Oswego County, New York
Encyclopedia
Oswego County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York
. As of the 2010 Census, the estimated population was 122,109. The City of Oswego
and the Village of Pulaski serve as the dual county seats in a two shire system of government. The county name is from the Iroquois
word meaning "the outpouring", referring to the mouth of the Oswego River
.
Oswego County is part of the Syracuse, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
. This was an enormous county, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State of Vermont
and, in theory, extending westward to the Pacific Ocean. This county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766 by the creation of Cumberland County
, and further on March 16, 1770 by the creation of Gloucester County
, both containing territory now in Vermont.
On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, Tryon County
, contained the western portion (and thus, since no western boundary was specified, theoretically still extended west to the Pacific). The eastern boundary of Tryon County was approximately five miles west of the present city of Schenectady
, and the county included the western part of the Adirondack Mountains
and the area west of the West Branch of the Delaware River
. The area then designated as Tryon County now includes 37 counties of New York State. The county was named for William Tryon
, colonial governor of New York.
In the years prior to 1776, most of the Loyalists in Tryon County fled to Canada. In 1784, following the peace treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War
, the name of Tryon County was changed to Montgomery County
to honor the general, Richard Montgomery
, who had captured several places in Canada and died attempting to capture the city of Quebec
, replacing the name of the hated British governor.
In 1789, the size of Montgomery County was reduced by the splitting off of Ontario County
from Montgomery. The actual area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the present county, also including the present Allegany
, Cattaraugus
, Chautauqua
, Erie
, Genesee
, Livingston
, Monroe
, Niagara
, Orleans
, Steuben
, Wyoming
, Yates
, and part of Schuyler
and Wayne Counties
.
Oswego County was partly in Macomb's Purchase
of 1791.
In 1791, Herkimer County
was one of three counties split off from Montgomery (the other two being Otsego
, and Tioga County
). This was much larger than the present county, however, and was reduced by a number of subsequent splits.
In 1794, Onondaga County
was created from a part of Herkimer County. This county was larger than the current Onondaga County, including the present Cayuga
, Cortland
, and part of Oswego Counties.
In 1798, Oneida County
was created from a part of Herkimer County. This county was larger than the current Oneida County, including the present Jefferson
, Lewis
, and part of Oswego Counties.
In 1805, Oneida County was reduced in size by the splitting off of Jefferson
and Lewis Counties
.
In 1816, Oswego County was created as New York State's 48th county from parts of Oneida and Onondaga Counties.
In 1841, businessmen in Oswego attempted to divide Oswego County into two counties. They failed to persuade the State to do so, however. Occasionally, the topic still comes up today by dividing the county into an east part and a west part, with the east portion being renamed "Salmon County".
At various times, beginning in 1847 and as late as 1975, attempts were made to move the county seat to the Village of Mexico
. None of these attempts succeeded, however.
The Oswego County legislature has 25 members, elected from equal population districts, reduced from 36 in 1993.
and northwest of Utica
, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario
. Part of the Tug Hill Plateau
is in the eastern part of the county and, at 1550', is the highest point.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1312 square miles (3,398.1 km²), of which 953 square miles (2,468.3 km²) is land and 359 square miles (929.8 km²) (27.35%) is water.
There are two harbors in the county, Oswego Harbor at the mouth of the Oswego River and Port Ontario on the Salmon River. The first major port of call on the Great Lakes is the Port of Oswego Authority dock.
The town of Orwell is officially designated as "dry".
of 2000, there were 122,377 people, 45,522 households, and 31,228 families residing in the county. The population density
was 128 people per square mile (50/km²). There were 52,831 housing units at an average density of 55 per square mile (21/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.17% White, 0.59% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.48% from other races
, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population. 15.5% were of Irish, 14.0% German, 13.7% Italian, 13.3% English, 9.6% American, 7.9% French and 5.3% Polish ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.2% spoke English and 1.7% Spanish as their first language.
There were 45,522 households out of which 35.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.80% were married couples living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 10.90% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,598, and the median income for a family was $43,821. Males had a median income of $34,976 versus $23,938 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,853. About 9.70% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.10% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.
Oswego County is also home to two colleges: State University of New York at Oswego
located in the Town of Oswego and the Fulton Branch Campus of Cayuga County Community College
located in the City of Fulton.
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. As of the 2010 Census, the estimated population was 122,109. The City of Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
and the Village of Pulaski serve as the dual county seats in a two shire system of government. The county name is from the Iroquois
Iroquois
The Iroquois , also known as the Haudenosaunee or the "People of the Longhouse", are an association of several tribes of indigenous people of North America...
word meaning "the outpouring", referring to the mouth of the Oswego River
Oswego River (New York)
The Oswego River is a river in upstate New York in the United States. This river is the second-largest river flowing into Lake Ontario. James Fenimore Cooper’s novel The Pathfinder, or The Inland Sea is set in the Oswego River valley...
.
Oswego County is part of the Syracuse, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area
Syracuse metropolitan area
The Syracuse Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in central New York, anchored by the city of Syracuse...
.
History
When counties were established in New York State in 1683, the present Oswego County was part of Albany CountyAlbany County, New York
Albany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, and is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name is from the title of the Duke of York and Albany, who became James II of England . As of the 2010 census, the population was 304,204...
. This was an enormous county, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State of Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
and, in theory, extending westward to the Pacific Ocean. This county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766 by the creation of Cumberland County
Cumberland County, New York
Cumberland County, New York was a county in the Province of New York that became part of the state of Vermont. It was divided out of Albany County in New York in 1766, but eventually became part of Vermont in 1777...
, and further on March 16, 1770 by the creation of Gloucester County
Gloucester County, New York
Gloucester County, New York is a former county in New York that became part of the state of Vermont. It was a part of Albany County in the Province of New York until 1770 and was lost to Vermont in 1777. At that time, Vermont was holding itself out as the Republic of Vermont and did not become a...
, both containing territory now in Vermont.
On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, Tryon County
Tryon County, New York
Tryon County, New York was a county in the colonial Province of New York in the British American colonies. It was created from Albany County on March 24, 1772. It was named for William Tryon, the last provincial governor of New York. Its boundaries extended far further than any current county...
, contained the western portion (and thus, since no western boundary was specified, theoretically still extended west to the Pacific). The eastern boundary of Tryon County was approximately five miles west of the present city of Schenectady
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
, and the county included the western part of the Adirondack Mountains
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains are a mountain range located in the northeastern part of New York, that runs through Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties....
and the area west of the West Branch of the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
. The area then designated as Tryon County now includes 37 counties of New York State. The county was named for William Tryon
William Tryon
William Tryon was a British soldier and colonial administrator who served as governor of the Province of North Carolina and the Province of New York .-Early life and career:...
, colonial governor of New York.
In the years prior to 1776, most of the Loyalists in Tryon County fled to Canada. In 1784, following the peace treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, the name of Tryon County was changed to Montgomery County
Montgomery County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 49,708 people, 20,038 households, and 13,104 families residing in the county. The population density was 123 people per square mile . There were 22,522 housing units at an average density of 56 per square mile...
to honor the general, Richard Montgomery
Richard Montgomery
Richard Montgomery was an Irish-born soldier who first served in the British Army. He later became a brigadier-general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and he is most famous for leading the failed 1775 invasion of Canada.Montgomery was born and raised in Ireland...
, who had captured several places in Canada and died attempting to capture the city of Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, replacing the name of the hated British governor.
In 1789, the size of Montgomery County was reduced by the splitting off of Ontario County
Ontario County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 100,224 people, 38,370 households, and 26,360 families residing in the county. The population density was 156 people per square mile . There were 42,647 housing units at an average density of 66 per square mile...
from Montgomery. The actual area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the present county, also including the present Allegany
Allegany County, New York
Allegany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 48,946. Its name derives from a Delaware Indian word, applied by settlers of Western New York State to a trail that followed the Allegheny River. Its county seat is...
, Cattaraugus
Cattaraugus County, New York
Cattaraugus County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 80,317. The county seat is Little Valley.-History:...
, Chautauqua
Chautauqua County, New York
-Major highways:* Interstate 86/New York State Route 17 * Interstate 90 * U.S. Route 20* U.S. Route 62* New York State Route 5* New York State Route 39* New York State Route 60* New York State Route 394...
, Erie
Erie County, New York
Erie County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 919,040. The county seat is Buffalo. The county's name comes from Lake Erie, which in turn comes from the Erie tribe of American Indians who lived south and east of the lake before 1654.Erie...
, Genesee
Genesee County, New York
Genesee County is a county located in Western New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 60,079. Its name is from the Seneca Indian word Gen-nis'-hee-yo meaning "The Beautiful Valley." Its county seat is Batavia.- History :...
, Livingston
Livingston County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 64,328 people, 22,150 households, and 15,349 families residing in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile . There were 24,023 housing units at an average density of 38 per square mile...
, Monroe
Monroe County, New York
Monroe County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 744,344. It is named after James Monroe, fifth President of the United States of America. Its county seat is the city of Rochester....
, Niagara
Niagara County, New York
Niagara County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,469. The county seat is Lockport. The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters. It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and...
, Orleans
Orleans County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 44,171 people, 15,363 households, and 10,846 families residing in the county. The population density was 113 people per square mile . There were 17,347 housing units at an average density of 44 per square mile...
, Steuben
Steuben County, New York
Steuben County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 98,990. Its name is in honor of Baron von Steuben, a German general who fought on the American side in the American Revolutionary War, though it is not pronounced the same...
, Wyoming
Wyoming County, New York
Wyoming County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. At the 2010 census, the population was 42,155. The county seat is Warsaw. The name is from a modified Delaware Indian word meaning "broad bottom lands"...
, Yates
Yates County, New York
Yates County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 25,348. The county seat is Penn Yan. The name is in honor of Joseph C. Yates, who as Governor of New York signed the act establishing the county....
, and part of Schuyler
Schuyler County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,224 people, 7,374 households, and 5,191 families residing in the county. The population density was 58 people per square mile . There were 9,181 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile...
and Wayne Counties
Wayne County, New York
Wayne County is a county located in the US state of New York. It is part of the Rochester, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies on the south shore of Lake Ontario, forming part of the northern border of the United States with Canada. The name honors General Anthony Wayne, an American...
.
Oswego County was partly in Macomb's Purchase
Macomb's Purchase
Macomb's Purchase is a large historical area of northern New York, USA purchased from the state in 1791 by Alexander Macomb, who had become rich as a merchant in the American Revolution.-History and geography:...
of 1791.
In 1791, Herkimer County
Herkimer County, New York
Herkimer County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It was created in 1791 north of the Mohawk River out of part of Montgomery County. As of the 2010 census, the population was 64,519. It is named after General Nicholas Herkimer, who died from battle wounds in 1777 after taking part...
was one of three counties split off from Montgomery (the other two being Otsego
Otsego County, New York
Otsego County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. The 2010 population was 62,259. The county seat is Cooperstown. The name Otsego is from a Mohawk word meaning "place of the rock."-History:...
, and Tioga County
Tioga County, New York
As of the census of 2010, there were 51,125 people residing in the county, with 22,203 housing units, of these 20,350 occupied, 1,853 vacant. The population density was 98 people per square mile...
). This was much larger than the present county, however, and was reduced by a number of subsequent splits.
In 1794, Onondaga County
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....
was created from a part of Herkimer County. This county was larger than the current Onondaga County, including the present Cayuga
Cayuga County, New York
Cayuga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It was named for one of the tribes of Indians in the Iroquois Confederation. Its county seat is Auburn.- History :...
, Cortland
Cortland County, New York
Cortland County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, named after Federico Van Cortlandt, president of the convention at Kingston that wrote the first New York State Constitution in 1777, and first lieutenant governor of the state. The county seat is Cortland...
, and part of Oswego Counties.
In 1798, Oneida County
Oneida County, New York
Oneida County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 234,878. The county seat is Utica. The name is in honor of the Oneida, an Iroquoian tribe that formerly occupied the region....
was created from a part of Herkimer County. This county was larger than the current Oneida County, including the present Jefferson
Jefferson County, New York
Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 116,229. It is named after Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States of America, and president at the time the county was created in 1805...
, Lewis
Lewis County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,944 people, 10,040 households, and 7,309 families residing in the county. The population density was 21 people per square mile . There were 15,134 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile...
, and part of Oswego Counties.
In 1805, Oneida County was reduced in size by the splitting off of Jefferson
Jefferson County, New York
Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 116,229. It is named after Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States of America, and president at the time the county was created in 1805...
and Lewis Counties
Lewis County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,944 people, 10,040 households, and 7,309 families residing in the county. The population density was 21 people per square mile . There were 15,134 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile...
.
In 1816, Oswego County was created as New York State's 48th county from parts of Oneida and Onondaga Counties.
In 1841, businessmen in Oswego attempted to divide Oswego County into two counties. They failed to persuade the State to do so, however. Occasionally, the topic still comes up today by dividing the county into an east part and a west part, with the east portion being renamed "Salmon County".
At various times, beginning in 1847 and as late as 1975, attempts were made to move the county seat to the Village of Mexico
Mexico (village), New York
Mexico is a village in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 1,572 at the 2000 census.The Village of Mexico is located in the Town of Mexico at New York State Routes 3, 69, and 104.Mexico is called "Mother of Towns"...
. None of these attempts succeeded, however.
Events
- 1–12 February 2007 - A major lake effect snowLake effect snowLake-effect snow is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when cold winds move across long expanses of warmer lake water, providing energy and picking up water vapor which freezes and is deposited on the leeward shores...
fall dumped over ten feet of snow in many places in Oswego County, resulting in several roof collapses, some communities being cut off, and some people being snowed-in in their homes. A state of emergency was declared for the county, and the National Guard was sent in to help clear the snow.
- On April 20, 2002, around 6:50 am, many residents of OswegoOswegoOswego is a word from the Iroquois language, meaning "The Outpouring". The word may refer to:-Place names:In the United States:*Oswego, Illinois, a village in Kendall County*Oswego, Indiana, an unincorporated place in Kosciusko County...
County were shaken awake by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake centered near Plattsburgh, New York. Minor damage to a Fire Hall in Altmar was the only report of damage. No injuries were sustained.
County government and politics
| Year | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Democrat Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 48.52% 21,909 | 51.11% 23,078 |
| 2004 | 51.01% 26,325 | 46.76% 24,133 |
| 2000 | 47.96% 23,249 | 47.15% 22,857 |
| 1996 | 37.57% 17,159 | 44.75% 20,440 |
| 1992 | 36.38% 18,530 | 33.36% 16,990 |
| 1988 | 57.37% 25,362 | 41.69% 18,430 |
| 1984 | 68.39% 31,481 | 31.17% 14,347 |
| 1980 | 53.63% 22,816 | 36.07% 15,343 |
| 1976 | 59.19% 23,949 | 40.36% 16,332 |
| 1972 | 71.84% 29,109 | 27.93% 11,317 |
| 1968 | 54.39% 20,041 | 39.72% 14,636 |
| 1964 | 33.35% 12,415 | 66.59% 24,788 |
| 1960 | 60.69% 24,013 | 39.28% 15,544 |
The Oswego County legislature has 25 members, elected from equal population districts, reduced from 36 in 1993.
Geography
Oswego County is in northwestern New York State, just north of SyracuseSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and northwest of Utica
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....
, on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
. Part of the Tug Hill Plateau
Tug Hill Plateau
The Tug Hill Plateau is an upland region in upstate New York in the USA, famous for heavy winter snow. The Tug Hill Region is west of the Adirondack Mountains and is separated from the Adirondacks by the Black River Valley. Although the region is and has traditionally been known as the Tug Hill...
is in the eastern part of the county and, at 1550', is the highest point.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1312 square miles (3,398.1 km²), of which 953 square miles (2,468.3 km²) is land and 359 square miles (929.8 km²) (27.35%) is water.
There are two harbors in the county, Oswego Harbor at the mouth of the Oswego River and Port Ontario on the Salmon River. The first major port of call on the Great Lakes is the Port of Oswego Authority dock.
The town of Orwell is officially designated as "dry".
Adjacent counties
- Jefferson CountyJefferson County, New YorkJefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 116,229. It is named after Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States of America, and president at the time the county was created in 1805...
- north - Lewis CountyLewis County, New YorkAs of the census of 2000, there were 26,944 people, 10,040 households, and 7,309 families residing in the county. The population density was 21 people per square mile . There were 15,134 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile...
- northeast - Oneida CountyOneida County, New YorkOneida County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 234,878. The county seat is Utica. The name is in honor of the Oneida, an Iroquoian tribe that formerly occupied the region....
- east - Madison CountyMadison County, New YorkMadison County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 73,442. It is named after James Madison, fourth President of the United States of America...
- southeast - Onondaga CountyOnondaga County, New YorkOnondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....
- south - Cayuga CountyCayuga County, New YorkCayuga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It was named for one of the tribes of Indians in the Iroquois Confederation. Its county seat is Auburn.- History :...
- southwest
Major highways
Interstate 81
U.S. Route 11
New York State Route 3New York State Route 3New York State Route 3 is a major east–west state highway in New York, United States, that connects central New York to the North Country region near the Canadian border via Adirondack Park. The route extends for between its western terminus at an intersection with NY 104A in the Cayuga...
New York State Route 13New York State Route 13New York State Route 13 is a state highway that runs mainly north–south for between NY 14 in Horseheads and NY 3 west of Pulaski in Central New York in the United States. In between, NY 13 intersects with Interstate 81 in Cortland and Pulaski and meets the New York...
New York State Route 48New York State Route 48New York State Route 48 is a north–south state highway in Central New York in the United States. The southern terminus of the route is located at Interstate 690 exit 3 near the interchange between I-690 and the New York State Thruway in Van Buren, northwest of Syracuse...
New York State Route 49New York State Route 49New York State Route 49 is an east–west state highway in New York in the United States. It runs from NY 3 in Volney to Interstate 790 , NY 5, NY 8 and NY 12 in Utica...
New York State Route 69New York State Route 69New York State Route 69 is a state highway extending for across the central portion of the U.S. state of New York. The western terminus of the route is at NY 104 in the Oswego County village of Mexico. The eastern terminus is at NY 5A in the Oneida County village of Yorkville, just...
New York State Route 104New York State Route 104New York State Route 104 is a long east–west state highway in Upstate New York, United States. It spans six counties and enters the vicinity of four cities—Niagara Falls, Lockport, Rochester, and Oswego—as it follows a routing largely parallel to that of the southern shoreline of Lake...
New York State Route 104BNew York State Route 104BNew York State Route 104B is a east–west state highway located in central Oswego County, New York, in the United States. This highway provides a connection between NY 104, the principal highway along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, in New Haven and NY 3, the principal highway...
New York State Route 481New York State Route 481New York State Route 481 is a state highway in Central New York in the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at an interchange with Interstate 81 in North Syracuse, where the highway continues southeastward as I-481. Its northern terminus is located at an intersection...
(Veterans Memorial Highway)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 122,377 people, 45,522 households, and 31,228 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 128 people per square mile (50/km²). There were 52,831 housing units at an average density of 55 per square mile (21/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.17% White, 0.59% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.48% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population. 15.5% were of Irish, 14.0% German, 13.7% Italian, 13.3% English, 9.6% American, 7.9% French and 5.3% Polish ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.2% spoke English and 1.7% Spanish as their first language.
There were 45,522 households out of which 35.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.80% were married couples living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 10.90% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,598, and the median income for a family was $43,821. Males had a median income of $34,976 versus $23,938 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,853. About 9.70% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.10% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.
Oswego County is also home to two colleges: State University of New York at Oswego
State University of New York at Oswego
State University of New York at Oswego, also known as SUNY Oswego and Oswego State, is a public university in the City of Oswego and Town of Oswego, New York, on the shore of Lake Ontario...
located in the Town of Oswego and the Fulton Branch Campus of Cayuga County Community College
Cayuga County Community College
Cayuga Community College, formerly Cayuga County Community College, is a two year SUNY college in Cayuga County, New York. The college began in 1953 as Auburn Community College. Its main campus is in Auburn, New York...
located in the City of Fulton.
Cities, towns, and villages
Oswego County has 22 towns, 2 cities, and 10 villages.Towns
- AlbionAlbion, Oswego County, New YorkAlbion is a town in the northeastern part of Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 2,083 at the 2000 census.-History:Prior to 1788, Native Americans would come to the area to hunt and fish for salmon during the spawning season...
- AmboyAmboy, New YorkAmboy is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,312 at the 2000 census. The town is named after a location in New Jersey.The Town of Amboy is in the southeastern part of the county.- History :...
- BoylstonBoylston, New YorkBoylston is a town in Oswego County, New York, U.S. . The population was 505 at the 2000 census. The name is that of the first landowner of the tract that became the town.The Town of Boylston is located on the north boundary of the county....
- ConstantiaConstantia (town), New YorkConstantia is a town in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 5,141 at the 2000 census.The Town of Constantia is in the southeast part of the county.- History :...
- GranbyGranby, New YorkGranby is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 7,009 at the 2000 census.The Town of Granby is in the southwest corner of the county.- History :The town was first settled around 1792....
- HannibalHannibal (town), New YorkHannibal is a town in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 4,957 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from the hero of ancient Carthage, Hannibal....
- HastingsHastings, New YorkHastings is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 8,803 at the 2000 census. The town is named after Hastings Curtiss, a prominent citizen and member of the State Assembly in 1824....
- MexicoMexico (town), New YorkMexico is a town in the northeast part of Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 5,181 at the 2000 census. The town contains a village, also called Mexico. NY 104/Main Street passes through the village. NY 69 passes through the town of Mexico and comes to an end in the village,...
- MinettoMinetto (town), New YorkMinetto is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,663 at the 2000 census.The Town of Minetto is located south of the City of Oswego, which it borders....
- New HavenNew Haven, New YorkNew Haven is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 2,930 at the 2000 census.- History :The area was originally called "Vera Cruz."...
- OrwellOrwell, New YorkOrwell is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,254 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Orwell, Vermont.The Town of Orwell is in the north-central part of the county.- History :...
- OswegoOswego (town), New YorkOswego is a town in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 7,287 at the 2000 census.The Town of Oswego is immediately west of the City of Oswego, with which it has a common border...
- PalermoPalermo, New YorkPalermo is a town in Oswego County in the US state of New York. The population was 3,686 at the 2000 census. The town is named after Palermo in Sicily.The Town of Palermo is centrally located in the county, east of Fulton, New York.-History:...
- ParishParish (town), New YorkParish is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 2,694 at the 2000 census.The Town of Parish was created from the Town of Mexico in 1828...
- RedfieldRedfield, New YorkRedfield is a town in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 607 at the 2000 census.The Town of Redfield was incorporated from part of the Town of Mexico in 1800...
- RichlandRichland, New YorkRichland is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 5,824 at the 2000 census.The Town of Richland is in the northeast part of Oswego County.- History :The town was first settled around 1801....
- Sandy CreekSandy Creek (town), New YorkSandy Creek is a town in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 3,863 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from a stream in the area.The Town of Sandy Creek is in the northwest part of the county...
- SchroeppelSchroeppel, New YorkSchroeppel is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 8,566 at the 2000 census. The name derives from the Schroeppel family, early land owners of the area.The Town of Schroeppel is in the southeast part of the county....
- ScribaScriba, New YorkScriba is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 7,331 at the 2000 census. The town is named after landowner George Scriba.The Town of Scriba is east of the City of Oswego...
- VolneyVolney, New YorkVolney is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 6,094 at the 2000 census. The town was named after a French author who toured the area in 1808.The Town of Volney is centrally located in the county.- History :...
- West MonroeWest Monroe, New YorkWest Monroe is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 4,428 at the 2000 census.The Town of West Monroe is in the southeast part of the county.-Geography:...
- WilliamstownWilliamstown, New YorkWilliamstown is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,350 at the 2000 census.The Town of Williamstown is on the county's east border.- History :The Town of Williamstown was created in 1804 from the Town of Mexico....
Villages
- AltmarAltmar, New YorkAltmar is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 351 at the 2000 census.The Village of Altmar is in northern part of the Town of Albion at State Route 13 and County Route 22...
- Central SquareCentral Square, New YorkCentral Square is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,646 at the 2000 census.The Village of Central Square is located in the south part of the Town of Hastings on Route 49 and US Route 11. The village is west of Interstate 81...
- ClevelandCleveland, New YorkCleveland is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 758 at the 2000 census.The Village of Cleveland is at the eastern boundary of the Town of Constantia on Route 49.- History :...
- HannibalHannibal (village), New YorkHannibal is a village in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 542 at the 2000 census. The village is named after Hannibal, the hero of ancient Carthage....
- LaconaLacona, New YorkLacona is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 590 at the 2000 census.The Village of Lacona is inside the Town of Sandy Creek...
- MexicoMexico (village), New YorkMexico is a village in Oswego County, New York, USA. The population was 1,572 at the 2000 census.The Village of Mexico is located in the Town of Mexico at New York State Routes 3, 69, and 104.Mexico is called "Mother of Towns"...
- ParishParish (village), New YorkParish is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 512 as of the census of 2000.-Geography:Parish is located at ....
- PhoenixPhoenix, New YorkPhoenix is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States, about north of Syracuse. The population was 2,251 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from Alexander Phoenix...
- PulaskiPulaski, New YorkPulaski is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 2,365 at the 2010 census.The Village of Pulaski is within the Town of Richland, and lies between the eastern shore of Lake Ontario and the Tug Hill region. The village is located on US Route 11 and is adjacent to...
- Sandy CreekSandy Creek (village), New YorkSandy Creek is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 789 at the 2000 census.The Village of Sandy Creek in the central part of the Town of Sandy Creek. The village is located by U.S. Route 11...
See also
- List of counties in New York
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Oswego County, New York