municipality, with no local surtaxes specific to Fort Drum county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are well-maintained, parks are accessible, but public transit options are limited for families.

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