Dryden

From 2020 to 2023, the total population and the population under 18 in the town of Dryden, NY, showed a steady decline. In 2020, the total population was 14,361, with 2,567 individuals under the age of 18. By 2021, these numbers decreased to 14,089 and 2,475, respectively. In 2022, the total population dropped further to 13,848, with 2,377 individuals under 18. Finally, in 2023, the total population declined to 13,689, with 2,206 individuals under 18. This trend indicates a consistent reduction in both the overall population and the number of younger residents over the four-year period.

The data shows the distribution of the population under 18 years old in the town of Dryden, NY, across different age groups from 2020 to 2023. In 2020, there were 662 children aged 0-4, 692 aged 5-9, 655 aged 10-14, and 558 aged 15-17. By 2021, the numbers shifted to 683 for ages 0-4, 620 for ages 5-9, 574 for ages 10-14, and 598 for ages 15-17. In 2022, the population decreased to 618 for ages 0-4 and 535 for ages 5-9, while the 10-14 age group slightly increased to 657, and those aged 15-17 dropped to 567. By 2023, the numbers further declined, with 568 for ages 0-4, 475 for ages 5-9, 529 for ages 10-14, but an increase to 634 for ages 15-17. Over the four years, the data reveals fluctuations across age groups, with some experiencing declines and others showing modest increases.

From 2020 to 2023, the town of Dryden, NY, saw a steady decline in the White alone population from 12,651 to 12,056. The Black or African American population dropped sharply from 387 in 2020 to 129 in 2023. Asian alone rose from 274 in 2020 to 530 in 2022 but decreased to 387 in 2023. The Hispanic or Latino population fluctuated, starting at 512 in 2020 and ending at 399 in 2023, while individuals of Two or more races grew significantly from 485 to 652 during the same period.

AYR Goal: Our Community (Tompkins County) will provide children, youth and families with healthy, safe, and thriving environments.

The data shows the number of households and occupied households in the town of Dryden, NY, from 2020 to 2023. In 2020, there were 6,353 total households, with 6,006 occupied. In 2021, the total households decreased to 6,262, and the number of occupied households dropped to 5,863. By 2022, the total households increased to 6,558, with 6,114 being occupied. In 2023, the total households slightly declined to 6,500, with 6,056 occupied. Overall, while the total number of households and occupied households experienced some fluctuations over the years, the majority of households remained occupied.

From 2020 to 2023, the median home value in the town of Dryden, NY, steadily increased. In 2020, the median value was $195,700, rising to $198,400 in 2021. By 2022, it saw a significant jump to $227,600, and in 2023, it further increased to $235,300. This reflects a consistent upward trend in home values over the four years.

From 2020 to 2023, the median rent in the town of Dryden, NY, showed an overall increase with some fluctuation. In 2020, the median rent was $931, rising to $989 in 2021. It further increased to $1,074 in 2022 before slightly decreasing to $1,036 in 2023. Despite the decrease in 2023, the overall trend was an upward movement in median rent over the four years.

From 2020 to 2023, the percentage of the population in the town of Dryden, NY, living below the poverty line decreased overall. In 2020, 16.9% of the population was below the poverty line, which dropped to 15.3% in 2021. The percentage continued to decrease to 13.9% in 2022, but slightly rose to 14.2% in 2023. Despite the slight increase in 2023, the trend showed an overall reduction in poverty over the four years.

AYR Goal: Youth will be prepared for their eventual self-sufficiency.

From 2020 to 2023, the unemployment rate among families with own children under 18 in the town of Dryden, NY, fluctuated. In 2020, the unemployment rate was 6.6%, which decreased significantly to 2.5% in 2021. It then rose to 3.8% in 2022 and slightly increased again to 4.0% in 2023. Despite the rise in 2022 and 2023, the rate remained lower than in 2020.

From 2020 to 2023, the employment rate among youth aged 16 to 19 in the town of Dryden, NY, showed some fluctuation. In 2020, 27.1% of youth in this age group were employed, which decreased to 23.4% in 2021. The employment rate then rose to 25.3% in 2022 and further increased to 28.4% in 2023. Overall, the employment rate among youth showed an upward trend after 2021.

The graduation and dropout rates for the town of Dryden, NY, from 2021 to 2023 reflect cohorts from four years prior. In 2021, the cohort that graduated had a rate of 85%, slightly below the New York State average of 86%, with a dropout rate of 3%, lower than the state’s 4%. In 2022, the cohort from four years earlier had a graduation rate of 72%, while the state average remained steady at 87%. The dropout rate also increased to 13%, significantly higher than the state's 5%. By 2023, the cohort from four years prior had a graduation rate of 86%, matching the state average, and the dropout rate decreased to 5%, equal to the state rate.

AYR Goal: Youth will leave school prepared to live, learn, and work in their community.

From the 2021-2022 to the 2022-2023 school years, enrollment in Dryden schools showed minor changes, with an overall slight increase in the district's total enrollment from 1,288 to 1,295. The number of students with disabilities grew significantly from 116 to 227, while the number of ELL students remained relatively stable. Homeless students increased across schools, with the district’s total rising from 9 to 34. Cassavant Elementary, Dryden Elementary, and Dryden Middle School saw varying changes in these categories, with Dryden High School experiencing notable increases in students with disabilities and homeless students. County-wide, enrollment was stable, but the number of homeless students and ELL students grew significantly.

Dryden Student Performance on Spring Standardized Tests - Percentage Meeting State Standards

From 2021 to 2024, Dryden 3rd graders showed a decline in performance on spring standardized tests. In 2023-24, 37% met the ELA standard and 43% met the Math standard, both below the NYS averages of 43% and 59%, respectively. This was a drop from the previous years, where 42% met ELA and 56% met Math in 2022-23. In contrast, 8th grade performance improved significantly. In 2023-24, 59% of 8th graders met the ELA standard and 50% met Math, surpassing the NYS averages of 52% and 41%. This marked a strong recovery from 2022-23 and 2021-22, where performance had been much lower.

Dryden students in grades 7-12 reported varying experiences compared to their peers in Tompkins County. 41% of Dryden students felt welcomed and appreciated by school adults, slightly lower than the 46% in Tompkins County. Half of the students in both areas (50% in Dryden, 51% in Tompkins) felt they had a trusted adult in school. However, 66% of Dryden students felt safe at school, compared to 79% in Tompkins. Dryden students reported less satisfaction with school rules being fairly enforced (25%) and respect among students (15%), both lower than Tompkins County’s 35% and 29%, respectively. Additionally, 33% of Dryden students reported that something hurtful was said to them in the past 30 days, and 7% were physically bullied, compared to 25% and 4% in Tompkins County.

AYR Goal: Families will provide children safe, stable and nurturing environments

From 2020 to 2023, the number of families with own children under 18 in the town of Dryden, NY, fluctuated. In 2020, there were 1,325 total families, with 768 being married, 190 led by single fathers, and 367 by single mothers. By 2021, total families decreased to 1,273, with 679 married, 292 single fathers, and 302 single mothers. In 2022, total families rose to 1,409, with 777 married, 247 single fathers, and 385 single mothers. By 2023, the total dropped slightly to 1,382, with 823 married, 211 single fathers, and 348 single mothers. Overall, married families increased, while single-parent families showed some variation.

AYR Goal: Children and youth will have optimal physical and emotional health.

From 2020 to 2023, the health insurance coverage for youth aged 19 and under in Dryden showed some shifts in the types of coverage. Direct purchase coverage fluctuated slightly, decreasing from 210 in 2020 to 193 in 2021, then continuing to decrease to 188 in 2022, and rising again to 212 in 2023. Employer-based coverage remained relatively stable, starting at 1,307 in 2020, with a slight increase to 1,319 in 2021, followed by a slight decline to 1,271 in 2022, before rising again to 1,419 in 2023. Medicaid coverage decreased from 1,237 in 2020 to 1,188 in 2021, further declining to 1,164 in 2022, and then dropping significantly to 884 in 2023. This shift highlights a decrease in Medicaid coverage and an increase in employer-based health insurance for youth over the period.

From 2014 to 2018, there was a noticeable increase in the percentage of individuals reporting mental health challenges. The percentage of people who felt sad or depressed most days in the past year rose from 34.2% in 2014 to 38.1% in 2018. Similarly, those who sometimes thought life was not worth it increased from 25.1% in 2014 to 31.4% in 2018. The percentage of individuals who felt they were "no good at all" grew from 33.0% in 2014 to 40.6% in 2018. Additionally, the number of people who thought of themselves as a failure increased from 19.7% in 2014 to 26.3% in 2018. These trends suggest a worsening sense of mental well-being over the period.

 AYR Goal:  Children and youth will demonstrate commitment to their community as contributing members of their families, schools, and neighborhoods.

 From 2012 to 2018, student participation in sports among grades 7-12 showed a slight decline. In the Dryden District, participation decreased from 80% in 2012 to 72% in 2016 before rebounding slightly to 74% in 2018. Tompkins County's participation remained relatively stable, dropping marginally from 78% in 2012 to 75% in 2018. Overall, Dryden's participation trends were similar to those of the county, with both experiencing small fluctuations over the years.

Participation in sports among students in grades 7-12 in the Dryden District and Tompkins County showed a slight decline from 2012 to 2018. In Dryden, participation dropped from 80% in 2012 to 72% in 2016, before recovering slightly to 74% in 2018. Tompkins County remained more stable, with participation decreasing marginally from 78% in 2012 to 75% in 2018. Overall, Dryden's sports participation remained similar to or slightly below the county average over the years.

In 2018 Pre-PINS and PINS referrals to probation by Dryden schools were minimal. Dryden Elementary had no referrals, while Dryden Middle School reported 4 Pre-PINS and 6 PINS cases. Dryden High School had 1 Pre-PINS and 3 PINS referrals, reflecting slightly lower numbers compared to the middle school.

1) Child Development Council (Detailed report not available online)

2) Food Bank of the Southern Finger Lakes  

3) Monitoring the Future  

4) NYS Council on Children & Families Kids Well-being Indicator Checklist  

5) NYS Dept. of Education School Report Cards  

6) NYS Dept. of Health Student Weight Status Category Reporting System  

7) NYS Department of Health Vital Statistics  

8) NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Juvenile Arrest Record System  

9) Tompkins County Communities that Care Youth Survey  

10) Tompkins County Probation Department (Detailed reports not available online)

11) Tompkins County Sheriff (Detailed reports not available online)

12) U.S. Housing and Urban Development Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Data  

13) U.S. Census Decennial Census & American Community Survey