Citizen Portal
Sign In
Back to Binghamton Feed

Binghamton

city

Binghamton, New York, is a city located in the Southern Tier region of the state, near the Pennsylvania border, and serves as the county seat of Broome County. Situated in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers, the city is surrounded by rolling hills. In 2020, the city's population was 47,969. Known historically as the 'Parlor City' and the 'Valley of Opportunity,' Binghamton is the principal city of the Greater Binghamton metropolitan area, which includes the Triple Cities. Binghamton's economy has transitioned from manufacturing to a more diversified base including technology, healthcare, education, hospitality, and construction. Key employers include Binghamton University, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and United Health Services. The city has focused on revitalizing its downtown area, spurred by the growth of Binghamton University's presence and increased residential development. Binghamton's identity is shaped by its rich history as a transportation and manufacturing hub, particularly in the production of cigars, shoes, and computers. The city is also known as the 'Carousel Capital of the World' due to its six antique carousels. Its location on the Allegheny Plateau contributes to its hilly terrain and distinctive character.

Binghamton, New York

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
36-06607
Country
United States
County
Broome
Geography
Region
Southern Tier, Allegheny Plateau
Elevation
860 ft
Total Area
11.14 sq mi
Land Area
10.49 sq mi
Water Area
0.65 sq mi
Latitude
42.0989
Longitude
-75.9108
Climate
Humid continental climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Notable Features
Susquehanna River · Chenango River · Allegheny Plateau
Neighboring Areas
Town of Binghamton · Vestal · Conklin
Demographics
Population (2020)
47,969
Est. Population (2026)
46,270
Median Age
35.9
Median Income
$45,578
Poverty Rate
32.6%
Family Households
42.2%
Owner-Occupied
67.4%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
White (66.3%), Black or African American (14.59%), Asian (6.88%), Hispanic (9.5%)
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
7 members
School District
Binghamton City School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
Economy
Economic Profile
Diversified · Technology · Healthcare · Education
Employment Sectors
Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Retail Trade
Major Employers
Binghamton University · Lockheed Martin · BAE Systems · United Health Services
Education
Students
5,000
School Districts
Binghamton City School District
Colleges & Universities
Binghamton University · SUNY Broome Community College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Highways · Public Transportation
Utilities
Municipal Water · Sewer · Stormwater
Major Facilities
Hospitals
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Recreation Park · Ross Park · Chenango River Promenade
Parks & Trails
City Parks · River Trail
History
Founded
1786
Incorporated
1867
Named After
William Bingham
Historical Significance
Evolved from a small settlement to a major transportation and manufacturing center, known for cigars, shoes, and computers.
Key Events
William Bingham acquires land in 1786 · Incorporated as a village in 1834 · Chenango Canal connects Binghamton to the Erie Canal in 1837 · Erie Railroad arrives in 1849