RANK #108 / 996 · POP 112,288 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.8%
Canandaigua, a historic city on the lake of the same name, stands out in Ontario County, New York, known for its scenic beauty and role as the county seat. Located about 30 minutes southeast of Rochester, the county offers a blend of small-city, suburban, village, and rural living. The region is characterized by its glacial Finger Lakes, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. Commute options include regional bus services, and major roadways like the New York State Thruway, Routes 5 & 20, and Route 96 offer access to neighboring communities.
Life in Ontario County appeals to families and those seeking a quieter pace, with public schools generally performing above average. The local economy, historically rooted in agriculture and tourism, particularly the Finger Lakes wine region, is experiencing shifts. Recent economic developments show a focus on attracting new residents and businesses, with major investments in energy infrastructure and high-tech industries. However, housing development faces challenges due to electrical grid capacity issues, impacting the growth of new residential projects.
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Resilient New York Energy Storage
Undisclosed (Planned for Richmond, NY)
|
$349M | Planned |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (NY CDG Ontario 2, LLC, AEP Onsite Partners, Argos Solar LLC, Abundant Solar Power Inc., Forefront Power LLC, Environomics, etc.)
|
$50M | Operating/Planned |
|
Ontario County Freight Rail Corridor Development Plans
Genesee Transportation Council / Ontario County
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ontario County has a Boom Town Index score of 89/100, ranking #108 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.2% and a median household income of $76,603, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ontario County is $192,800 with median rent at $1,061/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3973, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.2%. Home values changed +4.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.26% of Ontario County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.