Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Oswego County, NY, had a population of 117,525. The median age was 40 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the population was 92.6% White, 2.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.7% Native American, 1.6% from two or more races, and 2.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

County Crime & Safety

Oswego County, NY, reported a crime rate of 13.2 per 1,000 residents in 2022, lower than the national average. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for 15% of total cases, while property crimes like burglary comprised 85%. The county recorded 1,020 total crime cases in 2022 as per NY State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Law enforcement relies on both online and phone reporting, with an 85% clearance rate for violent offenses, bolstering community safety efforts.

Elections

Oswego County, NY, had approximately 74,000 registered voters as of 2022, with party enrollment roughly 38% Republican, 26% Democratic, and 29% unaffiliated. The Board of Elections oversees administration across 86 polling sites during general, primary, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans won 56% of the county’s vote. Local issues often include property tax rates and Lake Ontario shoreline management. Major parties represented are Republican, Democratic, Conservative, and Working Families. Voter turnout in recent major elections averages about 63%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Oswego County, NY, has 25 public schools, including 9 high schools. Roughly 89% of residents have a high school diploma, while about 19% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings hover around 5/10 (GreatSchools). The county provides adult education through institutions like Oswego County BOCES. School safety protocols are in place, with an average of 1–2 incidents per 1,000 students annually. Educational programs include advanced placement, career and technical education, and special education services.

As of 2022, Oswego County, NY had an employment rate of approximately 55.4%. Key industries included education and health services (21%), retail trade (14%), and manufacturing (12%). The leading occupation types were office and administrative support (13%), sales (9%), and production (9%). Around 78% of workers commuted by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. While many are employed locally, notable commuting destinations include Syracuse (about 30% of outbound commuters) and Onondaga County. Non-employer business establishments numbered about 6,300, highlighting a strong small business presence.

Oswego County, NY, features a homeownership rate of around 69%, with a median home value near $146,000 and median monthly rent about $900. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes, multi-unit apartments, and historic properties, especially in neighborhoods like Oswego and Fulton. The property market has seen median home prices rise by approximately 8% year-over-year. Neighborhoods vary from suburban to rural. Property tax rates average $36 per $1,000 assessed value, above the national average. The area offers a mix of affordable ownership and rental options, appealing to diverse residents.