Demographics
As of 2022, Onondaga County, NY has an estimated population of 473,910. The median age is 39.5 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. Racially, the population is 77% White, 12% Black or African American, 5% Asian, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% Native American or other races. Approximately 19% are under 18, while 17% are 65 and older.
County Crime & Safety
Onondaga County, NY, reported a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000 residents in 2023, slightly above the national average (380). Property crimes occurred at a rate of 1,880 per 100,000. Syracuse, the county seat, accounts for the majority of reported incidents. The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and Syracuse Police regularly publish annual crime statistics, showing a 7% decrease in violent crime but a 4% rise in property crime from 2022. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through local tip lines and participate in community safety programs.
Elections
Onondaga County, NY, had about 311,000 registered voters in 2023, distributed as 36% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 28% unaffiliated/other. Elections include local, state, and federal races; the 2022 governor race showed a near-even split (Democrat Hochul 51%, Republican Zeldin 48%). There are over 140 polling locations countywide. Issues like economic development, taxes, and public safety drive voter interest. The bipartisan Board of Elections administers elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Both major parties—Democratic and Republican—actively campaign, with increasing participation from independent voters influencing electoral outcomes.
Education, Employment and Housing
Onondaga County, NY, hosts around 34 public high schools and several private institutions, with roughly 92% high school graduation and 36% bachelor's degree attainment rates. The county features notable schools like Fayetteville-Manlius, consistently scoring 8-9/10 on state assessments. Adult education is offered at institutions such as OCM BOCES, serving thousands annually. School districts emphasize safety, with incidents well below state averages. Comprehensive programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and career technical education. Syracuse University and Le Moyne College provide higher education within the county, supporting robust educational attainment and lifelong learning opportunities for residents.
As of 2023, Onondaga County, NY, had an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Major industries by employment include healthcare and social assistance (16%), educational services (13%), and retail trade (11%). Top occupations are in office/administrative support (14%), sales (10%), and education/training/library (9%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 20.5 minutes. Most residents work within Onondaga County itself, primarily in Syracuse, the county seat.
Onondaga County, NY, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $183,000 as of 2023. The median rent is approximately $1,150 per month. The housing market has seen moderate growth, with a 6% annual increase in property values. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, with popular neighborhoods such as Syracuse’s Eastwood and Liverpool. Property tax rates average 2.7% of assessed value, above the national average. The region balances affordable housing with rising demand, offering diverse options for residents.
Popular names
- James Smith
- Michael Smith
- John Smith
- Robert Smith
- Robert Miller
- Lisa Smith
- Mary Smith
- Robert Brown
- David Smith
- James Brown
- Michael Brown
- David Johnson
- Michael Murphy
- Michael Jones
- James Allen
- Michael Johnson
- John Murphy
- Michael Miller
- Michael Davis
- James Williams
- Robert Jones
- David Brown
- Michael Williams
- Richard Miller
- William Johnson
- Kevin Murphy
- Robert Davis
- Daniel Smith
- Jeffrey Smith
- John Williams
- Michael White
- Patricia Smith
- Christopher Smith
- James Davis
- David Davis
- James Adams
- Jennifer Williams
- John White
- Michael Taylor
- Nicole Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Susan Smith
- Barbara Smith
- David Miller
- James Wilson
- John Johnson
- John Kelly
- John Miller
- Joshua Smith
- Mary Williams
- Matthew Smith
- Richard Smith
- Christopher Brown
- John Davis
- John Martin
- Kathleen Smith
- Kimberly Smith
- Paul Smith
- Christopher Jones
- David Jones
Other Counties in New York
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- Genesee
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- Madison
- Monroe
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- Nassau
- New York
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- Oneida
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- Rensselaer
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- Steuben