Chemung County, New York Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Chemung County is located in New York with a total population of 82,805. It is the 32nd most populous county out of 62 in New York. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Chemung County is 41.9 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Chemung County is $63,469. This is 25% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%. This is 15% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 2% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $132,100. Housing costs are 67% lower than the state median of $403,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Chemung County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% higher than the state average of 54.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Chemung County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 5.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (84.5% vs 53.4%). The Black or African American population (5.8%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.6%) is well below the state average of 19.6%. The Asian population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.

Education

26.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.9%.