Following state trends, renting housing is becoming more popular in Capital Region. High taxes, strong stock markets, and people's general desire probably not to settle down and raise a family in New York State probably leads to more people preferring to rent.
This shows the population density of all census tracts in New York State where the population density is less then 500 persons per square mile.
Data Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census.
Here is a look at the percentage of households that are renters, per the 2014 5-year American Community Survey Averages in Block Groups. Election districts are overlaid for reference.
Much of the eastern North Country's population is centered around Plattsburgh.