Columbia County

As of the 2020 Census, Columbia County, NY has a population of approximately 61,570. The racial composition is predominantly White (88.7%), African American (3.7%), Asian (1.7%), and other races (2.8%). Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 5.3% of the population. The median age is 47.8 years, and about 23.4% of the population is 65 years or older. There are around 26,262 households, with an average household size of 2.3 individuals. The median household income is $67,000, and the poverty rate is 9.3%.

As of 2023, Columbia County, NY has a median home price of approximately $400,000. The area offers a mix of older historic homes and new constructions. The average property tax rate is about 1.6%. Rental prices vary, with a median monthly rent of around $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. The county has a homeowner vacancy rate of around 1%, and a rental vacancy rate of approximately 5%. Housing demand is influenced by its rural appeal and proximity to New York City, making it a desirable location for buyers and renters alike.

As of the most recent data up to 2023, Columbia County, NY, holds regular elections for various local and state positions. Key offices typically include the County Clerk, Sheriff, District Attorney, and County Treasurer, among others. Local elections also often feature town supervisors, town board members, and city council positions.

For example, during the 2022 elections:

• For County Clerk: Incumbent, Jennifer M. Merante (Republican), ran unopposed.
• For Sheriff: Incumbent David Bartlett did not seek re-election. The candidates included Don Krapf (Republican) and Lt. Franke Lee III (Democrat).
• Voter Turnout: Approximately 63% of registered voters participated.

Municipal positions and specific numerical outcomes vary for each election cycle. For the most accurate and updated information on candidates and results, please check the Columbia County Board of Elections website or local government announcements.

Columbia County, NY, has a relatively well-educated population. Approximately 92.2% of residents over the age of 25 have at least a high school diploma (similar to the national average of 91%). Around 34.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is slightly above the national average of 33.1% and comparable to New York State's average of 37.8%. High school graduation rates are generally high, with recent data indicating a graduation rate of around 88%, compared to the national average of approximately 85-86%. Columbia County's education levels reflect a community that values academic achievement, aligning closely with broader state and national trends.

As of recent data, Columbia County, NY has an employment population of approximately 30,000 individuals. The county's top industries include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, educational services, and manufacturing. Specifically, healthcare and social assistance employ about 5,500 people, making it the county's largest sector.

When compared to national averages, Columbia County has a higher concentration of jobs in healthcare and social assistance, reflecting the county's aging population. The region also shows a higher-than-average employment rate in retail trade due to its tourism-driven economy, and educational services owing to several local institutions.

In contrast to New York State averages, Columbia County has a lower concentration of finance and information sector jobs, which are more prominent in urban areas like New York City. The unemployment rate in Columbia County is roughly 4.5%, which is slightly below the national average of around 5% and generally aligns with the state average.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Columbia County, NY, is approximately $66,636. In comparison, the median household income for the state of New York is around $72,108, while the national median household income is roughly $68,703.

Columbia County's median income is slightly below both the state and national averages, reflecting regional economic variations.

As of the latest available data, Columbia County, NY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 1,234 incidents per 100,000 people annually. Below is a summarized table of various types of crimes reported in the county:

These values are estimates and subject to change as new data becomes available. The overall crime trend in Columbia County shows a focus on property crimes rather than violent offenses.