Elections

As of early 2024, Greene County, NY has about 34,500 residents with ~22,000 registered voters: 36% Republican, 29% Democrat, and 28% unaffiliated. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Republicans received 57% of the county’s votes. There are 25 polling sites, managed by a bipartisan Board of Elections. Issues include economic development and broadband expansion. Administration works to ensure accessible polling and absentee voting, with parties active in outreach. Detailed election and registration data are regularly published online by county officials.

County Crime & Safety

Greene County, NY, has experienced a moderate crime rate, with a 2023 violent crime rate of approximately 2.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 15.7 per 1,000, with theft being the most common offense. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, and overall crime clearance rates improved to 36%. The Sheriff's Office partners with state agencies for data-driven policing, focusing on rural and seasonal fluctuations. Residents feel generally safe, though caution is advised in certain towns, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Greene County, NY, had a population of 47,931. The median age is about 48.7 years, with 20.6% under 18 and 22.9% aged 65 or older. The gender split is roughly equal, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female. Racially, the county is 88.7% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races or other groups.

Education, Employment and Housing

Greene County, NY, has 15 public K-12 schools, including 5 high schools, serving approximately 4,000 students. About 26% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. School safety ratings are generally average, with some schools scoring 6/10 on niche.com. The county offers career and technical education at Questar III BOCES, plus several adult education and GED programs. Graduation rates average 85%. Educational initiatives include STEM and arts enrichment, though advanced placement offerings are limited.

As of 2023, Greene County, NY has an employment rate of approximately 56%, with about 20,000 residents employed. Major industries include health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (14%), and accommodation and food services (13%). Leading occupations are in office/administrative support (12%), sales (11%), and food preparation (10%). Roughly 75% commute by car, with an average travel time of 32 minutes; about 40% work outside the county, mainly in Albany and Ulster counties.

Greene County, NY has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with a median home value of approximately $247,000 in 2023. Median rent is about $1,100/month. The county offers diverse housing types, including historic homes, rural properties, and mountain retreats, particularly in towns like Catskill, Windham, and Hunter. Recent years have seen home values rise by about 10% annually due to increased demand. Property taxes average 2.2% of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods feature access to the Catskill Mountains, attracting both year-round residents and seasonal renters.