LeRay, New York, ranks among the least livable places in the United States according to the AARP Livability Index.
LeRay, New York, was named to the bottom 10 of the AARP Livability Index, making it the only New York state entry on the list. The town, located in Jefferson County, received a score of 38 out of 100 based on 61 measures across categories such as housing, health, transportation, and the environment. While many struggling communities on the list face low home prices, LeRay is distinguished by high housing costs and environmental issues. The town's average monthly housing costs are $1,489, which is a 67 percent premium over the $890 median benchmark for comparable communities. This high cost is attributed to the military economics of Fort Drum, where landlords set rents based on the government's Basic Allowance for Housing rather than local civilian wages. Additionally, the town faces significant water issues, with over 30 percent of its residents exposed to drinking water violations. The index also noted that LeRay's civic engagement score was among the worst in the country, which is partly due to the military families who frequently relocate.