New York State Map

New York State, located in the northeastern United States, spans an area of 54,555 square miles and is home to a population of over 19.8 million people, making it the fourth most populous state in the nation. Known for its geographic diversity, the state features the Adirondack Mountains, the Hudson River, and parts of the Great Lakes. New York City, its largest city, serves as a global hub for finance and culture. The state also shares borders with five U.S. states and Canada, providing strategic economic and cultural connections.

New York State Map



Are you looking for a Customized Map? Please get Custom Mapping Quote here.



Facts About New York State

Fact Detail
State Name New York
Nickname The Empire State
Capital Albany
Largest City New York City
Statehood Admitted on July 26, 1788 (11th state)
Area 54,555 square miles
Population 19,835,913 (2020 Census)
Borders Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Canada (Ontario and Quebec)
Coastline Atlantic Ocean
Highest Point Mount Marcy (5,344 feet)
Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean (Sea level)
Major Rivers Hudson River, Mohawk River, Genesee River, Niagara River, St. Lawrence River
Major Lakes Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake
State Flower Rose
State Tree Sugar Maple
State Bird Eastern Bluebird
State Motto "Excelsior" (Ever Upward)
Economy Finance, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology
Famous Landmarks Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, Empire State Building, Adirondack Mountains
Educational Institutions Cornell University, Columbia University, New York University, University of Rochester
Sports Teams New York Yankees, New York Mets, Buffalo Bills, New York Knicks
Tourism Over 250 million visitors annually
Historical Significance Site of the American Revolutionary War battles and Ellis Island immigration center


List of Counties in New York

CountyFIPS CodeCounty SeatEstablished inPopulation Density (Per/mi2)Population (2010)Area (sq mi)Area (km2)
Albany County1Albany1683570.74304,2045331,380
Allegany County3Belmont180647.3448,9461,0342,678
Bronx County5none (sui generis)191424,118.201,385,10857.43149
Broome County7Binghamton1806280.56200,6007151,852
Cattaraugus County9Little Valley180861.3180,3171,3103,393
Cayuga County11Auburn179992.6280,0268642,238
Chautauqua County13Mayville180889.94134,9051,5003,885
Chemung County15Elmira1836216.2388,830410.811,064
Chenango County17Norwich179856.1650,477898.852,328
Clinton County19Plattsburgh178873.4682,1281,1182,896
Columbia County21Hudson178697.3763,0966481,678
Cortland County23Cortland180898.2849,3365021,300
Delaware County25Delhi179732.6847,9801,4683,802
Dutchess County27Poughkeepsie1683360.59297,4888252,137
Erie County29Buffalo1821749.02919,0401,2273,178
Essex County31Elizabethtown179920.5539,3701,9164,962
Franklin County33Malone180830.4151,5991,6974,395
Fulton County35Johnstown1838104.1955,5315331,380
Genesee County37Batavia1802121.3760,0794951,282
Greene County39Catskill180074.849,2216581,704
Hamilton County41Lake Pleasant18162.674,8361,8084,683
Herkimer County43Herkimer179144.2564,5191,4583,776
Jefferson County45Watertown180562.59116,2291,8574,810
Kings County47none (sui generis)168325,848.302,504,70096.9251
Lewis County49Lowville18052127,0871,2903,341
Livingston County51Geneseo1821102.1865,3936401,658
Madison County53Wampsville1806110.9473,4426621,715
Monroe County55Rochester1821544.91744,3441,3663,538
Montgomery County57Fonda1772122.4950,2194101,062
Nassau County59Mineola18992,957.021,339,5324531,173
New York County61none (sui generis)168346,961.001,585,87333.7787
Niagara County63Lockport1808189.89216,4691,1402,953
Oneida County65Utica1798193.63234,8781,2133,142
Onondaga County67Syracuse1792579.44467,0268062,088
Ontario County69Canandaigua1789163.04107,9316621,715
Orange County71Goshen1683444.35372,8138392,173
Orleans County73Albion182452.4942,8838172,116
Oswego County75Oswego181693.07122,1091,3123,398
Otsego County77Cooperstown179162.0762,2591,0032,598
Putnam County79Carmel Hamlet1812405.3399,710246637
Queens County81none (sui generis)168312,512.462,230,722178.28462
Rensselaer County83Troy1791239.74159,4296651,722
Richmond County85none (sui generis)16834,572.98468,730102.5265
Rockland County87New City17981,566.27311,687199515
St. Lawrence County89Canton180239.68111,9442,8217,306
Saratoga County91Ballston Spa1791260.2219,6078442,186
Schenectady County93Schenectady1809736.8154,727210544
Schoharie County95Schoharie179551.8432,7496261,621
Schuyler County97Watkins Glen185453.6318,343342886
Seneca County99Waterloo1804108.4635,251325842
Steuben County101Bath179670.5198,9901,4043,636
Suffolk County103Riverhead1683629.311,493,3502,3736,146
Sullivan County105Monticello180977.7877,5479972,582
Tioga County107Owego179197.7551,1255231,355
Tompkins County109Ithaca1817213.37101,5644761,233
Ulster County111Kingston1683157.19182,4931,1613,007
Warren County113Queensbury181375.5365,7078702,253
Washington County115Fort Edward177274.7263,2168462,191
Wayne County117Lyons182367.7593,7721,3843,585
Westchester County119White Plains16831,898.23949,1135001,295
Wyoming County121Warsaw184170.7342,1555961,544
Yates County123Penn Yan182367.4125,348376974


List of Major Cities in New York State

City Name Population (2020 Census) County Region Key Features Additional Notes
New York City 8,804,190 Multiple Counties (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond) Downstate Global financial hub, cultural center, home to landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square Largest city in the United States; composed of five boroughs.
Buffalo 278,349 Erie Western Known for proximity to Niagara Falls and as a center for commerce and culture Second-largest city in New York State.
Rochester 211,328 Monroe Western Famous for innovation, universities, and cultural institutions Home to the University of Rochester and major corporations.
Yonkers 211,569 Westchester Downstate Suburban city near New York City with historic and cultural significance Fourth-largest city in the state.
Syracuse 148,620 Onondaga Central Known for Syracuse University and the New York State Fair Major hub for education and healthcare.
Albany 99,224 Albany Capital District State capital, known for its rich history and government institutions One of the oldest cities in the United States.
New Rochelle 79,726 Westchester Downstate Residential city with historical landmarks Located near New York City, offering suburban living.
Schenectady 67,047 Schenectady Capital District Historic city known for its innovation and as the birthplace of General Electric Part of the Albany metropolitan area.
Utica 65,283 Oneida Central Known for its cultural diversity and historic sites Located near the Mohawk Valley.
White Plains 59,559 Westchester Downstate Commercial hub with retail and business districts Close proximity to New York City.
Binghamton 47,969 Broome Southern Tier Known as the "Carousel Capital of the World" Home to Binghamton University.
Niagara Falls 48,671 Niagara Western Famous for Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination Located on the Canadian border.


List of Metropolitan Areas in New York State

Metropolitan Area Population (2020 Census) Major Cities Counties Included Key Features
New York City Metropolitan Area 20,140,470 New York City, Yonkers, White Plains Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland Global financial center, cultural hub, and largest metro area in the U.S.
Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls Metropolitan Area 1,166,902 Buffalo, Niagara Falls Erie, Niagara Proximity to Niagara Falls and major industrial and educational centers.
Rochester Metropolitan Area 1,090,135 Rochester, Irondequoit, Greece Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, Orleans Known for innovation, universities, and the Finger Lakes region.
Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Area 880,381 Albany, Schenectady, Troy Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga Capital District with rich history and government institutions.
Syracuse Metropolitan Area 662,057 Syracuse Onondaga, Oswego, Madison Home to Syracuse University and a hub for Central New York.
Binghamton Metropolitan Area 247,138 Binghamton Broome, Tioga Known for its technology and educational institutions, including Binghamton University.
Utica-Rome Metropolitan Area 292,264 Utica, Rome Oneida, Herkimer Known for manufacturing, agriculture, and cultural diversity.
Kingston Metropolitan Area 177,151 Kingston Ulster Located in the Hudson Valley, known for historical landmarks and tourism.
Glens Falls Metropolitan Area 125,034 Glens Falls Warren, Washington Gateway to the Adirondacks and known for its natural beauty.
Ithaca Metropolitan Area 102,793 Ithaca Tompkins Home to Cornell University and known for the Finger Lakes region.


New York State

New York State, located in the northeastern United States, is a hub of cultural, economic, and geographic diversity. Spanning an area of 54,555 square miles, it is the 27th largest state by size and the fourth most populous with a population of over 19.8 million as of the 2020 Census. Known as the Empire State, New York has played a significant role in the nation’s history, development, and global influence.



Geography

New York’s geography includes a mix of mountains, valleys, rivers, and coastal areas. It shares borders with Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The state is divided into several regions:





History

New York State has a rich history dating back to its settlement by the Dutch in 1624 as New Amsterdam. It became a British colony in 1664 and was a key battleground during the American Revolutionary War. In 1788, New York became the 11th state to join the Union. Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, served as the gateway for millions of immigrants between 1892 and 1954.



Demographics

New York is a diverse state with a multicultural population. The largest city, New York City, is home to over 8.8 million people, representing one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse populations in the world. Other major cities include Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse.



Economy

New York’s economy is one of the largest in the world, with a gross state product (GSP) of over $1.9 trillion as of 2021. Key sectors include:



Education

New York boasts some of the nation’s top educational institutions, including Cornell University, Columbia University, and New York University. The State University of New York (SUNY) system provides affordable higher education across 64 campuses.



Transportation

New York has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including:





Climate

The state experiences a humid continental climate in upstate regions, with cold winters and warm summers. Coastal areas like Long Island have a humid subtropical climate. Average annual precipitation ranges from 40 to 50 inches, with significant snowfall in areas near the Great Lakes.



Tourism and Culture

New York is a cultural and tourist destination, offering:





History of New York State

New York State has a rich and diverse history that reflects its role as a cornerstone of American development. From its early Native American inhabitants to its prominence in the Revolutionary War and industrial age, New York has been central to the growth and identity of the United States. This history spans centuries and includes pivotal events, economic transformation, and cultural evolution.



Pre-Colonial Era

Before European settlement, New York was home to several Native American tribes, including the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) and the Algonquian-speaking tribes. The Iroquois Confederacy, composed of six nations, was a powerful alliance known for its sophisticated political and social systems. The region’s natural resources, including fertile land, rivers, and forests, supported agriculture, hunting, and trade among these indigenous communities.



Colonial Period



Dutch Settlement

In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English explorer sailing for the Dutch, discovered the Hudson River. By 1624, the Dutch had established the colony of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island and along the Hudson River. The colony became a hub for trade, particularly in furs, and laid the foundation for New York’s economic importance.



English Control

In 1664, the English captured New Amsterdam, renaming it New York after the Duke of York. The colony grew rapidly, attracting settlers from various European nations. By the mid-18th century, New York was a center for commerce, agriculture, and shipping.



Revolutionary War Era



Strategic Importance

New York played a critical role in the American Revolution due to its geographic location and economic significance. The state was the site of several key battles, including the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which marked a turning point in the war. New York City served as a British stronghold for much of the conflict.



Declaration of Independence

On July 9, 1776, New York endorsed the Declaration of Independence, officially committing to the fight for American freedom. In 1788, New York became the 11th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.



19th Century: Expansion and Transformation



Erie Canal

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, revolutionizing trade and transportation. The canal turned New York City into the nation’s premier port and spurred economic growth throughout the state.



Abolition and Reform Movements

New York was a center for abolitionist activity, with figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman leading efforts to end slavery. The state also played a key role in the women’s suffrage movement, with the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls in 1848.



Immigration and Growth

During the 19th century, millions of immigrants, particularly from Ireland, Germany, and Italy, entered the United States through Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor. These new arrivals contributed to the rapid growth of cities and industries across the state.



20th Century: Industrialization and Leadership



Industrial Revolution

New York became a leader in manufacturing, finance, and culture. Cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse thrived as centers of innovation and industry, producing goods such as steel, machinery, and textiles.



World Wars and Economic Power

During World War I and World War II, New York played a critical role in the war effort, supplying troops and materials. After the wars, the state emerged as a global economic powerhouse, with New York City at its center.



Civil Rights and Social Movements

The state was a hub for the Civil Rights Movement and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, including the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, which marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ activism.



Modern Era



Global Influence

Today, New York is a global leader in finance, culture, and innovation. Landmarks like the World Trade Center, rebuilt after the 9/11 attacks, symbolize resilience and progress. The state continues to attract people from around the world, contributing to its vibrant, diverse identity.



Economic and Cultural Impact

New York’s economy is one of the largest in the world, with industries spanning finance, technology, agriculture, and tourism. Cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Broadway theaters, and iconic sites such as Niagara Falls draw millions of visitors annually.



Geography of New York State

New York State, located in the northeastern United States, is characterized by diverse landscapes that range from rugged mountains and fertile valleys to expansive lakes and bustling urban areas. Covering an area of 54,555 square miles, it is the 27th largest state in the country. New York's geography plays a critical role in its climate, economy, and cultural identity, making it one of the most dynamic states in the nation.



Major Regions



Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondack Mountains dominate northern New York, encompassing over 6 million acres of protected land. This region includes Mount Marcy, the state’s highest peak at 5,344 feet. Known for its dense forests, glacial lakes, and outdoor recreation, the Adirondacks are a key feature of New York’s geography.



Catskill Mountains

Located in southeastern New York, the Catskill Mountains are part of the Appalachian Plateau. Formed by ancient river systems, the region is known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. The highest peak, Slide Mountain, rises to 4,180 feet.



Hudson River Valley

The Hudson River Valley stretches from the Adirondacks to New York City, offering fertile agricultural land and stunning landscapes. The Hudson River, which is 315 miles long, serves as a vital waterway for commerce and transportation.



Long Island

Long Island, extending southeast from New York City, features a mix of suburban communities, sandy beaches, and maritime activity. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean influences its mild climate, making it a popular residential and tourist destination.



Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region in central New York is home to 11 narrow, glacially carved lakes. The largest, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, are renowned for their vineyards and agriculture. This region is a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation.



Water Bodies



Great Lakes

New York borders two of the Great Lakes: Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These lakes are integral to the state’s economy and provide drinking water, transportation routes, and recreational opportunities.



Rivers



Lakes

In addition to the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes, New York is home to numerous other lakes, including Lake Champlain, which forms part of the eastern border, and Chautauqua Lake in western New York.



Climate

New York experiences a humid continental climate in most areas, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Coastal regions, such as Long Island, have a humid subtropical climate with milder winters and hot summers. Snowfall is significant in areas near the Great Lakes due to the lake-effect phenomenon.



Natural Resources

New York's geography provides abundant natural resources, including:



Human Geography



Urban Areas

New York City, the largest urban area in the state, is a global hub for finance, culture, and commerce. Other major cities include Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, each contributing to the state’s economic and cultural diversity.



Rural Areas

Upstate New York is predominantly rural, with small towns and agricultural landscapes. The Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions are particularly known for their vineyards, orchards, and dairy farms.



Environmental Challenges



Coastal Erosion

Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten coastal areas, particularly on Long Island and along the Hudson River.



Urbanization

Rapid urban growth poses challenges such as pollution, habitat loss, and increased demand for infrastructure.



Economy of New York State

New York State has one of the largest and most diverse economies in the world, contributing significantly to the overall economic output of the United States. With a gross state product (GSP) of over $1.9 trillion in 2021, it ranks third among U.S. states, following California and Texas. The state’s economy is driven by a blend of finance, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, with New York City serving as a global financial hub.



Key Sectors of the Economy



Finance and Banking

New York is the financial capital of the world, with Wall Street in New York City at the center of global finance. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are the largest stock exchanges by market capitalization. The finance sector contributes approximately 18% of the state’s GDP, with major banks and investment firms headquartered in Manhattan.



Technology

The technology sector is a growing contributor to New York’s economy. The state is home to Silicon Alley in New York City, a hub for tech startups, software development, and media innovation. Upstate New York, particularly in areas like Rochester and Albany, is known for research and development in fields such as nanotechnology and renewable energy.



Manufacturing

Manufacturing remains a vital part of the state’s economy, contributing over $60 billion annually. Key industries include food processing, electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. The Hudson Valley and Western New York are notable manufacturing centers.



Agriculture

Agriculture plays a significant role in upstate New York, with the state ranking among the top producers of dairy products, apples, and wine. New York has over 35,000 farms, covering 7 million acres. The Finger Lakes region is particularly famous for its vineyards and wine production.



Tourism

Tourism is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, attracting over 250 million visitors annually. Iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, Times Square, and the Adirondack Mountains contribute billions of dollars in revenue. The industry supports thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail, and entertainment.



Trade and Transportation



Ports

The Port of New York and New Jersey is one of the busiest in the United States, facilitating the movement of goods domestically and internationally. Exports include machinery, chemicals, and agricultural products, while imports include textiles, electronics, and vehicles.



Air Travel

New York’s airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, are major gateways for international and domestic travel, handling millions of passengers and cargo annually.



Employment and Workforce

New York has a workforce of over 9.2 million people, with a diverse range of industries. The state’s unemployment rate fluctuates with national trends but remains relatively low due to its economic diversity. Key employment sectors include healthcare, education, professional services, and retail.



Challenges Facing the Economy



Income Inequality

New York has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the United States, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas.



Infrastructure

Although the state has an extensive transportation network, aging infrastructure requires significant investment to maintain efficiency and safety.



Climate Change

Environmental challenges such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose risks to coastal cities and agricultural regions.



Future Outlook

New York’s economy is expected to continue growing, driven by advancements in technology, green energy, and global trade. Initiatives to invest in infrastructure and address income disparities are critical for sustained economic development.



Demographics of New York State

New York State is the fourth most populous state in the United States, with a population of 19,835,913 as of the 2020 Census. Known for its cultural and ethnic diversity, New York's demographics reflect a vibrant blend of people from different backgrounds, contributing to its global prominence. The state's urban centers, suburban communities, and rural areas exhibit distinct demographic patterns.



Population Distribution



Urban Areas

Nearly 63% of New York's population resides in urban areas, with New York City alone housing over 8.8 million residents, making it the largest city in the United States. Other major urban areas include Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse.



Rural Areas

Rural regions in upstate New York, such as the Adirondacks and the Southern Tier, are sparsely populated compared to downstate areas. These regions account for approximately 15% of the state’s population and are characterized by small towns and agricultural communities.



Ethnic and Racial Composition





Age Distribution

New York's population is relatively balanced in terms of age distribution:



Languages

New York is linguistically diverse, with over 30% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The most commonly spoken languages include:



Religious Affiliation

New York's religious landscape is diverse, with the following distribution:



Education

New York has a highly educated population:



Economic Demographics

The median household income in New York is approximately $71,117, slightly higher than the national average. However, income levels vary widely between urban and rural areas, with New York City and its suburbs having significantly higher median incomes.



Challenges and Trends



Population Decline

Recent census data indicates a slight population decline in certain upstate regions due to economic challenges and outmigration.



Urbanization

Urban areas continue to grow, attracting immigrants and young professionals, while rural areas face population stagnation.