Tompkins County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in New York
The population of Tompkins County, New York is 102,879 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $73,012, the median home value is $271,500, and the median age is 32.8.
The population of Tompkins County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (101,743 → 105,602), a +0.27% annualized rate.
102,879
Population
+0.27%
Annual growth
217
People / sq mi
$73,012
Median Income
$271,500
Median Home Value
Tompkins County covers 475 sq mi of land at 216.7 people per square mile.
About Tompkins County, NY
Tompkins County is defined demographically by education — 59.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Tompkins County is a county in New York with a population of 102,879. It ranks #28 among counties in New York by population.
Households take in a median $73,012, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.9%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $271,500, with typical rent around $1,374.
Tompkins County is among the best-educated US counties: 59.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 19.0% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Tompkins County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Tompkins County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Tompkins County had a population of 101,743 in 2010 and 105,602 in 2024, a 3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 105,974 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.28%.
105,602
Population (2024)
101,743
Population (2010)
105,974
Peak (2021)
0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 101,743 |
| 2011 | 101,861 |
| 2012 | 102,800 |
| 2013 | 103,668 |
| 2014 | 103,530 |
| 2015 | 103,187 |
| 2016 | 103,042 |
| 2017 | 102,731 |
| 2018 | 102,382 |
| 2019 | 101,971 |
| 2020 | 99,778 |
| 2021 | 105,974 |
| 2022 | 105,827 |
| 2023 | 105,505 |
| 2024 | 105,602 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.8% |
| Black or African American | 4.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.8
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.8% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $73,012$-11,566 vs state |
| Mean household income | $102,676 |
| Per-capita income | $42,505 |
| Poverty rate | 5.9%-3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Tompkins County is professional & business services, accounting for 48.0% of workers.
How residents commute
5.4%
Drive alone
10.4%
Carpool
53.3%
Public transit
19.0%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$271,500$-131,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,374
Median rent
53.8%
Homeownership rate
47,362
Total housing units
91.4%
Occupied
8.6%
Vacant
46.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.8%
With health insurance
96.4%
With broadband internet
30.4%
Foreign-born
3.8%
Veterans (18+)
12.0%
With a disability
84.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.9%
High School+
59.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Tompkins County, New York has a population of 102,879 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in New York. Population density is 217 people per square mile.
The population of Tompkins County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (101,743 → 105,602), a +0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Tompkins County, New York is $73,012, with mean (average) household income of $102,676 and per-capita income of $42,505. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Tompkins County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.8%), Black or African American (4.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Tompkins County, New York is 32.8 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Tompkins County is $271,500 and median monthly rent is $1,374. 53.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 47,362 total housing units, 8.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Tompkins County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 48.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Tompkins County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
Tompkins County, NY Climate
Tompkins County, NY has an average annual temperature of 8.2°C (47°F) and receives about 936 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.2°C
Avg Temp
936
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 54 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 53 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 65 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 81 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 82 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 98 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 92 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 85 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 96 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 81 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 81 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 68 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Tompkins County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Tompkins County, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Tompkins County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.