3 counties

Lewis
Jefferson
St. Lawrence

5,808

jobs created
from nearby
Army
installation

$2.5 billion

generated in
annual
economic
impact

Welcome to Drum Country

Located in north-central New York State, Drum Country includes Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Less than an hour’s drive north of Syracuse and bordered by Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Adirondack Mountains, Drum Country is a prosperous region rich in character and opportunity for economic development and growth. Beyond that, our high quality of life, low cost of living and abundant natural beauty make this area a great place to live, work and play.

Whether you’re a job seeker, entrepreneur, or military community member, our community partners are ready to help you realize your Drum Country Dream.

View Sites to Build Your Business

DRUM COUNTRY IS
DOING BIG THINGS.

At the heart of Drum Country’s culture and economy lies Fort Drum, the largest United States Army base in the northeast, is the heart of Drum Country’s culture and economy. Located in Watertown, NY, Fort Drum employs nearly 6,000 area residents. As a result, it also generates $2.5 billion in annual economic impact. Soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Drum and living in its surrounding communities are a driving force for regional economic growth and development. Additionally, almost a third of Fort Drum military families choose to stay in the area once their service ends, partially due to our community’s strong military support and service infrastructure.

 

Drum Country Beyond the Base

Along with the economic engine of Fort Drum, businesses of all sizes and sectors continue to flourish in Drum Country. Our strategic location, strong infrastructure, and community resources provide a lasting foundation for residents, entrepreneurs and international corporations to thrive. This area’s top industries include manufacturing, food processing, renewable energy, tourism and more, who benefit from easy access to a highly-trained local workforce. Above all, countless families, small businesses and organizations have recognized that Drum Country is one of the nation’s best places to put down roots.

 

K.C. Bennett, Owner - Sally Port View and U.S. Army Veteran

I’m super thankful to community partners like Michelle Capone, Dave Zembiec, Lyle Eaton and Matt Siver at Drum Country organizations   … they all were very patient and understanding of financial, business and construction issues we were having during the year process it took to complete the project, and even more so accommodating with my requests. So very thankful. We would not have been able to do this project without them, and certainly not to this scale.

Scott Gilbert, Owner - Tug Hill Artisan Roasters

Life is good here. Of course, as small business owners, my wife and I are always busy. But while we work to provide for our family, we know our kids are safe in a good school with teachers that look out for their well-being. Overall, it’s just a really positive environment. Here, neighbors have each other’s backs and are willing to lend a hand when someone’s in need. Locals support small businesses, and take the time to really connect with each other.

Larry Williams - CEO, Otis Technology

Otis Technology has been located in Lewis County for over 30 years and we couldn’t think of a better place for our business to call home.

AFFORDABLE COST OF LIVING.
GREAT JOBS.
FRIENDLY PEOPLE.

Drum Country’s affordable standard of living, great school systems, and superior public safety make it the perfect place to raise a family. Communities here are close-knit, with neighbors helping neighbors and families calling Drum Country home for generations.

The Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondack Mountains are just some of the natural highlights found in Drum Country’s landscape. Its unparalleled year-round outdoor recreation and stunning scenery draws tourists and delights residents.

Whether you’re seeking a great place to call home or to launch your business ventures, Drum Country’s community partners can help you get where you are going.

GET THE LATEST FROM DRUM COUNTRY AND OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS