RANK #376 / 996 · POP 182,153 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Ulster County, New York, distinguishes itself with a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, particularly within the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. Kingston, the county seat, served as New York's first capital in 1777 and features three historic districts, including the Uptown Stockade District with its Dutch colonial architecture. The county is located about 90 minutes north of New York City, offering a balance of urban amenities and natural landscapes. Commute options to New York City and Albany are available via bus services like Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) and Trailways, with train connections in nearby Poughkeepsie. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with over 250,000 acres of protected land, 350 miles of trails, and access to the Catskill Park, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and Mohonk Preserve, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing.
Life in Ulster County attracts a mix of residents, including families, remote workers, and those seeking an active lifestyle. The public school system is generally above average, with districts like New Paltz and Onteora recognized for their high schools. The economy is diverse, with significant employment in healthcare, education, and retail. Recent economic developments focus on strengthening the agricultural sector through grant programs and loan funds, and investments are flowing into commercial and residential projects, including hospitality and agritourism. The county also supports its innovation ecosystem and workforce development through partnerships with local educational institutions.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Alcazar Energy Storage Project
Terra-Gen (subsidiary Alcazar ESS, LLC)
|
$250M | Proposed |
|
Marlboro Storage Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$100M | Planned |
|
Marlborough Resort
Undisclosed
|
$89M | Planned |
|
Zinc8 Energy Solutions Manufacturing Facility and US Headquarters
Zinc8 Energy Solutions, USA
|
$68M | Under Construction |
|
Creek Meadows Multi-Family Development
Chandrika D Patel
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Clearway Community Solar, YSG Solar)
|
$50M | Operating/Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ulster County has a Boom Town Index score of 62/100, ranking #376 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.8% and a median household income of $77,197, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ulster County is $288,400 with median rent at $1,269/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2677, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.8%. Home values changed +2.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.8% of Ulster County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.