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Otsego County, New York Demographics 2026

Otsego County, New York has a population of 59,738, the 43rd most populous county in New York. The median household income is $67,086 and the median home value is $175,900. The poverty rate is 14.1%.

Otsego County Quick Facts

Population 59,738
Median Household Income $67,086
Median Home Value $175,900
Poverty Rate 14.1%
Unemployment Rate 5.3%
Median Age 40.4 years
Homeownership Rate 74.3%
Affordability Ratio 2.6x
Bachelor's Degree+ 33.9%
High School Graduation 92.1%
Cities/Places 1
Population 59,738 43rd of 62
Median Income $67,086 21% lower state
Poverty Rate 14.1%
Unemployment 5.3%

Economy & Housing

Employment

5.3% Unemployment Rate State: 6.2% | National: 5.2%
54.7% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 74.3%
Renter 25.7%
Affordability Index Very Affordable
2.6x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

21out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 65 | National average: 60

Education

Cities & Places in Otsego County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Oneonta city14,467$65,03119.2%$187,800

Population Overview

Otsego County is located in New York with a total population of 59,738. It is the 43rd most populous county out of 62 in New York. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Otsego County is 40.4 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Otsego County is $67,086. This is 21% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $175,900. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $403,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Otsego County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 37% higher than the state average of 54.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Otsego County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (88.7% vs 53.4%). The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 13.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.3%) is well below the state average of 19.6%. The Asian population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.

Education

33.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% 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 92.1%. Notably, 15.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Otsego County, New York?

Otsego County has a population of 59,738, making it the 43rd most populous county in New York.

What is the median income in Otsego County?

The median household income in Otsego County is $67,086 with a poverty rate of 14.1%.

How many cities are in Otsego County, New York?

Otsego County contains 1 Census-designated place.