Chemung County Public RecordsNew York

As of the 2020 Census, Chemung County, NY, had a population of approximately 84,148 people. The median age is 42.1 years, with 48.8% male and 51.2% female residents. Racially, the county is 86.6% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 3.0% identifying with two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise 2.9% of the population.

Chemung County, NY, reported a crime rate of approximately 1,645 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, below the national average. Violent crime accounted for 217 per 100,000, while property crime stood at 1,428 per 100,000. Crime rates have seen a slight annual decrease. Local law enforcement encourages community involvement and timely crime reporting via the Elmira Police and Sheriff's Office. Enhanced patrols and safety initiatives contributed to a safer environment, with nearly 7% decrease in total reported offenses from the previous year.

Chemung County, NY, hosts around 20 public schools, including 3 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 86%. About 27% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are actively implemented, and the school safety score averages B. Educational programs range from STEM to arts, with adult education offered by BOCES. Chemung County schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 5/10, reflecting room for improvement in standardized test performance and resources.

As of 2023, Chemung County, NY, had an unemployment rate of approximately 4.2%. Key employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (employing around 22%), manufacturing (11%), and retail trade (11%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (13%) and production jobs (10%). About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes; around 66% work within the county, while the rest mostly travel to nearby Steuben and Tioga counties.

Chemung County, NY, has a homeownership rate of approximately 67%, with median home values around $117,000 and median rents near $825 per month. The housing market remains relatively stable, seeing modest year-over-year appreciation. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and duplexes, with popular neighborhoods like Elmira Heights and West Elmira. Property taxes average 2.7% of home value annually, equating to about $3,200 for a median-priced home. Both buyers and renters enjoy affordable options, attracting residents seeking reasonable living costs and a mix of suburban and urban environments.

Chemung County, NY, had 55,800 registered voters as of 2023, split mainly between Republicans (44%) and Democrats (32%), with the remainder unaffiliated or third-party. Elections include federal, state, and local offices, with 2022 results showing Republicans winning most county seats. 35 polling locations serve the county, overseen by the bipartisan Board of Elections. Key issues include taxes, public safety, and economic development. Voter turnout in the 2022 general election was 48%. The main parties are Democratic and Republican. Early voting and absentee ballots are available per state law for increased accessibility.