The name Otsego is from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning "place of the rock.

[6] Otsego County is in central New York State, to the west of Albany, southeast of Utica, and northeast of Binghamton.

15.0% were of Irish, 14.9% English, 14.9% German, 11.3% Italian and 9.1% American ancestry according to Census 2000.

27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

In 2004, Otsego County voted 51–48 percent in favor of George W. Bush.

Democrats are prevalent in the City of Oneonta and Village of Cooperstown, whereas the majority of voters in many of the surrounding towns are registered Republicans.

In 2020 the county voted for 51%-46% Donald Trump, and lost its bellwether status when Biden won the election.

It attracts many tourists to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the New York State Historical Association museums.

Cultural attractions also include the Glimmerglass Opera, with a summer season that draws many repeat visitors for stays.

Fox Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the Bassett Network; major retail activity; and numerous small businesses.