Elmira
RANK #270 / 996 NAT · #16 / 45 NY · POP 83,584
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +30%
Chemung County, located in the Southern Tier of Central New York State, is known as "Mark Twain Country" because the author spent over 20 summers writing in Elmira. The county seat, Elmira, is also recognized as the "Soaring Capital of America," with Harris Hill hosting national soaring competitions since 1930. Situated along the Pennsylvania border, Chemung County is considered the "Gateway to the Finger Lakes" region, offering scenic drives through rolling hills. Commuting options within the county include local bus routes serving Elmira and Horseheads, with some extending to nearby cities like Corning and Ithaca. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, with numerous parks, nature preserves like Tanglewood Nature Center, and trails for hiking and other activities.
Life in Chemung County offers a suburban-rural feel, with many residents owning their homes. The community is characterized by a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere and a strong sense of togetherness, evident in local events. Public schools in towns like Horseheads, Elmira, and Big Flats are generally well-regarded. The economy is experiencing revitalization, with public and private investments expanding housing options and improving business districts. Efforts are underway to develop a strategic economic plan that considers workforce, housing, and quality of place. The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency provides incentives for projects that positively impact the local economy, including support for industrial infrastructure.
Below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Southern Tier CO2 to Clean Energy Solutions (STS) - Natural Gas & Carbon Capture Hub
Southern Tier CO2 to Clean Energy Solutions LLC
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (Generate Capital, Altus Power America Management, LLC, etc.)
|
$50M | Operating/Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 73/100, Chemung County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.4%, and median household income stands at $61,358 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NY.
By national standards, Chemung County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $128,200, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.48 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $991/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
It's a mixed picture in Chemung County. The population is declining (-1.0% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +1.4%. Home values moved +1.5% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
Not particularly — 1.91% of Chemung County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.