Yates County Public RecordsNew York

Yates County, NY, maintains one of the lower crime rates in the state, with a 2023 violent crime rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 7.9 per 1,000, well below national averages. The Yates County Sheriff’s Office consistently reports fewer than 20 violent crimes and about 120 property crimes annually. Local police prioritize community engagement and rapid response, contributing to a 92% clearance rate for major offenses. Regular public safety reports and crime mapping enhance transparency, supporting ongoing efforts to keep Yates County a safe rural community.

As of the 2020 Census, Yates County, NY had a population of approximately 24,774. The median age was 43 years, with about 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial composition was predominantly White (93.6%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (2.2%), Asian (0.6%), Native American (0.3%), and individuals of two or more races (2.5%). Hispanic or Latino origin individuals made up around 3.4% of the total population.

Yates County, NY had 14,083 registered voters as of November 2022. The county administers local, state, and federal elections, with polling locations across the towns of Penn Yan, Dundee, and others. In the 2020 presidential election, 61.6% voted Republican and 36.4% Democratic. The Yates County Board of Elections oversees election administration. Key issues include agriculture and rural economic development. The major parties are Republican and Democratic, with minor party presence. Early voting, absentee ballots, and Election Day voting are available to all eligible voters.

Yates County, NY serves students through three public school districts, with a total of 8 schools, including Penn Yan and Dundee high schools. Graduation rates average around 90%, while 18% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, evidenced by low incident rates and regular drills. The county offers several adult education programs via Finger Lakes Community College’s extension. Average standardized test scores are slightly below state averages, but special education and career-technical programs are available to support diverse learners.

Yates County, NY, had an employment rate of approximately 58.5% in 2022. Key industries include manufacturing (20%), health care and social assistance (19%), and agriculture (11%). The predominant occupations are production (16%), sales (13%), and management (10%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 21 minutes; roughly 76% work within the county. Top employment locations for residents are Penn Yan and Dundee, reflecting the local focus on manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.

Yates County, NY, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $165,000 as of 2023. The median gross rent is approximately $800 per month. The housing market has seen a modest annual growth of 3–5% in recent years. Residential types range from single-family homes and lakeside cottages to rural farmhouses, primarily in communities like Penn Yan and Dundee. Property taxes average 2.1% of assessed value. Neighborhoods near Keuka and Seneca Lakes are popular for vacation homes, while more affordable options are found inland.