Jefferson County Public RecordsNew York

Jefferson County, NY, had approximately 70,000 registered voters in 2023, with registrations split between Republicans (around 38%), Democrats (about 24%), and unaffiliated or minor parties (roughly 38%). Elections include local, state, and federal races. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump secured 56% of votes. Polling locations span over 50 sites across the county, overseen by the bipartisan Board of Elections. Key issues include economic development and agricultural policy. The Board administers both in-person and absentee voting, ensuring compliance with state laws and accessibility for all voters.

As of 2023, Jefferson County, NY, has an estimated population of about 111,000. The median age is approximately 33 years, reflecting a relatively young population due in part to Fort Drum military base. Gender distribution is nearly balanced at roughly 51% male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (about 81%), with Black or African American (8%), Hispanic or Latino (6%), Asian (2%), and other races making up the remainder, highlighting moderate racial and ethnic diversity.

Jefferson County, NY has 21 public high schools and several private schools. About 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 20% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above average, with district ratings of 7/10. The county offers adult education programs through Jefferson-Lewis BOCES. Educational programs include STEM, AP, and vocational training. Total K–12 enrollment is around 11,000. Graduation rates average 87%, aligning with state levels.

As of 2023, Jefferson County, NY had an employment rate of approximately 58%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (16.5%), retail trade (13.2%), and public administration (12.9%), with Fort Drum being a significant employer. Leading occupations are office/administrative support (13.6%), sales (10.9%), and food preparation (9.4%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20.2 minutes; around 66% work within the county. Other notable employment centers include Watertown and regional healthcare facilities.

Jefferson County, NY, has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values near $174,000 (2023). Median monthly rent is approximately $1,100. Single-family homes dominate, but there are also apartments and townhouses, especially in Watertown and near Fort Drum. Neighborhoods vary from historic Watertown to rural Alexandria Bay and suburban Le Ray. Recent markets saw stable or slightly rising values (~3% annually). Property tax rates average 2.2%, resulting in typical bills around $3,800 per year, varying by district.

Jefferson County, NY, reported a crime rate of approximately 17.4 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023, lower than the national average of 20.2. Property crimes, including theft and burglary, accounted for about 75% of reported incidents, while violent crimes such as assault and robbery comprised 25%. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with local agencies, ensuring a high incident reporting rate and sustaining regular community safety programs, which has contributed to a 6% decrease in crime since 2021. Ongoing efforts aim to maintain and further reduce the county’s overall crime rate.