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.
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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 |
County | FIPS Code | County Seat | Established in | Population Density (Per/mi2) | Population (2010) | Area (sq mi) | Area (km2) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany County | 1 | Albany | 1683 | 570.74 | 304,204 | 533 | 1,380 |
Allegany County | 3 | Belmont | 1806 | 47.34 | 48,946 | 1,034 | 2,678 |
Bronx County | 5 | none (sui generis) | 1914 | 24,118.20 | 1,385,108 | 57.43 | 149 |
Broome County | 7 | Binghamton | 1806 | 280.56 | 200,600 | 715 | 1,852 |
Cattaraugus County | 9 | Little Valley | 1808 | 61.31 | 80,317 | 1,310 | 3,393 |
Cayuga County | 11 | Auburn | 1799 | 92.62 | 80,026 | 864 | 2,238 |
Chautauqua County | 13 | Mayville | 1808 | 89.94 | 134,905 | 1,500 | 3,885 |
Chemung County | 15 | Elmira | 1836 | 216.23 | 88,830 | 410.81 | 1,064 |
Chenango County | 17 | Norwich | 1798 | 56.16 | 50,477 | 898.85 | 2,328 |
Clinton County | 19 | Plattsburgh | 1788 | 73.46 | 82,128 | 1,118 | 2,896 |
Columbia County | 21 | Hudson | 1786 | 97.37 | 63,096 | 648 | 1,678 |
Cortland County | 23 | Cortland | 1808 | 98.28 | 49,336 | 502 | 1,300 |
Delaware County | 25 | Delhi | 1797 | 32.68 | 47,980 | 1,468 | 3,802 |
Dutchess County | 27 | Poughkeepsie | 1683 | 360.59 | 297,488 | 825 | 2,137 |
Erie County | 29 | Buffalo | 1821 | 749.02 | 919,040 | 1,227 | 3,178 |
Essex County | 31 | Elizabethtown | 1799 | 20.55 | 39,370 | 1,916 | 4,962 |
Franklin County | 33 | Malone | 1808 | 30.41 | 51,599 | 1,697 | 4,395 |
Fulton County | 35 | Johnstown | 1838 | 104.19 | 55,531 | 533 | 1,380 |
Genesee County | 37 | Batavia | 1802 | 121.37 | 60,079 | 495 | 1,282 |
Greene County | 39 | Catskill | 1800 | 74.8 | 49,221 | 658 | 1,704 |
Hamilton County | 41 | Lake Pleasant | 1816 | 2.67 | 4,836 | 1,808 | 4,683 |
Herkimer County | 43 | Herkimer | 1791 | 44.25 | 64,519 | 1,458 | 3,776 |
Jefferson County | 45 | Watertown | 1805 | 62.59 | 116,229 | 1,857 | 4,810 |
Kings County | 47 | none (sui generis) | 1683 | 25,848.30 | 2,504,700 | 96.9 | 251 |
Lewis County | 49 | Lowville | 1805 | 21 | 27,087 | 1,290 | 3,341 |
Livingston County | 51 | Geneseo | 1821 | 102.18 | 65,393 | 640 | 1,658 |
Madison County | 53 | Wampsville | 1806 | 110.94 | 73,442 | 662 | 1,715 |
Monroe County | 55 | Rochester | 1821 | 544.91 | 744,344 | 1,366 | 3,538 |
Montgomery County | 57 | Fonda | 1772 | 122.49 | 50,219 | 410 | 1,062 |
Nassau County | 59 | Mineola | 1899 | 2,957.02 | 1,339,532 | 453 | 1,173 |
New York County | 61 | none (sui generis) | 1683 | 46,961.00 | 1,585,873 | 33.77 | 87 |
Niagara County | 63 | Lockport | 1808 | 189.89 | 216,469 | 1,140 | 2,953 |
Oneida County | 65 | Utica | 1798 | 193.63 | 234,878 | 1,213 | 3,142 |
Onondaga County | 67 | Syracuse | 1792 | 579.44 | 467,026 | 806 | 2,088 |
Ontario County | 69 | Canandaigua | 1789 | 163.04 | 107,931 | 662 | 1,715 |
Orange County | 71 | Goshen | 1683 | 444.35 | 372,813 | 839 | 2,173 |
Orleans County | 73 | Albion | 1824 | 52.49 | 42,883 | 817 | 2,116 |
Oswego County | 75 | Oswego | 1816 | 93.07 | 122,109 | 1,312 | 3,398 |
Otsego County | 77 | Cooperstown | 1791 | 62.07 | 62,259 | 1,003 | 2,598 |
Putnam County | 79 | Carmel Hamlet | 1812 | 405.33 | 99,710 | 246 | 637 |
Queens County | 81 | none (sui generis) | 1683 | 12,512.46 | 2,230,722 | 178.28 | 462 |
Rensselaer County | 83 | Troy | 1791 | 239.74 | 159,429 | 665 | 1,722 |
Richmond County | 85 | none (sui generis) | 1683 | 4,572.98 | 468,730 | 102.5 | 265 |
Rockland County | 87 | New City | 1798 | 1,566.27 | 311,687 | 199 | 515 |
St. Lawrence County | 89 | Canton | 1802 | 39.68 | 111,944 | 2,821 | 7,306 |
Saratoga County | 91 | Ballston Spa | 1791 | 260.2 | 219,607 | 844 | 2,186 |
Schenectady County | 93 | Schenectady | 1809 | 736.8 | 154,727 | 210 | 544 |
Schoharie County | 95 | Schoharie | 1795 | 51.84 | 32,749 | 626 | 1,621 |
Schuyler County | 97 | Watkins Glen | 1854 | 53.63 | 18,343 | 342 | 886 |
Seneca County | 99 | Waterloo | 1804 | 108.46 | 35,251 | 325 | 842 |
Steuben County | 101 | Bath | 1796 | 70.51 | 98,990 | 1,404 | 3,636 |
Suffolk County | 103 | Riverhead | 1683 | 629.31 | 1,493,350 | 2,373 | 6,146 |
Sullivan County | 105 | Monticello | 1809 | 77.78 | 77,547 | 997 | 2,582 |
Tioga County | 107 | Owego | 1791 | 97.75 | 51,125 | 523 | 1,355 |
Tompkins County | 109 | Ithaca | 1817 | 213.37 | 101,564 | 476 | 1,233 |
Ulster County | 111 | Kingston | 1683 | 157.19 | 182,493 | 1,161 | 3,007 |
Warren County | 113 | Queensbury | 1813 | 75.53 | 65,707 | 870 | 2,253 |
Washington County | 115 | Fort Edward | 1772 | 74.72 | 63,216 | 846 | 2,191 |
Wayne County | 117 | Lyons | 1823 | 67.75 | 93,772 | 1,384 | 3,585 |
Westchester County | 119 | White Plains | 1683 | 1,898.23 | 949,113 | 500 | 1,295 |
Wyoming County | 121 | Warsaw | 1841 | 70.73 | 42,155 | 596 | 1,544 |
Yates County | 123 | Penn Yan | 1823 | 67.41 | 25,348 | 376 | 974 |
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. |
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, 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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
New York has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including:
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.
New York is a cultural and tourist destination, offering:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New York's geography provides abundant natural resources, including:
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.
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.
Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten coastal areas, particularly on Long Island and along the Hudson River.
Rapid urban growth poses challenges such as pollution, habitat loss, and increased demand for infrastructure.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
New York has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the United States, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas.
Although the state has an extensive transportation network, aging infrastructure requires significant investment to maintain efficiency and safety.
Environmental challenges such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose risks to coastal cities and agricultural regions.
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.
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.
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 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.
New York's population is relatively balanced in terms of age distribution:
New York is linguistically diverse, with over 30% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The most commonly spoken languages include:
New York's religious landscape is diverse, with the following distribution:
New York has a highly educated population:
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.
Recent census data indicates a slight population decline in certain upstate regions due to economic challenges and outmigration.
Urban areas continue to grow, attracting immigrants and young professionals, while rural areas face population stagnation.