County of suffolk

new york

History & Founding

Located on Long Island, this New York County boasts a rich history and diverse landscape. Established in 1683 from the earlier Southampton County, its name originates from the earldom of Suffolk in England, a common practice reflecting the British heritage of the early colonists. Initially a sparsely populated agricultural area, the county played a crucial role in New York’s early development, supplying food and resources to the burgeoning settlements in New York City. During the Revolutionary War, it served as a strategic location, with British forces briefly occupying several coastal communities. An interesting anecdote from this period recounts how a local farmer, Caleb Brewster, used his boat to ferry messages and supplies for the Continental Army, operating a clandestine network along the Long Island Sound. The county seat is Riverhead, a historic crossroads and agricultural hub.

Geography & Landscape

The county’s geography is defined by its position on the easternmost part of Long Island, stretching from the Long Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is primarily flat, gradually rising towards the central Pine Barrens, a unique and ecologically significant area of pitch pine and oak forest covering roughly a third of the county. Several rivers, including the Peconic and Carman rivers, crisscross the landscape, feeding into bays and estuaries. While mountains are absent, the county experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. The iconic Fire Island, a barrier island along the southern shore, is a significant natural feature, offering miles of pristine beaches and vital habitat for various species.

Economy & Communities

The economy is a complex blend of industries and communities. Major towns like Smithtown, Huntington, and Brookhaven contribute significantly to the county's economic output. Historically an agricultural center, the county still maintains a strong farming presence, producing crops like potatoes, corn, and pumpkins. However, tourism, finance, healthcare, and technology have become increasingly important sectors. Notable employers include Stony Brook University, Northwell Health, and various financial institutions. The area is largely suburban, with pockets of urban development concentrated along the coastline and around transportation hubs. The character of the county varies greatly, ranging from the quiet rural charm of the East End to the bustling suburban life of the central areas.

Points of Interest

Points of interest abound, catering to diverse interests. The Long Island Museum of Art, History & Carriage Museum in Stony Brook showcases the county’s rich cultural heritage. Caleb Smith State Park and Smith Point County Park offer recreational opportunities, while the Fire Island National Seashore provides stunning natural beauty. The county is known for its numerous vineyards and wineries, particularly in the North Fork region. Annual events such as the Long Island Air Show and various local festivals draw large crowds. Notable residents throughout history have included artists, writers, and business leaders. Interestingly, the county holds the record for the highest median household income in New York State, reflecting its affluent communities and strong economic base. With a population of 1,419,369 spread across 911 square miles and governed under the UTC-5 time zone, the county presents a dynamic and multifaceted environment.

Information

State
new york
Type
County
Population
1,419,369
Land area
911 sq mi
Capital
Riverhead
Time zone
UTC-5
FIPS
36103

145 Cities

CityPopulationElevation
Brookhaven448,248-
Islip322,61216 ft (5 m)
Babylon211,7925 ft (2 m)
Southampton54,71225 ft (8 m)
Brentwood53,91780 ft (24 m)
West Babylon43,45240 ft (12 m)
Commack36,367130 ft (40 m)
Coram34,92399 ft (30 m)
Central Islip31,95088 ft (27 m)
Huntington Station29,910216 ft (66 m)
West Islip28,907-
Deer Park28,31674 ft (23 m)
Lindenhurst27,81927 ft (8 m)
Riverhead27,680-
Holbrook27,512118 ft (36 m)
Centereach27,285-
Smithtown26,90173 ft (22 m)
Dix Hills26,024-
Shirley25,39555 ft (17 m)
Bay Shore23,85215 ft (5 m)
Medford21,985101 ft (31 m)
Copiague21,922-
Selden21,861-
East Northport20,845228 ft (69 m)
East Patchogue20,824-
Southold20,59925 ft (8 m)
Hauppauge20,10050 ft (15 m)
Ronkonkoma20,029111 ft (34 m)
East Hampton19,71936 ft (11 m)
Lake Ronkonkoma19,701-
Huntington18,403-
North Babylon17,87725 ft (8 m)
Holtsville17,006105 ft (32 m)
Sayville16,73520 ft (6 m)
North Amityville16,57230 ft (9 m)
Farmingville16,458105 ft (32 m)
Kings Park16,146160 ft (49 m)
Mastic15,43632 ft (10 m)
North Bay Shore14,99235 ft (11 m)
Melville14,533160 ft (49 m)
East Islip14,07815 ft (5 m)
Stony Brook13,72788 ft (27 m)
Ridge13,380-
Greenlawn13,286-
St. James13,268-
Hampton Bays12,23634 ft (10 m)
Nesconset11,992-
Patchogue11,91920 ft (6 m)
North Lindenhurst11,76745 ft (14 m)
Mastic Beach11,5439 ft (3 m)
Manorville11,131-
Elwood10,916170 ft (52 m)
Terryville10,589154 ft (47 m)
Miller Place10,58060 ft (18 m)
Wyandanch10,54656 ft (17 m)
Lake Grove10,250119 ft (36 m)
Rocky Point10,185190 ft (58 m)
Bohemia9,87165 ft (20 m)
Sound Beach9,807-
Middle Island9,70280 ft (24 m)
Fort Salonga9,63431 ft (9 m)
South Huntington9,465200 ft (61 m)
Amityville9,44125 ft (8 m)
North Bellport9,00749 ft (15 m)
Mount Sinai8,73430 ft (9 m)
Bayport8,66215 ft (5 m)
Oakdale8,075-
Port Jefferson7,83712 ft (4 m)
North Patchogue7,82549 ft (15 m)
Northport7,606-
Port Jefferson Station7,527170 ft (52 m)
Wading River6,66893 ft (28 m)
Center Moriches6,65525 ft (8 m)
Westmoreland6,207-
East Shoreham5,80920 ft (6 m)
Calverton5,70420 ft (6 m)
Islip Terrace5,64125 ft (8 m)
West Hills5,607340 ft (104 m)
Centerport5,44640 ft (12 m)
East Farmingdale5,40070 ft (21 m)
Yaphank5,02540 ft (12 m)
Wheatley Heights5,013100 ft (30 m)
West Sayville5,00315 ft (5 m)
Cold Spring Harbor4,975-
Springs4,9505 ft (2 m)
West Bay Shore4,77515 ft (5 m)
East Moriches4,55029 ft (9 m)
North Sea4,49310 ft (3 m)
Blue Point4,40710 ft (3 m)
East Quogue4,26515 ft (5 m)
Mattituck4,19816 ft (5 m)
Greenport4,18010 ft (3 m)
North Great River3,92930 ft (9 m)
Deerfield3,906-
Montauk3,85130 ft (9 m)
Lloyd Harbor3,675120 ft (37 m)
Flanders3,64612 ft (4 m)
Brightwaters3,24825 ft (8 m)
Gordon Heights3,094157 ft (48 m)
Northwest Harbor3,05980 ft (24 m)
Islandia3,05768 ft (21 m)
Westhampton2,86938 ft (12 m)
Cutchogue2,84930 ft (9 m)
Northampton2,760150 ft (46 m)
Noyack2,69620 ft (6 m)
Halesite2,582-
Bellport2,36326 ft (8 m)
Moriches2,31925 ft (8 m)
Sag Harbor2,31315 ft (5 m)
Aquebogue2,25430 ft (9 m)
Westhampton Beach1,902-
Village of the Branch1,89563 ft (19 m)
Shinnecock Hills1,74980 ft (24 m)
Watermill1,72440 ft (12 m)
Great River1,54615 ft (5 m)
Nissequogue1,543106 ft (32 m)
Jamesport1,52610 ft (3 m)
Huntington Bay1,49610 ft (3 m)
Eastport1,45438 ft (12 m)
Baiting Hollow1,449104 ft (32 m)
Head of the Harbor1,447120 ft (37 m)
Eatons Neck1,388-
Bridgehampton1,38141 ft (12 m)
Shelter Island1,23450 ft (15 m)
Laurel1,18820 ft (6 m)
Peconic1,08130 ft (9 m)
Amagansett1,06732 ft (10 m)
Quogue1,01815 ft (5 m)
Shelter Island Heights981-
Poquott975-
Old Field94710 ft (3 m)
Belle Terre832220 ft (67 m)
Quioque80020 ft (6 m)
Freetown789-
East Marion75632 ft (10 m)
North Haven74320 ft (6 m)
Orient70910 ft (3 m)
Wainscott62820 ft (6 m)
Asharoken62510 ft (3 m)
Sagaponack58220 ft (6 m)
Shoreham417-
New Suffolk33720 ft (6 m)
Fire Island3105 ft (2 m)
Fishers Island28910 ft (3 m)
Napeague223-

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