Saranac ZIP Codes — Clinton County, NY

There is one unique ZIP code in Saranac, New York and it is 12981. Area code: 518/838.

ZIP codes

116.84

sq mi land

0.80

sq mi water

518/838

area code

Saranac, NY ZIP code map

About Saranac, NY

Saranac, NY, is a scenic and charming town located in Clinton County, New York. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, Saranac attracts visitors looking for a peaceful retreat. With a rich community spirit, it provides a welcoming environment for both residents and tourists alike.

Location & geography

Saranac is situated in the northern part of New York, bordered by scenic landscapes and the stunning Adirondack Mountains. Nearby cities include Plattsburgh, located approximately 20 miles to the south, and the village of Rouses Point, around 23 miles to the northeast. The town covers a land area of 116.84 square miles, complemented by a modest water area of 0.80 square miles.

Community & economy

The community of Saranac is characterized by its tight-knit atmosphere and strong local pride, making it an excellent place for family life. The local economy is supported by industries such as agriculture, tourism, and small businesses that thrive on the area's natural resources. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle, with numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Transportation

Saranac is easily accessible via major highways, including NY Route 3, which connects to other regional roads. The nearest named airport is Plattsburgh International Airport, located about 20 miles south, providing convenient access for travelers. Public transit options may be limited, but residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

History

Saranac was originally founded in the early 19th century and has a history tied closely to the development of agriculture and forestry in the region. Throughout the years, Saranac became known for its role in the health tourism industry, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it attracted visitors seeking treatments for tuberculosis. This legacy has shaped the town's character and continues to influence its community today.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Saranac is that it is known as a destination for cold-weather sports, particularly ice fishing, which draws enthusiasts from across the region. Additionally, the town is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains.

ZIP codes for Saranac, NY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
12981	Saranac	Clinton	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,397

Population

42.2

Median age

$74,830

Median household income

$31,771

Per capita income

$125,200

Median home value

$905

Median monthly rent

89.2%

Home ownership

20.7%

Poverty rate

2.8%

Unemployment

961

Housing units

20.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

116

10–14

109

15–19

20–24

25–34

193

35–44

181

156

45–54

147

158

55–59

149

60–64

105

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	614	25.6%
18 and over	1,783	74.4%
65 and over	330	13.8%
Median age	42.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 98.5%

Two or more races 1%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	2,360	98.5%
Two or more races	23	1%
American Indian / Alaska Native	14	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 9.9%

$10k–$15k 3.8%

$15k–$25k 2.5%

$25k–$35k 9.6%

$35k–$50k 13.6%

$50k–$75k 10.8%

$75k–$100k 17.3%

$100k–$150k 23.4%

$150k–$200k 4.8%

$200k+ 4.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	9.9%
$10k–$15k	3.8%
$15k–$25k	2.5%
$25k–$35k	9.6%
$35k–$50k	13.6%
$50k–$75k	10.8%
$75k–$100k	17.3%
$100k–$150k	23.4%
$150k–$200k	4.8%
$200k+	4.3%
Median income	$74,830

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 19.1%

$50k–$100k 19.4%

$100k–$150k 24.0%

$150k–$200k 18.0%

$200k–$300k 10.3%

$300k–$500k 6.6%

$1M+ 2.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$125,200
Median rent / month	$905
Owner occupied	89.2%
Renter occupied	10.8%
Vacant	15.2%
Single-family detached	78.3%
Large apartment buildings	2.0%
Mobile homes	13.3%
Median rooms	6.6
Avg household size (owned)	2.80

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.3%
2000–2009	8.0%
1990–1999	14.7%
1980–1989	8.0%
1970–1979	8.5%
1960–1969	11.7%
1950–1959	5.8%
1940–1949	0.6%
1939 or earlier	38.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	7.1%
2 bedrooms	15.0%
3 bedrooms	55.6%
4 bedrooms	20.6%
5+ bedrooms	1.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.6%
1 vehicle	25.1%
2 vehicles	38.2%
3 or more	35.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	6.2%
Propane / LP gas	12.0%
Fuel oil	54.5%
Wood	26.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	461	51.4%
Cohabiting couple	156	17.4%
Male householder, no spouse	132	14.7%
Female householder, no spouse	148	16.5%
Households with children under 18	240	26.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	248	27.6%
Average household size	2.67

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	24.8%	33.8%
Married	51.2%	46.2%
Separated	4.0%	0.2%
Widowed	5.4%	7.9%
Divorced	14.7%	11.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.0%

Some HS, no diploma 8.4%

HS graduate 43.6%

Some college, no degree 14.6%

Associate's degree 11.1%

Bachelor's degree 9.5%

Graduate / professional 10.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	89.6%
Bachelor's or higher	20.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	31	4.9%
Kindergarten	34	5.4%
Elementary school	267	42.2%
High school	253	40.0%
College / grad school	47	7.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 33.1%

Public administration 16.8%

Retail trade 12.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.6%

Construction 6.5%

Professional & management 6.3%

Manufacturing 6.0%

Transportation & utilities 3.3%

Information 1.4%

Wholesale trade 1.3%

Finance & real estate 1.3%

Other services 1.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	22.1%
Service	33.3%
Sales & office	30.1%
Natural resources & construction	8.1%
Production & transportation	6.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	59.2%
Government	33.8%
Self-employed	6.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	89.4%
Carpool	8.1%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	25.9

Poverty

All people 20.7%

Under 18 years 34.2%

18 and over 16.0%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 4.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	33.9%
Retirement income	35.2%
Supplemental Security	6.4%
Cash public assistance	2.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	15.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	32.2%
High cholesterol	31.8%
Heart disease	6.3%
Stroke	2.9%
Asthma	11.0%
Arthritis	24.1%
Kidney disease	2.8%
Pulmonary disease	7.7%
Cancer	6.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.1%
No physical activity	23.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	34.0%
Fair or poor health	13.2%
Poor mental health	15.2%
Poor physical health	10.7%
No health insurance	10.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.5%
Visited dentist	62.1%
Cholesterol screening	90.1%
Teeth loss	16.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	217	12.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.6%
Under 18	7.0%
18–64 years	12.5%
65 and over	37.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	70.1%
Public insurance	38.8%
Uninsured under 19	2.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,314	96.5%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,360	98.5%
Born in same state	2,345	97.8%
Born in different state	1,988	82.9%
Foreign born	15	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	37	1.5%
Not a US citizen	37	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	333	13.9%
German	147	6.1%
Arab	102	4.3%
French	75	3.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	47	2%
Polish	5	0.2%
Norwegian	3	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.4%
Internet access	91.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Saranac, NY have?

Saranac, NY has one ZIP code: 12981. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.