Seasonal residents are happy with their surroundings according to a recent survey.
The Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College conducted the survey, on behalf of the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, that shows seasonal residents have a favorable outlook on their quality of life in Jefferson County.
There are approximately 7,164 seasonal residents that call Jefferson County home throughout the summer months. According to the study, 79% are happy with the quality of life, 92% are happy with the recreational opportunities, 91% are happy with the quality of the environment and 68% are happy with crime control.
The study also projects that nearly $28 million annually is spent in Jefferson County on home improvements, groceries, garden supplies and other recreational goods.
Another big factor shown in the study is the education level of many of the seasonal residents and their willingness to start businesses in the North Country.
The study shows that two-thirds of the seasonal residents have a college degree, with 37% holding their masters.
“The results confirm what we have suspected, that most of our seasonal residents are older, well educated and having a great impact on the local economy,” said Gary DeYoung, Tourism Council director. “It’s interesting that there is a few hundred people living part time in Jefferson County with business experience that are interested in taking a greater role in the North Country economy. It’s a potential source of economic development to be mined.”
The estimated average income of those residents is $136,590, and almost one in five currently own business out of the area but are interested in investing and starting up one in Jefferson County.
