Westchester County, located in the state of New York, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was first inhabited by Native American tribes. The area was later settled by Dutch and English colonists, and played a significant role in the American Revolution as a strategic location for both British and American forces.
History
During the 19th century, Westchester became a hub for industry and transportation, with the construction of the Erie Canal and the New York Central Railroad.
The county also played a role in the abolitionist movement, with notable figures such as Frederick Douglass and John Brown speaking at local events.
In the 20th century, Westchester continued to grow and develop, becoming a popular suburban destination for New York City residents. The county is home to many historic landmarks, including the Philipse Manor Hall, which served as a headquarters for British forces during the Revolution, and the Lyndhurst Mansion, a Gothic Revival-style estate built in the mid-1800s.
Population
Westchester County, NY had a population of 969k people in 2020, with a median age of 41.1 and a median household income of $99,489.
The largest ethnic groups in the county were White (Non-Hispanic) at 52.7%, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 13.4%, Other (Hispanic) at 11%, White (Hispanic) at 9.05%, and Asian (Non-Hispanic) at 6.05%.
The county borders Fairfield County, CT, Bergen County, NJ, Bronx County, NY, Nassau County, NY, Putnam County, NY, and Rockland County, NY.
In terms of employment, from 2019 to 2020, employment in Westchester County, NY declined at a rate of 0.291%, from 482k to 481k employees.
The most common job groups were Management Occupations with 62,515 people, Sales & Related Occupations with 47,139 people, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations with 46,959 people. However, data on employment is only available at the state level.
Education
In Westchester County, NY, access to higher education is abundant with Mercy College, SUNY Westchester Community College, and SUNY at Purchase College being the largest schools. In 2020, these universities awarded 2,626, 1,679, and 1,085 degrees, respectively.
Services for international students are readily available in this diverse community. As of 2018, 25.6% of Westchester County residents, or 248k people, were born outside of the United States, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and access to a variety of perspectives.
Health
A large majority of the population in Westchester County, NY has health coverage. Specifically, 55.9% of individuals have health coverage through their employer, while 14.2% have Medicaid and 12.8% have Medicare. Additionally, 11.3% have non-group plans and 0.318% have military or VA plans.
In terms of personal health care spending, per capita spending in New York was $9,778 in 2014, which is a slight increase from the previous year.
When it comes to healthcare providers, primary care physicians in Westchester County, NY see an average of 719 patients per year, which is slightly lower than the previous year. Dentists, on the other hand, see an average of 885 patients per year, while mental health providers see an average of 248 patients per year.
It’s worth noting that of the total number of insured individuals, slightly more women (52.5%) than men (47.5%) were insured.
Transportation
The majority of workers in Westchester County, NY commute to work alone by driving (55.6%). Public transportation is the second most popular option (21.8%), followed by working from home (8.9%). When looking at gender, slightly more women (52.5%) than men (47.5%) are insured. On average, employees in Westchester County, NY have longer commute times (35.3 minutes) compared to the average US worker (26.9 minutes). Additionally, a small percentage of the workforce (6.95%) have “super commutes” that last more than 90 minutes.
Points of Interest
Westchester NY offers a plethora of activities for families to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area by visiting historic landmarks like the Kykuit estate.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and spend some time in the beautiful parks, such as the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
For those interested in the arts, the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College and the Jacob Burns Film Center offer a vibrant cultural scene that is sure to delight. With so many communities to explore and experiences to be had, Westchester NY is the perfect destination for a family getaway.
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