| ZIP Code | 12986 |
|---|---|
| City | Tupper Lake |
| State | New York (NY) |
| County | Franklin County |
| Area Code | 518/838 |
| Elevation | 1,562 ft |
| Latitude | 44.224043 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -74.433457 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 36033 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.8 yrs ↑ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.12 |
| Below Poverty | 16.5% ▲ 65% above avg |
| College Grads | 41.3% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.4% ▼ 32% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 62 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,086 (29.7%) |
| Some College | 558 (15.3%) |
| Associates | 439 (12%) |
| Bachelors | 668 (18.3%) |
| Graduate Degree | 842 (23%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $60,717 ▼ 20% below avg ↑ 7% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $132,400 ▼ 53% below avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $683/mo ↑ 28% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 3,617 |
| Vacant Units | 1,304 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.12 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 3,617 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,304 |
| Owner Occupied | 70.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 29.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.12 |
ZIP code 12986 is located in Tupper Lake, New York, within Franklin County. With a population of 5,304, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.8 years. Economically, 12986 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $60,717 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 12986 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $132,400 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $683 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 70.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 15% since 2019.
The population of 12986 is primarily White (95.14%). Residents are well-educated — 41.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 16.5%. Household income has grown by 7% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 12986 stands at 3.4%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 73%.
Overall, ZIP code 12986 in Tupper Lake, NY is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 5,304 residents, a median household income of $60,717, and a median home value of $132,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of New York.