(The Center Square) – New York received a double dose of bad news at the end of last week.
First, a U.S. Census Bureau report revealed the agency significantly overcounted the state’s population. Then a study by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli essentially backed up the Census Bureau’s findings.
- By Steve Bittenbender | The Center Square contributor
- April 23rd, 2022
- The Roosevelt Island Daily News
On Thursday, the Census Bureau said that a review of its 2020 official count found it overcounted New York’s population by more than 625,000 people. So instead of 20.2 million living in New York, the total is less than 19.6 million.
New York still lost a congressional seat – if Minnesota had counted 26 fewer people, it would not have – after the 2020 Census; it’s possible a more accurate count could have led to a loss of two seats.
However, the Census Bureau noted that the “post-enumeration survey” would not change seat allotments in Congress for the next decade.
“These statistical products cannot be used to change the final census count but are useful in assessing the current census, determining how best to estimate the population between now and 2030, and helping to improve future censuses,” the agency stated.
New York’s 3.4% overcount percentage trailed the 6.8% of Hawaii, 5.4% of Delaware, and 3.8% of Minnesota.
Then on Friday, DiNapoli’s office issued a report that charted migration trends based on taxpayer data. From 2015 to 2019, the state saw a net loss of more than 140,000 part-time resident taxpayers.
“While part-year filers represent a small share of total New York State (personal income tax) filers, examining the characteristics of these part-year filers can provide insight into the mobility of taxpayers and, by extension, the economic competitiveness of New York,” the report stated.
DiNapoli’s report found that in 2019 alone, 71% of taxpayers leaving the state took all of their income with them. That led to a $120 million loss in revenue for the year, and over a full year, the impact would have been nearly $360 million.
The figures from both reports show that New York’s population essentially plateaued from 2010 when the Census reported the state was home to nearly 19.4 million people. However, they also do not consider the scores of taxpayers who left New York City and the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, when numerous businesses shut down in-person operations.
Upstate United Executive Director Justin Wilcox pointed out in a statement last week that even though the population has remained essentially the same, the state’s budget grew by more than 30% over the decade. That’s “simply unsustainable,” the nonpartisan economic growth interest group’s leader said.
“Now, more than ever, we need our elected leaders to reject measures that would drive up costs and drive out more New Yorkers,” Wilcox added. “Everything Albany does should be focused on growing our communities and our economy.
also from the roosevelt island daily news
- Thursday’s PSD blotter: two hospital runs, a trespass summons at 888 MainRIOC’s Nov. 12 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents: six medical calls, two alarms at 546 Main Street, and a late-night trespass at 888 Main Street that ended with a summons.
- Queens Home Prices and Rents Rise in October 2026 as Long Island City Condos Draw BuyersQueens home prices and rents rose in October 2026. See StreetEasy’s housing figures and Long Island City condo contract activity at Radiant and Vesta.
- Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 ChangesMedicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
Unequal Bargains
On June 18, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee gathered to discuss ground leases, the master retail lease, and the ten additional years being offered under the Island’s master lease. Howard L. Polivy, the committee’s chair, opened the meeting as a longtime host shows guests through a familiar house, pointing out the furniture as if it had never moved an inch.
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