Syracuse is a city located in Onondaga County, New York. With a population of 143,396 as of the 2020 census, it is the fifth most populous city in the state of New York.
Demographics
The racial makeup of Syracuse is quite diverse. According to the latest census data:
- 56.3% White
- 29.5% Black or African American
- 8.6% Hispanic or Latino
- 5.5% Asian
- 4.1% Two or more races
- 0.8% Native American
- 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
The median age in Syracuse is 31.2 years old. 22.9% of the population is under 18 years, and 13.7% is over 65 years. There are slightly more females (51.6%) than males (48.4%).
Syracuse has many neighborhoods and districts within the city including Armory Square, Hanover Square, Eastwood, Meadowbrook, Strathmore, Elmwood, Westcott, University Hill, and Tipperary Hill.
History
Syracuse was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century and officially incorporated as a village in 1825. The construction of the Erie Canal spurred industrial, commercial, and population growth in Syracuse in the 19th century.
Major employers in Syracuse’s early history included Spencer Trask’s Solvay Process Company, the New York Central Railroad, and Carrier Corporation. Syracuse’s salt springs drove rapid development, earning it the nickname “The Salt City.”
Prominent historic buildings include the Erie Canal Museum, Onondaga Historical Society Museum, Landmark Theatre, and the 1913 City Hall building.
Economy
Some major industries and employers in Syracuse today include:
- Education and healthcare – Syracuse University, Upstate Medical University, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, Crouse Hospital
- Insurance – Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
- Manufacturing – Welch Allyn, Saab Sensis, Lockheed Martin
- Government – County, city, and state government agencies
Syracuse has a Gross Metropolitan Product of $26.18 billion. Top employment sectors are education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade.
For more details on Syracuse’s economy and business, visit the Syracuse Central website.
Attractions
Some top attractions and things to do in Syracuse include:
- Everson Museum of Art – This museum has a notable collection of American art with works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth, and more. Website
- Erie Canal Museum – Located in an 1850s weigh lock building, this museum covers the history of the Erie Canal and its impact. Website
- Onondaga Lake Park – A lakeside park with walking trails, recreational facilities, and a swimming area. Website
- NBT Bank Stadium – Home stadium of the Syracuse Mets minor league baseball team and the Syracuse Orange football team. Website
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo – A zoo with animal exhibits focused on conservation. Website
- Syracuse Stage – A professional regional theater presenting productions of plays and musicals. Website
Sports
Syracuse is home to several professional and college sports teams:
- Syracuse Mets – A minor league baseball team that plays at NBT Bank Stadium. Part of the New York Mets organization. Website
- Syracuse Crunch – A minor league ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. Affiliated with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Website
- Syracuse University Athletics – SU competes in NCAA Division I with varsity teams like basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and more. Website
Syracuse University basketball has a strong legacy – the men’s team has won three NCAA championships while the women’s team has been to nine Final Fours.
Education
Syracuse is home to numerous higher education institutions, the largest being Syracuse University. SU has over 22,000 students and is best known for programs like communications, information studies, engineering, public administration and architecture.
Other schools include:
- State University of New York Upstate Medical University
- Onondaga Community College
- Le Moyne College
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
The city has one public school district, Syracuse City School District, with 40 total schools. There are also several private and parochial primary and secondary schools in the Syracuse metro area.
Transportation
Syracuse is served by:
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport
- Interstate 81 and Interstate 90
- Amtrak passenger train service
- CENTRO buses for public transportation
Syracuse sits at a major intersection of roadways and rail lines, which has enhanced its growth as a trade and transportation hub.
Media
Major media outlets based in Syracuse include:
- Syracuse.com – Online news affiliated with The Post-Standard newspaper
- CNYCentral – Local news station owned by Nexstar Media Group
- Spectrum News Syracuse – Local TV news station owned by Charter Communications
- WAER – NPR-affiliated radio station owned by Syracuse University
Growth and Development
Syracuse faces challenges with poverty, vacant housing, and unemployment especially on the city’s Southside. But major investments like the Salt District, a redeveloped old warehouse area downtown, and initiatives like the Syracuse Surge, aim to spur economic growth and urban revitalization.
Syracuse’s population declined in the latter half of the 20th century as manufacturing jobs left. But with growth in sectors like healthcare, education, research, and technology, the city is working to attract new residents and businesses.