Orange-Rockland-Westchester

The Orange-Rockland-Westchester area is located in downstate New York in the Lower Hudson Valley and has a population of 1.7 million. Westchester County is the most densely populated of the three counties, and accounts for more than half of the population. The largest cities in the area include Yonkers, White Plains, and New Rochelle—all in Westchester County. Many residents commute from this region to New York City, though Westchester itself has become a major employment hub. Decades ago, manufacturing was a large employer, but today the share of workers in manufacturing is less than half the national share. The health and education sector had been adding jobs at a rapid clip prior to the pandemic, and, despite some job losses, it remains an important employer in the area. Leisure and hospitality had also been growing significantly and has rebounded from its pandemic lows. All three counties have above-average incomes, and educational attainment is high, particularly in Westchester County.

Economic and Demographic Trends
Orange-Rockland-Westchester New York City* Long Island New York State USA
Population1 1,744,000 8,804,000 2,922,000 20,201,000 331,449,000
Pop growth, 10-year change1 6.8% 7.7% 3.1% 4.2% 7.4%
GDP, billions1 $125 $1,022 $203 $1,725 $20,894
Job growth, 5-year change2 -4.1% -3.0% -4.4% -4.1% 1.2%
Median household income1 $82,000 $70,000 $114,260 $72,600 $67,000
Median home price1 $350,000 $650,000 $500,000 $350,000 $250,000
Pop share age 25+ with BA+1 38.8% 40.3% 45.6% 39.4% 35.1%


1 2020

2 2021

* Neighboring Metros

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; IPUMS USA-University of Minnesota. Data retrieved through data.census.gov, Moody's Economy.com, or directly from source.



Reports & Analysis
Regional Employment Trends (March 10, 2023)
Richard Deitz's Briefing on Regional Economic Conditions (March 7, 2023, New York State)
Press Briefing: Employment and Housing Conditions in the Second District (Nov 10, 2022)
A Look at the New York-Northern New Jersey Region’s Pandemic Housing Boom (Nov 10, 2022)
Jaison Abel's Briefing on Economic Conditions in the Region (Nov 5, 2021)
Severe Supply Disruptions Are Impeding Business Activity in the Region (Oct 21, 2021)
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