RANK #3 / 996 · POP 118,037 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +5.4%
Oswego County, New York, distinguishes itself with its position on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario, offering residents access to extensive freshwater recreation and scenic views. The city of Oswego, the county seat, serves as a major port on the Great Lakes and is home to SUNY Oswego. Commutes within the county are generally short, with an average one-way time of 17 minutes in Oswego city. The county's landscape, featuring dense forests, rivers, and waterfalls, provides opportunities for fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, and boating. Public transit options, including Oswego County Public Transit (OPT) and connections to Centro bus services, facilitate travel throughout the area.
Life in Oswego County offers a blend of suburban and rural communities, appealing to families and individuals seeking a connection to the outdoors. The local economy is influenced by its energy production, with two nuclear power plants and multiple hydroelectric facilities located within the county. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and downtown revitalization projects in cities like Oswego and Fulton. These initiatives aim to strengthen the workforce and attract new businesses, contributing to job growth and infrastructure enhancements.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.2x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Oswego County has a Boom Town Index score of 100/100, ranking #3 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $65,054, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Oswego County is $131,800 with median rent at $899/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4936, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +3.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.4% of Oswego County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.