RANK #112 / 996 · POP 60,293 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.7%
Herkimer County, located in central New York State, is known for its "Herkimer diamonds," which are unique quartz crystals found in the area. The county sits northwest of Albany and east of Syracuse, with the northern part extending into the Adirondack Park. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, with an average commute time of 25.7 minutes. Bus services are available for longer distances, including routes to New York City. The community offers a blend of small-town warmth and access to outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, lakes, and the historic Erie Canal.
Life in Herkimer County offers affordability and a focus on community. The housing market is generally more accessible than in larger urban areas, appealing to young families, retirees, and remote workers seeking more space. Local school districts, such as Herkimer Central School District and Central Valley Central School District, serve the area. The economy is seeing efforts towards diversification, with recent state grants supporting the redevelopment of the former Remington Arms factory site in Ilion to attract new manufacturers and high-tech employers.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Herkimer County has a Boom Town Index score of 89/100, ranking #112 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.4% and a median household income of $68,104, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Herkimer County is $130,900 with median rent at $776/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.5203, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.4%. Home values changed +3.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.02% of Herkimer County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.