New York
State Motto
New York State Information
New York is the 11th State in the Union
New York, in the northeastern U.S., is a state bursting with energy, diversity, and influence. It’s best known for New York City, a global hub for finance, culture, and business. Manhattan is packed with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, alongside famous museums, theaters, and restaurants that attract people from all over the world.
But there’s more to New York than just the city. The state also boasts stunning natural beauty, from the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains to the Finger Lakes and the scenic Hudson Valley. With its rich history and a huge impact on industries like finance, entertainment, and fashion, New York stands out as one of the most important and exciting states in the country.
What's in a name?
Named after the Duke of York, later King James II of England.
New York Geography
| Area: | 54,555 sq mi (141,297 km²), 27th |
| Highest Point: | Mount Marcy; 5,343 ft (496 m), 21st |
| Lowest Point: | Atlantic Ocean; Sea Level, 0 ft (0 m) |
| Bordering States: | Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont |
| Counties: | Counties of New York |
| Cities: | Cities of New York |
| Area Codes: | Area Codes of New York |
| Zip Codes: | Zip Codes of New York |
New York’s geography is a unique mix of vibrant urban areas and stunning natural beauty. Along the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find the famous beaches and coastal charm of Long Island and the Hamptons. Moving north, the state transitions into the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, framed by the scenic Catskill and Adirondack Mountains.
To the east, the Great Appalachian Valley cuts through, while the western regions are home to fertile plains near the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The state is dotted with countless rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, with Niagara Falls standing out as a world-famous natural wonder.
New York Economy
New York has one of the strongest and most diverse economies in the country, with key industries ranging from finance and tech to agriculture and tourism. At its core is the financial services sector, anchored by Wall Street in Manhattan, which is recognized worldwide as a major financial hub. The state is also a leader in technology, media, and entertainment, with New York City home to some of the biggest names in these industries.
Tourism is another big driver, thanks to iconic attractions like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, which draw millions of visitors each year. Beyond the city, New York has a significant manufacturing sector, excelling in advanced fields like aerospace and pharmaceuticals. Agriculture remains a key part of the economy as well, with the state producing top-quality apples, dairy, and wine.
Agriculture
Top 3 crops / livestock for New York
- Poultry
- Hogs
- Soybeans
Industry
Top 3 industries for New York
- Finance
- Technology
- Healthcare
New York at a Glance
Key facts about New York covering taxes, cost of living, income, and climate.
Taxes
New York has a graduated income tax ranging from 4.00% to 10.90%. Residents carry one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation at 15.90% of income, and the combined state and local sales tax averages 8.53%.
Overall Tax Burden
| Income Tax: | 4.00% – 10.90% |
| Overall Tax Burden: | 15.90% of income |
| State Sales Tax: | 4.00% (8.53% avg combined with local) |
| Property Tax Rate: | 1.73% effective rate |
| Gas Tax: | 49.90¢ per gallon |
| Estate Tax: | Yes |
Cost of Living & Housing
New York has a significantly higher cost of living than the US average, coming in 39.1% more expensive. Housing is a major cost driver, with a median home price of $530,000.
Cost of Living Index
| Cost of Living Index: | 139.10 (US avg = 100) |
| Median Home Price: | $530,000 |
| Median Monthly Rent: | $1,700/mo |
Income & Employment
New York's median household income of $75,157 is slightly above the national average. The unemployment rate of 4.30% is near the national average, and the poverty rate of 13.00% is above the national average.
Median Household Income
| Median Household Income: | $75,157 |
| Minimum Wage: | $16.50/hr |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.30% |
| Poverty Rate: | 13.00% |
Climate
New York is one of the cloudier states, averaging 104 sunny days per year. Winters are cold, averaging 27.0°F in January, with summers reaching 74.0°F in July, and heavy snowfall of around 40.00" annually is typical.
Sunny Days / Year
| Sunny Days / Year: | 104 days |
| Avg January Temp: | 27.0°F |
| Avg July Temp: | 74.0°F |
| Annual Rainfall: | 41.80" |
| Annual Snowfall: | 40.00" |
Demographics
New York has a median age of 39.4, close to the national average. It is one of the most densely populated states at 422.0 people per square mile, and the population is declining at 0.5% per year.
Median Age
| Median Age: | 39.4 years |
| Population Density: | 422.0 per sq mi |
| Population Growth: | -0.50% (last census) |
See how New York stacks up on taxes, cost of living, income and more.
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New York State Symbols
State Flag
State Seal
State Quarter
State Bird
Eastern Bluebird
State Flower
Rose
State Tree
Sugar Maple
State Mammal
American Beaver
State Fish
Brook Trout
State Insect
Ladybug
State Quizzes & Flashcards
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Ted Grajeda
The50UnitedStates.com Owner
The 50 United States is a Ted Grajeda project created to provide everyone with a fun and interactive way to learn about the great 50 states of the USA. Learn more