Tompkins County

As of the 2020 Census, Tompkins County, NY, had a population of approximately 105,740. The racial composition was 73% White, 14% Asian, 7% African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% Native American. The county seat, Ithaca, houses Cornell University and Ithaca College, significantly influencing local demographics. The median household income was around $60,000, and 32.3% of the population was below the poverty line, notably because of the high student population. The county spans 476 square miles with a population density of roughly 222 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Tompkins County, NY, is characterized by a diverse housing market. The median home value is approximately $245,200, with a median rent of $1,280 per month. Around 54% of residents own their homes while the remaining 46% are renters. The housing market has experienced a 5.7% appreciation over the past year. The average household size is 2.34 people. The county's vacancy rate is about 7.4%, indicating moderate availability for new occupants. Housing affordability remains a critical issue, with many residents spending over 30% of their income on housing.

Tompkins County, NY, conducts various elections, including federal, state, and local races. In recent years, voter turnout has shown a significant engagement in both presidential and midterm elections. For instance, the 2020 general election saw a turnout of approximately 76%, with 53,993 ballots cast out of 70,703 registered voters.

Local elections in 2023 include races for County Legislature seats, with candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties. Key candidates include Democratic incumbent Shawna Black for District 11 and Republican William Loftus for District 9. The Board of Elections oversees the process, ensuring transparency and fairness.

For detailed current candidate lists and upcoming election info, visit the Tompkins County Board of Elections website or contact their office directly.

Tompkins County, NY, notably influenced by Cornell University and Ithaca College, boasts a highly educated population. Approximately 60% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly surpassing both the national average of around 33% and the New York state average of about 38%. High school graduation rates in Tompkins County exceed 93%, compared to the national average of 88% and the state average of 87%. These statistics highlight Tompkins County as a hub of educational attainment, reflecting its emphasis on higher education and its strong academic institutions.

As of the latest data, Tompkins County, NY, had an employment rate of approximately 63.2% with a population of around 105,500 residents. Key industries include education, healthcare, and social assistance, employing over 30% of the workforce, largely due to Cornell University and Ithaca College. Other significant sectors are retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services.

Comparatively, New York State sees a slightly more diversified employment distribution, with education and health services employing about 28%. Nationally, the average employment distribution has the largest sectors being healthcare and social assistance (15%) and retail trade (10%). Tompkins County has a higher concentration in education due to the presence of major higher education institutions, diverging from state and national trends where these sectors are slightly less dominant.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, New York State Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Tompkins County, NY, is approximately $60,694. This is below both the national median household income, which stands at about $68,703, and the New York state median, which is around $71,117.

It’s important to note that Tompkins County is home to prominent institutions like Cornell University, which can impact income statistics due to a large student population and part-time workers.

As of the latest data, Tompkins County, NY, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county experiences lower rates of violent crimes but maintains a steady level of property crimes. Here's a snapshot of crime statistics per 100,000 residents:

These values indicate a safer environment with vigilant law enforcement efforts, although property crimes, particularly larceny-theft, remain areas of concern for residents.