RANK #360 / 1001 NAT · #25 / 45 NY · POP 238,284
1YR FORECAST: +2.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
Saratoga County, New York, is widely recognized for the Saratoga Race Course, an internationally renowned thoroughbred horse racing track that has operated since 1863. Located north of Albany, the county offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, serving as a gateway to the Adirondack Mountains and State Park. Commuting to Albany is feasible, and within the county, public transportation options like CDTA buses and a seasonal trolley are available, particularly in Saratoga Springs. The community provides diverse living environments, from the lively Saratoga Springs to quieter towns like Ballston Spa and Clifton Park, which are popular with families. Outdoor recreation is abundant, with opportunities for hiking, biking, golf, and water sports at places like Saratoga Spa State Park and Moreau Lake State Park.
Life in Saratoga County appeals to a range of residents, including families and those seeking a balance of urban amenities and natural surroundings. The public school districts, such as Saratoga Springs City School District and Shenendehowa Central School District, are highly rated. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor industry with companies like GlobalFoundries, and the expanding life sciences and healthcare sectors. Tourism, supported by attractions like the Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga Performing Arts Center, also remains a significant economic factor.
Saratoga County is one of 110 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.0% runs above the profile's typical +2.4%.
See all 110 Educated Suburban Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 12.8x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
GlobalFoundries Fab 8 Expansion
GlobalFoundries
|
$15,000M | Planned |
|
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Saratoga Springs Facility
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
The Reserve at Saratoga Springs (Affordable Housing)
NRP Group
|
$78M | Completed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Green Street Power Partners, US Light Energy)
|
$50M | Operating/Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 64/100, Saratoga County sits in the upper half of all 1001 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.3%, and median household income stands at $100,787 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NY.
Housing in Saratoga County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $348,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,394/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Saratoga County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.5% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.3% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +5.0% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.81% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Saratoga County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.