Business First has released quality of life rankings for upstate New York Towns, Cities and Villages with populations of 1000 or more. Upstate New York consists of the 48 counties that lie north of the 42nd parallel (including the eight counties of Western New York).
The Town of Wheatland quality of life was ranked in the top 18% of Towns, 124th out of 701 upstate towns. The Village of Scottsville quality of life was ranked in the top 4%, 12th out of 275 upstate cities and villages.
The ratings are based on data from the five-year version of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 American Community Survey. All percentages, ratios and rates were calculated by Business First based on a 50-part formula consisting of five sets of components were grouped into 10 categories. The study’s highest scores went to well-rounded communities with robust employment bases and income levels, strong records of growth and residential stability, impressive housing stocks and transportation systems, excellent schools, established traditions of racial and gender diversity and equity, and positive environments for children and senior citizens. Learn further details of the Business First quality of life rankings.