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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

New York State in Transition: A Half-Century of Dynamic Change in Major Social, Economic, and Well-Being Indicators, 1950 - 2000
Every 10 years with the publication of the decennial US Census opportunities arise for reviewing a state’s socioeconomic trends in detail. In this report, more than 56 indicators for each of New York’s 62 counties are presented and analyzed in trend-line form so that population and economic dynamics can be seen and evaluated both from an historical perspective as well as with a view toward the future.

The report presents trends over the last five decennial Census periods from 1950-2000, and assesses them from the standpoint of our nation’s founding documents. Particular concerns focus on where these trends will lead and related policy issues that will face citizens and decision makers alike.
Social and economic dynamics in New York are diverse and complex. Some changes are large; others small. Some moved steadily upward, or downward, while others radically reversed patterns thought to be immutable in previous analyses. A few changes clearly reflect previous policy actions; others are due to dynamics beyond the reach of policymakers or individuals. Trend-line analyses always fascinate the curious observer and call for interpretations. Such interpretations are enhanced in this report, since the senior author lived in New York during his adult life throughout this period, worked in many of New York’s counties, and was part of the efforts of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources on various occasions.