Columbia County Real Estate and Livability Trends

Over the past eight years in Columbia County, New York, median home values have climbed from $222,100 in 2015 to $283,700 in 2022, outpacing national growth but still trailing behind the New York State average of $384,100. Real estate tax burdens have also surged, from $6,507.00 in 2012 to a peak of $10,775.52 in 2021, potentially influencing property investment decisions. Residential energy tax... credits reached a high of $4,392.31 in 2018, signifying a focus on energy efficiency, while farm tax returns have declined from 1.31% in 2012 to 0.98% in 2021, hinting at a shrinking agricultural sector. The surge in principal residence mortgages in 2021 could reflect shifts in local real estate demand, crucial for market participants to understand for effective planning and decision-making. Read more

Columbia County, New York, has seen a significant rise in taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, jumping from about $62,648.66 in 2013 to $101,366.80 in 2021. This sharp increase, especially in the last two years, might signal a burgeoning economy or an influx of higher-income residents. Additionally, state and local income taxes in the county have surged from $8,672.15 in 2012 to $29,997.75 in 2021, potentially impacting living costs and investment attractiveness. The county's... rising total tax liability per tax return, averaging $19,676.97 in 2021, further underscores these trends and could reflect either an economic boom or shifting demographics. These changes are crucial for real estate agents, appraisers, and investors considering opportunities in the area. Read more

Columbia County, New York has seen notable fluctuations in property crime over the past five years. Larceny – Theft incidents dropped dramatically from 238.00 in 2018 to a low of 9.00 in 2021, then bounced back to 120.00 in 2022. Burglary arrests also varied, peaking at 36.00 in 2019 and falling to just 1.00 in 2021. Vandalism incidents decreased from 65.00 in 2018 to 11.00 in 2021, with a minor uptick afterward. These shifting dynamics suggest there's improvement in certain crime areas but... highlight a need for ongoing investment in community safety and local law enforcement efforts. Read more

In Columbia County, New York, demographic trends suggest a nearly balanced gender distribution with slightly more females than males. Educational attainment reveals a notable percentage of the population has a high school diploma or higher, with a significant number holding bachelor's and graduate degrees, which could imply a reasonably educated workforce. The age structure indicates a larger portion of the population is aging, particularly those aged 55 to 74 years, potentially affecting local... healthcare and social services. The racial composition is predominantly White, with smaller proportions of Black, Asian, and other racial groups, hinting at a relatively homogenous community but with emerging diversity. Read more

In Columbia County, New York, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election results revealed a Democratic-leaning electorate, with about 57% of votes going to the Democratic Party and around 40% to Republicans. Smaller parties like the Libertarians and Greens garnered roughly 1% and 0.5% respectively, while non-major party candidates attracted about 1%. This distribution hints at a political landscape that heavily favors the Democratic Party but also shows modest interest in alternative... parties. Read more

Columbia County, New York has seen its student-to-teacher ratios decline from 11 students per teacher in 2014 to just below 10 by 2023. With the national average at 14, this could suggest more personalized learning experiences. Families thinking of relocating, education sector investors, and real estate agents might find this appealing due to the quality of education. Lower ratios could also influence property appraisals and insurance risk assessments, as educational quality often marks... community desirability. Read more