RANK #337 / 996 · POP 61,310 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Washington County, New York, known as the "Slate Capital of the World" for its unique red slate, sits at the eastern edge of New York, bordering Vermont. This largely rural and agricultural county is approximately 50 miles from Albany, the state capital. Commuting options include Amtrak service from Fort Edward and Whitehall, and bus services like Adirondack Trailways. The community offers a tranquil atmosphere with a focus on its natural landscape, bordered by Lake George and the Hudson River. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing at Willard Mountain.
Life in Washington County is characterized by close-knit communities and a relatively low cost of living. The county is home to families, agricultural professionals, and creative entrepreneurs. While agriculture remains a cornerstone, manufacturing is the largest employment sector, with companies involved in medical instruments, paper products, and electronic components. The county is also seeing growth in healthcare and wellness services. Recent economic development efforts include the establishment of a land bank to revitalize properties and initiatives to foster private-sector industries.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Fort Edward Solar Project
Boralex
|
$100M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Washington County has a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, ranking #337 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.2% and a median household income of $68,703, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Washington County is $176,900 with median rent at $964/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3884, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.2%. Home values changed +1.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.3% of Washington County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.