St. Lawrence County | |
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 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofNew York | |
 New York's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:44°30′N75°04′W / 44.5°N 75.07°W /44.5; -75.07 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| Founded | 1802 (1802) |
| Named after | Saint Lawrence River |
| Seat | Canton |
| Area | |
• Total | 2,821 sq mi (7,310 km2) |
| • Land | 2,680 sq mi (6,900 km2) |
| • Water | 141 sq mi (370 km2) 5.0% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 108,505 |
• Estimate (2024)[1] | 106,198 |
| • Density | 39.6/sq mi (15.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 21st |
| Website | stlawco.gov |
St. Lawrence County is the northernmostcounty in theU.S. state ofNew York. As of the2020 census, the population was 108,505.[2] Thecounty seat isCanton.[3]The county is named for theSaint Lawrence River. This was as named by early FrenchexplorerJacques Cartier for theChristiansaintLawrence of Rome, as he visited the river on the saint'sfeast day. The county is part of theNorth Country region of the state.
St. Lawrence County comprises theOgdensburg-Massena, NYMicropolitan Statistical Area and is New York's largest county by area.
When counties were established by England in theProvince of New York in 1683, the present St. Lawrence County was part ofAlbany County. This was an enormous territory, including the northern part of New York State as well as all of the present State ofVermont and, in theory, extending westward to the Pacific Ocean. The county was reduced in size on July 3, 1766, by the creation ofCumberland County, and further on March 16, 1770, by the creation ofGloucester County, both containing territory now in Vermont.
On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining under the name Albany County. The other two were calledTryon County (later renamedMontgomery County) andCharlotte County (later renamedWashington County).
Tryon County contained the western portion (and, since no western boundary was specified, theoretically extended west to the Pacific). The eastern boundary of Tryon County was approximately five miles west of the present city ofSchenectady, and the county included the western part of theAdirondack Mountains and the area west of the West Branch of theDelaware River. The area then designated as Tryon County included what are now 37 counties of New York State. The county was named forWilliam Tryon, colonial governor of New York. Charlotte County contained the eastern portion of Albany County.
In 1784, following the peace treaty that ended theAmerican Revolutionary War, the name "Charlotte County" was changed toWashington County to honorGeorge Washington, theAmerican Revolutionary War general and laterPresident of the United States. Tryon County was changed toMontgomery County to honor the general,Richard Montgomery, who had captured several places in Canada and died trying to capture the city ofQuebec. It replaced the name of the British governor, hated by the rebels.
In 1788,Clinton County was split off from Washington County. This was a much larger area than the present Clinton County, including part of what would later become St. Lawrence County, as well as several other counties or county parts of the present New York State.
In 1789, the size of Montgomery County was reduced by the splitting off ofOntario County from Montgomery. The actual area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the present county, also including the presentAllegany,Cattaraugus,Chautauqua,Erie,Genesee,Livingston,Monroe,Niagara,Orleans,Steuben,Wyoming,Yates, and part ofSchuyler andWayne Counties.
St. Lawrence County is part ofMacomb's Purchase of 1791.
In 1791, Herkimer County was one of three counties split off from Montgomery (the other two beingOtsego, andTioga County). This was much larger than the present county, however, and was reduced by a number of subsequent splits. The first was the splitting off in 1794 ofOnondaga County. This county was larger than the current Onondaga County, including the presentCayuga,Cortland, and part ofOswego Counties. This was followed by the splitting off in 1798 from Herkimer County of two portions: one,Oneida County, was larger than the current Oneida County, including the presentJefferson,Lewis, and part ofOswego Counties; another portion, together with a portion ofTioga County, was taken to formChenango County.
In 1799, Clinton County was reduced in size by the splitting off ofEssex County from Clinton County.
In 1802, parts of Clinton, Herkimer, and Montgomery counties were taken to form the new St. Lawrence County. At that timeOgdensburg was the county seat. In 1828 the county seat was moved toCanton. The selection of Canton as the county seat was a compromise by the state legislature to end competition between factions supporting Ogdensburg andPotsdam for the county seat.[4]
On September 5, 1944, a 5.8 magnitudeearthquake centered in Massena struck the county. The earthquake was felt from Canada to Maryland, and from Maine to Indiana. The earthquake was the strongest earthquake in New York State history.[5]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,821 square miles (7,310 km2), of which 2,680 square miles (6,900 km2) is land and 141 square miles (370 km2) (5.0%) is water.[6]
It is the largest county by area in the state of New York. It is larger than either of the states of Rhode Island (1544.9 square miles) or the state of Delaware (2488.72 square miles). St. Lawrence County is part of theNorth Country region.
Part of the county is in theAdirondack Park. It includes much of theOswegatchie River,Cranberry Lake andLake Ozonia.
The Port ofOgdensburg in St. Lawrence County is the only U.S. port on theSt. Lawrence Seaway. This waterway allows ships and vessels to pass through the St. Lawrence River and on to theGreat Lakes.Ogdensburg Harbor Light is listed in theNational Register of Historic Places, and in theNational Register of Historic Places listings in St. Lawrence County, New York
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 7,885 | — | |
| 1820 | 16,037 | 103.4% | |
| 1830 | 36,354 | 126.7% | |
| 1840 | 56,706 | 56.0% | |
| 1850 | 68,617 | 21.0% | |
| 1860 | 83,689 | 22.0% | |
| 1870 | 84,826 | 1.4% | |
| 1880 | 85,997 | 1.4% | |
| 1890 | 85,048 | −1.1% | |
| 1900 | 89,083 | 4.7% | |
| 1910 | 89,005 | −0.1% | |
| 1920 | 88,121 | −1.0% | |
| 1930 | 90,960 | 3.2% | |
| 1940 | 91,098 | 0.2% | |
| 1950 | 98,897 | 8.6% | |
| 1960 | 111,239 | 12.5% | |
| 1970 | 111,991 | 0.7% | |
| 1980 | 114,254 | 2.0% | |
| 1990 | 111,974 | −2.0% | |
| 2000 | 111,931 | 0.0% | |
| 2010 | 111,944 | 0.0% | |
| 2020 | 108,505 | −3.1% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 106,198 | −2.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9] 1990–2000[10] 2010–2020[2] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[11] | Pop 1990[12] | Pop 2000[13] | Pop 2010[14] | Pop 2020[15] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 112,490 | 107,708 | 104,777 | 103,943 | 96,556 | 98.46% | 96.19% | 93.61% | 92.85% | 88.99% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 219 | 1,364 | 2,531 | 2,259 | 2,788 | 0.19% | 1.22% | 2.26% | 2.02% | 2.57% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 443 | 811 | 927 | 1,051 | 1,143 | 0.39% | 0.72% | 0.83% | 0.94% | 1.05% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 395 | 789 | 793 | 1,074 | 1,089 | 0.35% | 0.70% | 0.71% | 0.96% | 1.00% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | x[16] | x[17] | 32 | 26 | 19 | x | x | 0.03% | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 145 | 27 | 70 | 111 | 298 | 0.13% | 0.02% | 0.06% | 0.10% | 0.27% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[18] | x[19] | 793 | 1,334 | 3,780 | x | x | 0.71% | 1.19% | 3.48% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 562 | 1,275 | 2,008 | 2,146 | 2,832 | 0.49% | 1.14% | 1.79% | 1.92% | 2.61% |
| Total | 114,254 | 111,974 | 111,931 | 111,944 | 108,505 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of thecensus[20] of 2000, there were 113,931 people, 40,506 households, and 26,936 families residing in the county. Thepopulation density was 42 inhabitants per square mile (16/km2). There were 49,721 housing units at an average density of 18 units per square mile (6.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.51%White, 2.38%African American, 0.87%Native American, 0.71%Asian, 0.03%Pacific Islander, 0.69% fromother races, and 0.51% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 1.79% of the population. 16.9% were ofFrench, 16.1% Irish, 13.9% American, 11.6% English, 8.1%French Canadian, 7.9% German and 7.6% Italian ancestry according toCensus 2000. 95.6% spoke only English, while 3.2% spoke French and 1.2% Spanish at home.
There were 40,506 households, out of which 31.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.50% weremarried couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.50% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.40% under the age of 18, 13.80% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 103.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,356, and the median income for a family was $34,510. Males had a median income of $30,135 versus $24,253 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $14,728. About 12.30% of families and 19.90% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 21.30% of those under age 18 and 10.30% of those age 65 or over.
There are 17 school districts with territory inSt. Lawrence County. 17 of those centered in the county are under the jurisdiction of theSt. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Supervisory District along withHarrisville Central School District inLewis County, New York.
Other school districts with territory in the county include:[21]
All public high schools in St. Lawrence County compete in theNew York State Public High School Athletic AssociationSection X Northern Athletic Conference.
Saint Lawrence County is home toSt. Lawrence University,State University of New York at Potsdam,Clarkson University, theSUNY-ESF Ranger School, and theState University of New York at Canton.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 25,919 | 58.68% | 18,010 | 40.78% | 239 | 0.54% |
| 2020 | 24,608 | 54.80% | 19,361 | 43.11% | 938 | 2.09% |
| 2016 | 19,942 | 50.93% | 16,488 | 42.11% | 2,728 | 6.97% |
| 2012 | 15,138 | 40.70% | 21,353 | 57.41% | 700 | 1.88% |
| 2008 | 16,956 | 41.03% | 23,706 | 57.36% | 664 | 1.61% |
| 2004 | 18,029 | 43.17% | 22,857 | 54.73% | 875 | 2.10% |
| 2000 | 16,449 | 41.34% | 21,386 | 53.75% | 1,951 | 4.90% |
| 1996 | 10,827 | 28.14% | 21,798 | 56.65% | 5,852 | 15.21% |
| 1992 | 13,901 | 32.85% | 18,197 | 43.00% | 10,219 | 24.15% |
| 1988 | 20,290 | 51.39% | 18,921 | 47.92% | 270 | 0.68% |
| 1984 | 26,062 | 61.83% | 15,963 | 37.87% | 124 | 0.29% |
| 1980 | 18,437 | 46.53% | 17,006 | 42.92% | 4,181 | 10.55% |
| 1976 | 22,249 | 55.71% | 17,503 | 43.83% | 182 | 0.46% |
| 1972 | 26,145 | 63.00% | 15,286 | 36.83% | 72 | 0.17% |
| 1968 | 20,982 | 55.31% | 15,662 | 41.29% | 1,289 | 3.40% |
| 1964 | 12,102 | 29.30% | 29,173 | 70.62% | 32 | 0.08% |
| 1960 | 25,848 | 57.06% | 19,430 | 42.89% | 24 | 0.05% |
| 1956 | 31,897 | 74.54% | 10,892 | 25.46% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 28,036 | 68.27% | 13,000 | 31.65% | 32 | 0.08% |
| 1948 | 21,160 | 60.59% | 13,200 | 37.80% | 565 | 1.62% |
| 1944 | 21,919 | 58.89% | 15,223 | 40.90% | 77 | 0.21% |
| 1940 | 24,339 | 60.86% | 15,569 | 38.93% | 82 | 0.21% |
| 1936 | 26,031 | 65.81% | 12,763 | 32.27% | 762 | 1.93% |
| 1932 | 22,650 | 63.48% | 12,687 | 35.56% | 343 | 0.96% |
| 1928 | 25,804 | 66.23% | 12,567 | 32.26% | 589 | 1.51% |
| 1924 | 22,583 | 71.50% | 7,103 | 22.49% | 1,898 | 6.01% |
| 1920 | 24,651 | 75.60% | 7,213 | 22.12% | 742 | 2.28% |
| 1916 | 13,142 | 66.77% | 6,056 | 30.77% | 485 | 2.46% |
| 1912 | 8,404 | 44.98% | 5,329 | 28.52% | 4,952 | 26.50% |
| 1908 | 14,151 | 67.87% | 5,898 | 28.29% | 800 | 3.84% |
| 1904 | 15,274 | 70.43% | 5,798 | 26.74% | 614 | 2.83% |
| 1900 | 15,296 | 71.02% | 5,699 | 26.46% | 544 | 2.53% |
| 1896 | 15,287 | 70.97% | 5,749 | 26.69% | 505 | 2.34% |
| 1892 | 13,177 | 64.17% | 6,156 | 29.98% | 1,202 | 5.85% |
| 1888 | 14,611 | 67.56% | 6,509 | 30.10% | 508 | 2.35% |
| 1884 | 13,441 | 67.86% | 6,035 | 30.47% | 331 | 1.67% |
Prior to the1992 presidential election, St. Lawrence County was a traditionally Republican county, supporting the Democrats only in their sweep of New York State counties in1964. From 1992 through the2012 election, St. Lawrence County swung Democratic, posting double-digit victories for Democratic candidates, most notably in1996 whenBill Clinton won the county by 28-point margin overBob Dole. The first Republican victory in the county since 1988 came in2016 whenDonald Trump carried the county by an eight-point margin. In 2020, it was one of only a few counties in Upstate New York where Trump improved his margin, this time carrying it by over 10 points. Trump improved on his margin again in 2024, this time performing better than any candidate from any political party since 1984.
The county is governed by a fifteen person board of legislators which oversees the county departments, drafts policies, and sets an annual budget. They serve four year terms, with the last election being in 2022.[23][24] They appoint an administrator to carry out their policies.[25] Other elected officials include aclerk, adistrict attorney, fourcoroners, asheriff, and atreasurer.[26]
| District | Legislator | Party | First elected[27] | Communities represented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James E. Reagen | R | 2018 | Ogdensburg (part) |
| 2 | David Forsythe | R | 2006, 2014[note 1] | Lisbon,Ogdensburg (part) |
| 3 | Joseph Lightfoot | R | 2010 | Canton (part, includingRensselaer Falls Village andMorley Hamlet (part)),Morristown (includinghamlet),Oswegatchie (includingHeuvelton Village) |
| 4 | William J. Sheridan | R | 2018 | Edwards (inlcudinghamlet),Fowler (includingHailesboro Hamlet),Hammond (includingvillage),Macomb,Pitcairn,Rossie |
| 5 | Harry A. Smithers II | R | 2022 | De Peyster,Gouverneur (includingvillage) |
| 6 | Larry Denesha | R | 2014 | Clare,Clifton (includingCranberry Lake Hamlet),De Kalb (includingDe Kalb Junction andRichville Village),Fine (includingStar Lake andWanakena hamlets),Hermon (includinghamlet),Russell |
| 7 | Rick Perkins | R[note 2] | 2014 | Colton (includingColton andSouth Colton hamlets),Hopkinton,Parishville (includinghamlet),Piercefield,Pierrepont (includingCrary Mills (part) andHannawa Falls hamlets) |
| 8 | Benjamin Hull | R | 2022 | Canton (part, includingCrary Mills (part),Morley (part) andPyrites hamlets),Madrid (includinghamlet),Potsdam (part, includingCrary Mills Hamlet (part)) |
| 9 | Vacant[note 3] | - | - | Canton (part, includingvillage) |
| 10 | Margaret I. Haggard | D | 2022 | Potsdam Village (part) |
| 11 | Glenn J. Webster | R | 2022 | Potsdam (part, includingvillage (part)),Stockholm (includingWinthrop Hamlet) |
| 12 | John Burke | R | 2014 | Norfolk (includinghamlet),Potsdam (part, includingNorwood Village) |
| 13 | John Gennett | R | 2022 | Brasher (includingBrasher Falls andHelena hamlets),Lawrence,Massena (part, includingMassena Village (part) andMassena Center andRooseveltown hamlets) |
| 14 | Nicole Terminelli | D | 2018 | Massena Village (part) |
| 15 | Rita Curran | R | 2018 | Louisville,Massena Village (part),Waddington (includingvillage) |
The following public use airports are located in the county:[31]
| # | Location | Population | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ‡Akwasasne | About 12,000 | CDP/Reservation | Riverside |
| 2 | Massena | 10,883 | Village | Riverside |
| 3 | Ogdensburg | 10,436 | City | Riverside |
| 4 | Potsdam | 9,428 | Village | East |
| 5 | †Canton | 6,314 | Village | Center |
| 6 | Gouverneur | 3,949 | Village | Riverside |
| 7 | Norwood | 1,560 | Village | Riverside |
| 8 | Norfolk | 1,327 | CDP | Riverside |
| 9 | Hannawa Falls | 1,042 | CDP | East |
| 10 | Waddington | 972 | Village | Riverside |
| 11 | Star Lake | 809 | CDP | South |
| 12 | Madrid | 757 | CDP | Riverside |
| 13 | Heuvelton | 714 | Village | Riverside |
| 14 | Brasher Falls | 669 | CDP | East |
| 15 | Parishville | 647 | CDP | East |
| 16 | Hailesboro | 624 | CDP | South |
| 17 | DeKalb Junction | 519 | CDP | East |
| 18 | Winthrop | 510 | CDP | East |
| 19 | Edwards | 439 | CDP | South |
| 20 | Hermon | 422 | CDP | Center |
| 21 | Morristown | 395 | CDP | Riverside |
| 22 | Colton | 345 | CDP | East |
| 23 | Rensselaer Falls | 332 | Village | Riverside |
| 24 | Richville | 323 | Village | South |
| 25 | Hammond | 280 | Village | Riverside |
| 26 | Cranberry Lake | 200 | CDP | Southeast |
† - County Seat
‡ - Not Wholly in this County
Places adjacent to St. Lawrence County, New York | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofSt. Lawrence County, New York,United States | ||
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| City |  | |
| Towns | ||
| Villages | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Hamlets | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
