Essex County Public RecordsNew York

As of the 2020 Census, Essex County, NY had a population of 37,381. The median age was 48.5 years, with 20.1% under 18 and 23.8% aged 65 and over. The gender split was roughly 50.5% male to 49.5% female. Racially, the county was 91.3% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 1.2% Native American, and 3.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Essex County, NY, had approximately 22,000 registered voters in 2022, split mainly between Democrats (around 6,000), Republicans (about 8,000), and unaffiliated/other parties. Residents vote in local, state, and federal elections, with 2020 turnout near 76%. Key issues include tourism, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Major polling locations include Lake Placid, Ticonderoga, and Elizabethtown. Recent results show close margins; in 2022’s Congressional race, Republicans received 51%, Democrats 45%. The Essex County Board of Elections administers voting, ensuring compliance and accessibility for 18 towns and one city.

Essex County, NY, includes 11 public school districts serving around 4,500 students, with a high school graduation rate of 87%. Approximately 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average standardized test scores, with statewide rankings typically in the mid-range. The county offers adult education and vocational programs through BOCES. School safety is rated above the state average, with low incident rates. Special educational programs include AP classes, STEM initiatives, and extracurriculars, supporting diverse student interests and needs.

As of 2022, Essex County, NY, has an employment rate of approximately 57.6%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (19.4%), accommodation and food services (15.2%), and retail trade (10.8%). The most common occupation types are office and administrative support (12.7%), food preparation (11.3%), and management (10.5%). About 67% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 22.1 minutes. Most residents work within the county, though around 15% commute to neighboring counties.

Essex County, NY, features a median home value of approximately $209,000 and a homeownership rate around 75%. Median rent is about $900 per month. The county's housing consists mostly of single-family homes, cabins, and some apartments, with property values rising roughly 6% year-over-year. Popular neighborhoods include Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Ticonderoga. Property taxes average 2.2% of a home's assessed value. While vacation and seasonal homes are common, year-round communities are well-established throughout the region.

Essex County, NY, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to statewide averages. According to the latest FBI data (2022), the violent crime rate stands at 106 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is about 582 per 100,000—both significantly below New York’s averages. The county reports crimes through local law enforcement, and community safety initiatives contribute to a secure environment. Reporting compliance is high, enhancing public transparency and trust in law enforcement. Overall, Essex County is considered one of the safer regions in New York State.