–

Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

Ancestry Report Part I
Description	Total Population	American	Native American	Hawaiian	Caribbean (Latino)	Mexican	Central American	South American	Other Hispanic	African American	Sub- Saharan	Caribbean (Black)

Franklin County	47,339	2,470	3,559	0	707	197	76	63	361	961	374	396
New York (in 000's)	20,115	518	52	6	2,088	479	430	646	294	1,381	559	777
National (in 000's)	343,251	13,890	2,213	626	11,327	38,879	6,181	4,644	3,687	25,893	7,852	7,174
St. Lawrence County	106,174	7,399	883	16	1,493	405	196	328	352	1,253	579	634
Clinton County	78,391	4,565	211	18	1,348	467	282	148	502	1,371	572	576
Essex County	37,128	2,065	61	7	376	81	81	64	342	390	101	108
Hamilton County	5,102	415	16	1	41	0	14	32	7	28	4	5

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Franklin County	11.03	5.22	7.52	0.00	1.49	0.42	0.16	0.13	0.76	2.03	0.79	0.84
New York	6.60	2.58	0.26	0.03	10.38	2.38	2.14	3.21	1.46	6.86	2.78	3.86
National	7.83	4.05	0.64	0.18	3.30	11.33	1.80	1.35	1.07	7.54	2.29	2.09
St. Lawrence County	13.12	6.97	0.83	0.02	1.41	0.38	0.18	0.31	0.33	1.18	0.55	0.60
Clinton County	12.26	5.82	0.27	0.02	1.72	0.60	0.36	0.19	0.64	1.75	0.73	0.73
Essex County	11.30	5.56	0.16	0.02	1.01	0.22	0.22	0.17	0.92	1.05	0.27	0.29
Hamilton County	11.06	8.13	0.31	0.02	0.80	0.00	0.27	0.63	0.14	0.55	0.08	0.10

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Franklin County		202.60	2,883.80	0.00	14.39	17.47	7.50	4.14	52.10	29.58	28.41	21.66
New York		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		157.13	247.33	608.04	31.79	475.52	84.18	42.11	73.38	109.91	82.27	54.13
St. Lawrence County		270.60	319.01	50.21	13.55	16.01	8.63	9.62	22.65	17.19	19.61	15.46
Clinton County		226.12	103.25	76.51	16.57	25.01	16.82	5.88	43.75	25.48	26.24	19.03
Essex County		215.97	63.02	62.82	9.76	9.16	10.20	5.37	62.93	15.30	9.78	7.53
Hamilton County		315.85	120.29	65.31	7.74	0.00	12.83	19.52	9.37	8.00	2.82	2.54

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Franklin County		128.94	1,165.98	0.00	45.26	3.67	8.92	9.84	71.00	26.91	34.54	40.02
New York		63.64	40.43	16.45	314.54	21.03	118.80	237.47	136.27	90.99	121.56	184.75
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
St. Lawrence County		172.21	128.98	8.26	42.61	3.37	10.25	22.83	30.87	15.64	23.84	28.57
Clinton County		143.91	41.74	12.58	52.11	5.26	19.98	13.95	59.62	23.18	31.90	35.16
Essex County		137.44	25.48	10.33	30.69	1.93	12.11	12.74	85.76	13.92	11.89	13.92
Hamilton County		201.01	48.64	10.74	24.35	0.00	15.24	46.36	12.77	7.28	3.43	4.69

Ancestry Report Part II
Description	Total Population	Canadian	British	Dutch	French	German	Italian	Polish	Scandinavian	Scotish/ Irish	Spanish	Other European

Franklin County	47,339	2,387	3,681	460	5,555	2,169	1,453	431	393	4,978	41	829
New York (in 000's)	20,115	79	645	94	183	968	1,341	460	136	1,255	57	809
National (in 000's)	343,251	1,350	18,069	1,828	3,642	24,708	9,027	4,667	5,969	20,625	1,140	9,563
St. Lawrence County	106,174	5,176	9,394	886	7,310	6,801	4,024	1,466	914	12,349	226	2,465
Clinton County	78,391	5,134	5,525	481	8,808	3,705	2,928	1,168	734	8,137	118	1,318
Essex County	37,128	1,102	3,871	450	3,543	2,695	1,599	1,004	610	5,574	61	1,640
Hamilton County	5,102	78	773	139	243	601	232	131	114	854	19	205

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Franklin County	11.03	5.04	7.78	0.97	11.73	4.58	3.07	0.91	0.83	10.52	0.09	1.75
New York	6.60	0.39	3.21	0.47	0.91	4.81	6.67	2.29	0.67	6.24	0.28	4.02
National	7.83	0.39	5.26	0.53	1.06	7.20	2.63	1.36	1.74	6.01	0.33	2.79
St. Lawrence County	13.12	4.88	8.85	0.83	6.88	6.41	3.79	1.38	0.86	11.63	0.21	2.32
Clinton County	12.26	6.55	7.05	0.61	11.24	4.73	3.74	1.49	0.94	10.38	0.15	1.68
Essex County	11.30	2.97	10.43	1.21	9.54	7.26	4.31	2.70	1.64	15.01	0.16	4.42
Hamilton County	11.06	1.53	15.15	2.72	4.76	11.78	4.55	2.57	2.23	16.74	0.37	4.02

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Franklin County		1,282.03	242.34	208.90	1,286.53	95.17	46.04	39.78	123.00	168.53	30.53	43.56
New York		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		100.01	164.06	114.49	116.32	149.51	39.45	59.40	257.63	96.30	117.09	69.31
St. Lawrence County		1,239.48	275.75	179.40	754.84	133.05	56.85	60.33	127.55	186.41	75.03	57.75
Clinton County		1,665.15	219.66	131.91	1,231.87	98.17	56.02	65.10	138.73	166.36	53.06	41.82
Essex County		754.65	324.94	260.56	1,046.22	150.77	64.60	118.15	243.43	240.61	57.91	109.88
Hamilton County		388.70	472.20	585.71	522.18	244.67	68.20	112.18	331.06	268.27	131.27	99.95

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Franklin County		1,281.92	147.72	182.46	1,106.02	63.65	116.71	66.96	47.74	175.01	26.07	62.85
New York		99.99	60.95	87.34	85.97	66.88	253.51	168.34	38.81	103.84	85.40	144.28
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
St. Lawrence County		1,239.38	168.08	156.69	648.93	88.99	144.11	101.56	49.51	193.57	64.08	83.33
Clinton County		1,665.01	133.89	115.22	1,059.03	65.66	142.02	109.59	53.85	172.75	45.31	60.35
Essex County		754.58	198.06	227.59	899.43	100.84	163.76	198.89	94.49	249.85	49.46	158.54
Hamilton County		388.67	287.82	511.58	448.91	163.65	172.90	188.85	128.50	278.57	112.11	144.21

Ancestry Report Part III
Description	Total Population	Chinese	Filipino	Japanese	Korean	Vietnamese	South Central Asian	South East Asian	Other Asian	Middle Eastern	Other Ancestry	Unknown

Franklin County	47,339	36	23	2	7	0	12	12	155	134	4,191	11,226
New York (in 000's)	20,115	771	126	41	141	33	601	76	82	159	2,450	2,376
National (in 000's)	343,251	4,461	3,010	793	1,541	1,913	5,452	1,643	1,229	1,931	47,322	51,000
St. Lawrence County	106,174	301	208	24	31	38	315	43	131	422	9,559	30,553
Clinton County	78,391	260	265	84	55	17	249	34	88	217	8,181	20,825
Essex County	37,128	45	39	8	12	2	32	25	29	46	2,715	8,350
Hamilton County	5,102	0	0	0	16	0	0	0	0	17	258	859

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Franklin County	11.03	0.08	0.05	0.00	0.01	0.00	0.03	0.03	0.33	0.28	8.85	23.71
New York	6.60	3.83	0.62	0.21	0.70	0.17	2.99	0.38	0.41	0.79	12.18	11.81
National	7.83	1.30	0.88	0.23	0.45	0.56	1.59	0.48	0.36	0.56	13.79	14.86
St. Lawrence County	13.12	0.28	0.20	0.02	0.03	0.04	0.30	0.04	0.12	0.40	9.00	28.78
Clinton County	12.26	0.33	0.34	0.11	0.07	0.02	0.32	0.04	0.11	0.28	10.44	26.57
Essex County	11.30	0.12	0.11	0.02	0.03	0.01	0.09	0.07	0.08	0.12	7.31	22.49
Hamilton County	11.06	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.31	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.33	5.06	16.84

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Franklin County		1.98	7.78	2.06	2.11	0.00	0.85	6.72	79.99	35.87	72.68	200.76
New York		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		33.91	140.52	112.42	64.18	334.75	53.20	126.88	87.50	71.27	113.18	125.79
St. Lawrence County		7.40	31.39	11.00	4.17	21.50	9.94	10.74	30.14	50.36	73.91	243.62
Clinton County		8.65	54.16	52.15	10.03	13.03	10.64	11.50	27.42	35.07	85.67	224.90
Essex County		3.16	16.83	10.49	4.62	3.24	2.89	17.85	19.08	15.70	60.03	190.40
Hamilton County		0.00	0.00	0.00	44.82	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	42.22	41.51	142.54

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Franklin County		5.85	5.54	1.83	3.29	0.00	1.60	5.30	91.42	50.33	64.22	159.61
New York		294.91	71.16	88.96	155.80	29.87	187.98	78.82	114.29	140.32	88.36	79.50
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
St. Lawrence County		21.81	22.34	9.79	6.50	6.42	18.68	8.46	34.45	70.66	65.30	193.68
Clinton County		25.52	38.55	46.39	15.62	3.89	20.00	9.06	31.34	49.22	75.70	178.80
Essex County		9.33	11.98	9.33	7.20	0.97	5.43	14.07	21.81	22.03	53.04	151.37
Hamilton County		0.00	0.00	0.00	69.84	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	59.24	36.68	113.32

Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025

Advertisers