Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Washington County, NY, had a population of approximately 61,302. The median age was around 44.5 years, with 20% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender split was nearly equal, with about 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the population was 93.1% White, 3.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 2.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

Washington County, NY, with about 41,000 residents, had roughly 24,500 registered voters in 2022: 35% Republican, 28% Democratic, and the rest unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include general, primary, and school board races. In 2020, Donald Trump received 59% of the county’s vote. Polling sites span local schools, town halls, and fire stations across 17 towns. The Board of Elections administers voting, handles issues like mail-in ballots, and posts results online. Recent concerns include conservation and rural broadband access, with political activity mainly by Republican and Democratic county committees.

Education, Employment and Housing

Washington County, NY, has 9 public high schools and several elementary/middle schools, serving about 6,300 K-12 students. Around 20.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. The high school graduation rate is roughly 85%. School safety ratings are average, with most districts reporting low incidents. Adult education options are available through Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES. Educational programs focus on STEM, trades, and college prep. Average public school test scores rank in the lower 50% statewide, but initiatives aim to improve outcomes.

As of 2023, Washington County, NY, has an employment rate of approximately 58.5%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (19.1%), manufacturing (11.8%), retail trade (11.2%), and educational services (8.4%). The largest occupational groups are office/administrative support (13%) and production (8%). About 79% of residents commute by car, with a mean commute time of 27 minutes; 25% work outside the county, often in neighboring Saratoga or Warren counties.

Washington County, NY, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with median home values around $180,000 as of 2023. The rental vacancy rate is high, and median rent is approximately $950 per month. Housing stock is mainly single-family homes, with some multi-family units concentrated in towns like Hudson Falls and Fort Edward. Recent property values have seen modest annual increases of 3-5%. Property tax rates average 2.5%, and neighborhoods vary from rural farmland to small villages, offering a mix of historic and mid-century homes throughout the county.

County Crime & Safety

Washington County, NY maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent data, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.9 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is at 8.5 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies report crime statistics annually, showing a steady decline in incidents since 2020. Residents have access to crime reports via local police and online databases, supporting transparency and safety initiatives. Overall, Washington County is considered safer than 65% of counties in New York State.