County Crime & Safety
Saint Lawrence County, NY, reported a crime rate of approximately 1,400 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, lower than the national average. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, comprised around 200 cases, while property crimes, such as burglary and theft, totaled about 1,100 incidents. The county saw a slight 3% decrease in overall crime compared to the previous year. Crime is primarily reported through local police departments and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, contributing to timely community alerts and prevention efforts, enhancing safety awareness across the region.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, St. Lawrence County, NY had a population of approximately 108,500. The median age was 39.6 years. About 50.5% of residents were male and 49.5% female. Regarding race and ethnicity, 91.6% identified as White, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 1.3% Native American, and 2.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county displays a predominantly non-Hispanic White demographic, with modest minority representation.
Elections
Saint Lawrence County, NY, has about 72,000 registered voters as of 2022: approximately 38% Democratic, 32% Republican, and 22% unaffiliated. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, with nearly 49% turnout in the 2020 Presidential election. Polling locations number around 54, and early voting sites are available. Key issues include rural economic development and healthcare. The Board of Elections administers polling and registration, with representation from both major parties. In 2022, Republicans won most county offices, reflecting the area's recent GOP lean despite a sizable Democratic registry.
Education, Employment and Housing
Saint Lawrence County, NY has 18 public high schools and two colleges—SUNY Potsdam and St. Lawrence University—serving over 2,000 college undergraduates. About 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average high school graduation rates are 86%. School safety incidents are below the state average. The county offers career and technical programs through BOCES, as well as adult education and GED opportunities. Local high schools average a 6/10 GreatSchools rating.
As of 2023, Saint Lawrence County, NY, had an employment rate of approximately 55%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (20%), education (17%), and manufacturing (11%). Most employed residents work in management, business, science, and arts occupations (31%), followed by service occupations (19%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes; approximately 81% work within the county, while 19% commute to neighboring counties.
Saint Lawrence County, NY, has a homeownership rate around 68%, with median home values near $115,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $800 per month. The housing market remains stable, with property values appreciating modestly, averaging 2–3% annually. Single-family homes dominate, accompanied by some multi-family and apartment options, especially in Potsdam and Canton neighborhoods. Property tax rates are approximately $30 per $1,000 assessed value, higher than the national average. Popular neighborhoods offer access to schools and amenities, with Ogdensburg and Massena being notable for affordability and family-friendly communities.
Popular names
- David Smith
- Robert Smith
- John Miller
- James Smith
- Michael Smith
- Amanda Smith
- Michael Martin
- Robert White
- Christopher Miller
- David White
- John Smith
- Robert Scott
- Carol Smith
- John Gardner
- Mary Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Richard Martin
- William Smith
- Benjamin Smith
- Edward Smith
- James Phillips
- John Lashomb
- Jonathan Miller
- Joshua Miller
- Mark Miller
- Melissa Smith
- Michael Jones
- Robert Miller
- Amanda Taylor
- Barbara Johnson
- Christina Johnson
- David Johnson
- David Wells
- Eli Yoder
- Eric Johnson
- James Murray
- Jennifer Smith
- Jessica Smith
- John Clark
- John Thompson
- John Whalen
- Kevin Smith
- Lori Smith
- Michael Bell
- Michael Murphy
- Michael Wright
- Patrick Smith
- Richard Miller
- Robert Wilson
- Thomas Smith
- Timothy Martin
- William Taylor
- William White
- Andrew Ashley
- Andrew Miller
- Christopher White
- Daniel Miller
- David Murray
- Donald Brown
- Donald Fuller
Other Counties in New York
- Albany
- Allegany
- Bronx
- Broome
- Cattaraugus
- Cayuga
- Chautauqua
- Chemung
- Chenango
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Cortland
- Delaware
- Dutchess
- Erie
- Essex
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Genesee
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Herkimer
- Jefferson
- Kings
- Lewis
- Livingston
- Madison
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Nassau
- New York
- Niagara
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Ontario
- Orange
- Orleans
- Oswego
- Otsego
- Putnam
- Queens
- Rensselaer
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Saratoga
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Steuben