Most of the counties in the Mid-Hudson region have seen a similar influx of new residents in the past five years. About one out of every five residents in Dutchess and Greene Counties has moved to their community within five years.
Nearly one in four residents in Orange, Putnam, and Sullivan Counties is a new arrival to the area. For instance, 24% of Orange County residents moved to the community where they live within the past five years. Similarly, 23% in both Putnam and Sullivan Counties are newcomers to their communities.
Although Columbia and Ulster Counties have also seen a considerable influx of newcomers, proportionately, it has been less than the other Mid-Hudson Valley counties. 16% of residents in both Columbia and Ulster Counties moved to their community in the past five years.
There are differences at the county level. More than one in three Sullivan County residents intends to leave their community within the next five years as do about three out of ten residents in both Dutchess and Orange Counties. About one in four residents of Putnam, Columbia, Greene, and Ulster Counties expect to leave the area in the near future.
Putnam County residents who plan to leave are most likely to cite economic concerns. 61% of county residents who intend to leave the region within the next five years say they plan to do so because they cannot afford to stay. Taxes are the major reason prompting Putnam County residents to move. 26% of residents who plan to relocate volunteer the tax burden as the main reason for leaving. 20% cite the cost of living, and 11% specifically mention housing costs.
A majority of residents in Dutchess and Ulster Counties who plan to relocate are also more likely to cite an economic reason for leaving than a non-economic one. Residents in both these counties mention the cost of living, taxes, and jobs as motivating concerns.
Residents in Columbia County who plan to leave the area are more likely to cite non-economic reasons for their move. 60% of Columbia County residents planning to move are motivated by non-economic concerns. However, the top three reasons for moving include taxes, it’s time for a change, and the high cost of living.
A majority of residents in Greene, Orange, and Sullivan Counties who plan to leave also give a non-economic reason for their intention to relocate. But again, two of the top three reasons for leaving the region among residents in each county are economic. For instance, 23% of Greene County residents who plan to leave the area cite a lack of jobs, 18% mention the climate, and 11% mention the cost of living.
