Utica
RANK #135 / 996 NAT · #5 / 45 NY · POP 231,055
1YR FORECAST: +4.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
Oneida County, New York, distinguishes itself with a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, situated in the central part of the state, east of Syracuse and west of Albany. The county seat, Utica, offers a dynamic arts scene, while Rome is recognized for its military history, including Fort Stanwix National Monument. A portion of the Adirondack Park lies within the county's northeastern section, and Oneida Lake borders its northwestern corner, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Commutes within the county are often short, allowing for more personal time.
Life in Oneida County offers a balance of community and access to nature. Families benefit from local schools, including top-ranked New Hartford Senior High School and Whitesboro High School. The economy is diverse, with ongoing investments in sectors like data centers and manufacturing. Tourism also plays a significant role, contributing to local businesses and generating tax revenue. Residents can access public transportation options, including bus services, connecting various communities within the county and to nearby cities.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.1x — 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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Wolfspeed Mohawk Valley Fab
Wolfspeed
|
$1,000M | Operating |
|
New York State Data Center (Utica Area)
New York State Legislature
|
$99M | Proposed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (13 projects)
Various (e.g., DOCCS Midstate, Whaling Solar, Distributed Solar Development, Onsite Partners, LLC)
|
$50M | Operating/Under Construction/Planned |
|
Cornhill Revitalization Public Realm Improvement Plan & Impact Centers
Oneida County, City of Utica, Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Oneida County ranks #135 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 86/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.6% and a median household income of $66,402 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Oneida County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $157,600, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.42 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $889/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Oneida County are hiring — job growth of +1.6% — but the population is close to flat (-0.4% YoY). Home values moved +7.4% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.1% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Oneida County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +7.4% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Oneida County is now valued at $157,600. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.