Clinton County’s population declined by 2.78% from 2010 to 2020, below the statewide average (excluding New York City) of a 1.73% increase, and well below the national average increase of 7.35%. Population is projected to continue to decline through 2040, down to approximately 70,000 residents (from approximately 80,000 in 2020) Population is concentrated along the I-87 corridor the east of the county, with the highest densities found in the urbanized areas around Plattsburgh.

Employment in Clinton County is concentrated in the eastern portion of the county, especially in the in the City of Plattsburg. A full one in five jobs is in healthcare, overwhelmingly concentrated in Plattsburgh. Half of all jobs are in healthcare, retail or education. One quarter of all jobs are 'blue collar', including manufacturing and work in correctional facilities.

Transit usage is highest among a few key groups, including older adults (age 65 and up), youth (age 17 and under), low-income households (less than $45,000/year), zero-car households, non-white individuals, individuals with limited English proficiency, and households where one or more residents has one or more disabilities. This map shows where there are the highest concentrations of these groups live.

Travel within Clinton County generally centers around Plattsburgh, except in the far south where there is much more daily travel across into Essex County. Many communities in the region have no access to a full-service grocery store, healthcare facility, or employment opportunities, so travel to Plattsburgh becomes a necessity for many residents. There is only one healthcare facility outside Plattsburgh (in Champlain) and only two other communities have grocery stores (Peru and Champlain).