Otsego County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 42°38′N75°02′W / 42.63°N 75.04°W | |
Country | United States |
State | New York |
Founded | February 16, 1791 |
Seat | Cooperstown |
Largest city | Oneonta |
Area | |
• Total | 1,016 sq mi (2,630 km2) |
• Land | 1,002 sq mi (2,600 km2) |
• Water | 14 sq mi (40 km2) 1.4% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 58,524 [1] |
• Density | 58.4/sq mi (22.5/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional districts | 19th, 21st |
Website | www |
Otsego County is a county in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2020 census, the population was 58,524. [2] The county seat is Cooperstown. [3] The county's population center is Oneonta. The name Otsego is from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning "place of the rock." [4] The county is part of the Mohawk Valley region of the state.
In 1789, Ontario County was split off from Montgomery. The area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the present county, as it included the present Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, Wyoming, Yates, and part of Schuyler and Wayne counties.
Otsego County was one of three early counties split off from Montgomery (the other two being Herkimer and Tioga) after the American Revolutionary War. Otsego County was officially established on February 16, 1791, with Cooperstown as its county seat. The original county consisted of three large townships:
Otsego and Cherry Valley together roughly covered the area of modern Otsego County, while Harpersfield covered the area south of the current county as far as the Delaware River.
Governor George Clinton made the original appointments to Otsego County government positions, including:
By 1793, four towns had been added to the county by division of the existing towns:
In 1795, a piece of Otsego County was joined with a portion taken from Albany County to create Schoharie County.
In 1797, a piece of Otsego County was joined with a portion taken from Ulster County to create Delaware County.
In 1843, Otsego County, Michigan was named after the county in New York. [5]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,016 square miles (2,630 km2), of which 1,002 square miles (2,600 km2) is land and 14 square miles (36 km2) (1.4%) is water. [6]
Otsego County is in central New York State, to the west of Albany, southeast of Utica, and northeast of Binghamton. The county is part of the Central New York Region and Mohawk Valley Region of New York State. The county is considered by some to belong to the Southern Tier region of New York State, and is the northernmost county of the Appalachian Region.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1800 | 21,343 | — | |
1810 | 38,802 | 81.8% | |
1820 | 44,856 | 15.6% | |
1830 | 51,372 | 14.5% | |
1840 | 49,628 | −3.4% | |
1850 | 48,638 | −2.0% | |
1860 | 50,157 | 3.1% | |
1870 | 48,967 | −2.4% | |
1880 | 51,397 | 5.0% | |
1890 | 50,861 | −1.0% | |
1900 | 48,939 | −3.8% | |
1910 | 47,216 | −3.5% | |
1920 | 46,200 | −2.2% | |
1930 | 46,710 | 1.1% | |
1940 | 46,082 | −1.3% | |
1950 | 50,763 | 10.2% | |
1960 | 51,942 | 2.3% | |
1970 | 56,181 | 8.2% | |
1980 | 59,075 | 5.2% | |
1990 | 60,517 | 2.4% | |
2000 | 61,676 | 1.9% | |
2010 | 62,259 | 0.9% | |
2020 | 58,524 | −6.0% | |
U.S. Decennial Census [7] 1790-1960 [8] 1900-1990 [9] 1990-2000 [10] 2010-2020 [2] |
As of the census [11] of 2000, there were 61,676 people, 23,291 households, and 15,115 families residing in the county. The population density was 62 people per square mile (24 people/km2). There were 28,481 housing units at an average density of 28 units per square mile (11/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.80% White, 1.75% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population. 15.0% were of Irish, 14.9% English, 14.9% German, 11.3% Italian and 9.1% American ancestry according to Census 2000. 95.4% spoke English and 2.1% Spanish as their first language.
There were 23,291 households, out of which 29.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.10% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.10% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.70% under the age of 18, 14.40% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 93.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,444, and the median income for a family was $41,110. Males had a median income of $29,988 versus $22,609 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,806. About 8.80% of families and 14.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.80% of those under age 18 and 8.20% of those age 65 or over.
Race | Num. | Perc. |
---|---|---|
White (NH) | 51,490 | 88% |
Black or African American (NH) | 1,189 | 2.03% |
Native American (NH) | 109 | 0.2% |
Asian (NH) | 813 | 1.4% |
Pacific Islander (NH) | 7 | 0.01% |
Other/Mixed (NH) | 2,524 | 4.31% |
Hispanic or Latino | 2,392 | 4.1% |
Year | Republican / Whig | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 15,256 | 53.00% | 13,031 | 45.27% | 496 | 1.72% |
2020 | 14,382 | 51.22% | 12,975 | 46.21% | 723 | 2.57% |
2016 | 13,308 | 51.85% | 10,451 | 40.72% | 1,909 | 7.44% |
2012 | 11,461 | 47.48% | 12,117 | 50.20% | 561 | 2.32% |
2008 | 12,026 | 46.04% | 13,570 | 51.95% | 525 | 2.01% |
2004 | 13,342 | 50.06% | 12,723 | 47.74% | 587 | 2.20% |
2000 | 12,219 | 48.19% | 11,460 | 45.19% | 1,679 | 6.62% |
1996 | 8,774 | 36.37% | 11,470 | 47.54% | 3,882 | 16.09% |
1992 | 10,141 | 38.12% | 10,471 | 39.36% | 5,994 | 22.53% |
1988 | 13,021 | 53.51% | 11,069 | 45.49% | 245 | 1.01% |
1984 | 16,777 | 63.28% | 9,582 | 36.14% | 152 | 0.57% |
1980 | 11,814 | 49.42% | 8,795 | 36.79% | 3,298 | 13.80% |
1976 | 14,796 | 59.77% | 9,787 | 39.54% | 171 | 0.69% |
1972 | 17,364 | 68.58% | 7,898 | 31.19% | 59 | 0.23% |
1968 | 13,543 | 59.67% | 7,981 | 35.16% | 1,172 | 5.16% |
1964 | 8,643 | 36.23% | 15,190 | 63.67% | 26 | 0.11% |
1960 | 17,422 | 68.73% | 7,899 | 31.16% | 26 | 0.10% |
1956 | 19,484 | 77.54% | 5,644 | 22.46% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 20,304 | 76.78% | 6,115 | 23.12% | 27 | 0.10% |
1948 | 15,437 | 66.55% | 7,174 | 30.93% | 586 | 2.53% |
1944 | 15,427 | 66.17% | 7,849 | 33.67% | 37 | 0.16% |
1940 | 16,771 | 68.04% | 7,798 | 31.64% | 78 | 0.32% |
1936 | 16,682 | 67.36% | 7,807 | 31.52% | 276 | 1.11% |
1932 | 14,904 | 64.06% | 8,114 | 34.88% | 247 | 1.06% |
1928 | 18,286 | 74.32% | 6,006 | 24.41% | 314 | 1.28% |
1924 | 13,573 | 65.67% | 5,841 | 28.26% | 1,256 | 6.08% |
1920 | 12,112 | 63.88% | 6,275 | 33.09% | 574 | 3.03% |
1916 | 5,926 | 48.16% | 5,975 | 48.56% | 403 | 3.28% |
1912 | 5,138 | 40.65% | 5,338 | 42.23% | 2,165 | 17.13% |
1908 | 7,459 | 53.37% | 5,975 | 42.75% | 543 | 3.88% |
1904 | 7,770 | 55.44% | 5,725 | 40.85% | 519 | 3.70% |
1900 | 7,893 | 54.84% | 6,142 | 42.67% | 359 | 2.49% |
1896 | 8,161 | 56.37% | 5,820 | 40.20% | 496 | 3.43% |
1892 | 7,095 | 49.49% | 6,408 | 44.70% | 833 | 5.81% |
1888 | 7,829 | 50.95% | 6,972 | 45.37% | 565 | 3.68% |
1884 | 6,871 | 43.78% | 8,307 | 52.93% | 516 | 3.29% |
1880 | 7,156 | 49.10% | 7,184 | 49.29% | 235 | 1.61% |
1876 | 6,859 | 49.04% | 7,027 | 50.24% | 101 | 0.72% |
1872 | 6,236 | 49.78% | 6,275 | 50.10% | 15 | 0.12% |
1868 | 6,568 | 51.95% | 6,075 | 48.05% | 0 | 0.00% |
1864 | 6,151 | 50.43% | 6,047 | 49.57% | 0 | 0.00% |
1860 | 6,543 | 51.95% | 6,051 | 48.05% | 0 | 0.00% |
1856 | 6,373 | 56.92% | 3,595 | 32.11% | 1,229 | 10.98% |
1852 | 4,454 | 42.11% | 5,488 | 51.89% | 634 | 5.99% |
1848 | 3,929 | 41.00% | 3,674 | 38.34% | 1,979 | 20.65% |
1844 | 4,743 | 42.33% | 6,050 | 53.99% | 413 | 3.69% |
1840 | 4,856 | 46.27% | 5,580 | 53.16% | 60 | 0.57% |
1836 | 2,469 | 34.79% | 4,627 | 65.21% | 0 | 0.00% |
Otsego County is generally a swing and bellwether county, having voted for the winner of the national election in every election from 1980 to 2016. In 2004, Otsego County voted 51–48 percent in favor of George W. Bush. In 2008 and 2012, Otsego County voted in favor of Barack Obama. Democrats are prevalent in the City of Oneonta and Village of Cooperstown, whereas the majority of voters in many of the surrounding towns are registered Republicans. In 2020 the county voted for 51%-46% Donald Trump, and lost its bellwether status when Biden won the election.
Otsego County is the only county in New York that names its legislative body the Board of Representatives. It consists of fourteen members elected from single-member districts. The Board Chair is David Bliss (R). The county also has an elected District Attorney, County Treasurer, County Clerk, and County Sheriff.
Along with Herkimer County and the eastern portion of Oneida County, northern Otsego County is considered part of the Utica television market, while the southern half of the county, including the city of Oneonta, is considered to be in the Binghamton television market. [14]
The Village of Cooperstown (home of James Fenimore Cooper, whose father William Cooper founded it) is located at the south end of Otsego Lake. It attracts many tourists to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the New York State Historical Association museums. Cultural attractions also include the Glimmerglass Opera, with a summer season that draws many repeat visitors for stays.
The primary contributor to the economy is healthcare: Bassett Medical Center, the headquarters of Bassett Healthcare Network and its more than 3,000 employees, is located here.
The City of Oneonta has two institutions of higher education: Hartwick College and the State University of New York at Oneonta; A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the Bassett Network; major retail activity; and numerous small businesses. The county as a whole remains relatively rural, with dairy farming a contributing industry that has consolidated employment in recent years, although production has remained steady.
Herkimer County is a county in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2020 census, the population was 60,139. Its county seat is Herkimer. The county was created in 1791 north of the Mohawk River out of part of Montgomery County. It is named after General Nicholas Herkimer, who died from battle wounds in 1777 after taking part in the Battle of Oriskany during the Revolutionary War. The county is part of the Mohawk Valley region of the state.
Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2020 census, the population was 68,016. Its county seat is Wampsville. The county is named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, and was first formed in 1806. The county is part of the Central New York region of the state.
Columbia is a town in Herkimer County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 1,569. The town is at the southern border of the county and is southeast of Utica.
Winfield is a town in Herkimer County, New York, United States. The population was 2,086 at the 2010 census. The town is named after General Winfield Scott and is in the southwestern corner of the county, south of Utica.
Edmeston is a town located in Otsego County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 1,826.
Hartwick is a town located in Otsego County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 2,110. The Town of Hartwick is located in the middle of the county, southwest of the Village of Cooperstown.
Richfield Springs is a village located in the Town of Richfield, on the north-central border of Otsego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,050 at the 2020 census. The name is derived from local sulfur springs.
Laurens is a town in Otsego County, New York, United States. The population was 2,424 at the 2010 census.
Unadilla is a town in Otsego County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 4,392. The name is derived from an Iroquois word for "meeting place". Unadilla is located in the southwestern corner of the county, southwest of Oneonta. The village of Unadilla is located in the southern part of the town. The mayor of Unadilla is Jason Cotten.
New York State Route 28 (NY 28) is a state highway extending for 281.69 miles (453.34 km) in the shape of a "C" between the Hudson Valley city of Kingston and southern Warren County in the U.S. state of New York. Along the way, it intersects several major routes, including Interstate 88 (I-88), U.S. Route 20 (US 20), and the New York State Thruway twice. The southern terminus of NY 28 is at NY 32 in Kingston and the northern terminus is at US 9 in Warrensburg. In Kingston, NY 28 is co-designated as Interstate 587 from its southern terminus at NY 32 to the roundabout linking it to the Thruway (I-87).
The central region of New York state includes:
The Unadilla River is a 71-mile-long (114 km) river in the Central New York Region of New York State. The river begins northeast of the hamlet of Millers Mills and flows generally south to the village of Sidney, where it converges with the Susquehanna River, which drains into the Chesapeake Bay, a bay of the Atlantic Ocean.
Canadarago Lake is a 1,917-acre (7.76 km2) lake located in Otsego County, New York and is the source of Oaks Creek. The Village of Richfield Springs is located at the lake's northern end. It is the second largest lake in Otsego County, lying to the west of and parallel to the larger Otsego Lake. The lake's name is also spelled "Candajarago Lake" or "Caniadaraga Lake".
Leatherstocking Council is the Boy Scouts of America council which serves Herkimer, Oneida, Schoharie, and Madison counties as well as part of Hamilton, Otsego, Delaware and Lewis counties in the state of New York.
New York State Route 80 (NY 80) is a 127.32-mile-long (204.90 km) west–east New York State Route located within Onondaga, Madison, Chenango, Otsego, Herkimer, and Montgomery counties in New York. Its western terminus is located at a junction with NY 175 in the city of Syracuse in Onondaga County, from which it actually runs in a north–south direction for 20 miles (32 km). The eastern terminus is located at a junction with NY 5 in the village of Nelliston in Montgomery County. The route is signed north–south from U.S. Route 20 (US 20) north to NY 5.
The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad Company is a heritage railroad in New York, operated by the Leatherstocking Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) since 1996.
New York State Route 205 (NY 205) is a 23.24-mile-long (37.40 km) north–south state highway in central Otsego County, New York, in the United States. It extends from Interstate 88 (I-88) at exit 13 near the city of Oneonta to a junction with NY 28 and NY 80 in the town of Otsego. The latter junction also marks the east end of a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) overlap between NY 205 and NY 80, from where NY 80 heads southeast to follow NY 28 to Cooperstown. NY 205 is a two-lane highway for its entire length and passes through the towns of Oneonta, Laurens and Hartwick.
County Route 18 (CR 18) is a county-maintained highway in western Otsego County, New York, in the United States. It extends for 34.83 miles (56.05 km) from an intersection with New York State Route 51 (NY 51) in the town of Butternuts to the Oneida County line at Plainfield, where it becomes CR 2. The highway runs along the eastern bank of the Unadilla River and parallels NY 8, which follows the western bank of the river. CR 18 enters the vicinity of several villages and hamlets, including the village of New Berlin and the hamlet of Unadilla Forks.
The 121st New York Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the "Onesers" or "Upton's Regulars", was a volunteer regiment recruited during the American Civil War from Otsego County and Herkimer County, New York. The Hon. Richard Franchot was appointed colonel of the regiment and authorized to establish his headquarters at Richfield Springs, Otsego County. He proceeded without delay to organize the regiment, and on August 23, 1862, the regiment was mustered into the service of the Union Army. The command at that time consisted of 39 officers and 946 enlisted men. The 121st Regiment proceeded to Washington, arriving there on the morning of September 3, and was assigned provisionally to a brigade under Colonel Gibson with headquarters at Fort Lincoln.
The Southern New York Railway (SNY) was an electric rail line that provided passenger and freight service, but also provided electricity for customers along the line until 1924. The railway was previously called Oneonta Street Railway (1888-1897), Oneonta & Otego Valley Railroad (1897-1900), Oneonta, Cooperstown & Richfield Springs Railway (1900-1906), Oneonta & Mohawk Valley Railway (1906-1908), Otsego & Herkimer Railroad (1908-1916), Southern New York Power & Railway Co. (1916-1924), and Southern New York Railroad (1924-1970).