If your zip code is 12866, you’re living in an Upstate goldmine.
The Times Union recently reported that Saratoga Springs’ was the highest-earning zip code in the Capital Region. With an average annual income of about $230,000, that well exceeded the average income of residents everywhere else in the area: a paltry $67,000.
In fact, residents in the 12866 made almost $100,000 more per year than the second- and third-highest earning cities in the region: 12159 (Slingerlands) earned an average of $138,00 per year; and 12211 (Colonie and Loudonville) earned an average of $134,000.
reported that residents under Saratoga’s zip code gave the most to charity, not only in terms of the amount of money donated, but also the average percentage of income donated. According to the report, of the over half a billion dollars donated by Capital Region residents, Saratoga Springs contributed just over $125 million. That means the average contribution per household was about $26,000 or 3.9 percent of a household’s annual income. This is considerably high given that the statewide ratio is 2.1 percent and the Capital Region is 1.7 percent.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a community where there is such generosity and I know of so many charitable organizations locally who appreciate the tremendous support provided by local residents and businesses,” said Todd L. Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Shimkus was quick to point out that charities rely not only on donations, but also on employees and volunteers to function. “I think we also have a substantial percentage of local residents who donate their time and expertise to helping others and getting things done to make this area a great place to live, work and play.”
While Shimkus is proud that Saratoga is as charitable as it is, he also sees room for improvement. In order to allow for wealthy donors and committed workers to coexist here, Shimkus supports constructing workforce housing on specific sites within 12866 as well as holding meetings for local nonprofit execs that will enable them to collaborate and work more efficiently. “As generous as we truly are, there is more we can all do to ensure we are a community that is welcoming to everyone,” he said. “I’m inspired by the work of our local nonprofits and the generosity of this community, both in terms of money and time being contributed for so many important causes.”
