Yates County is located in the western part of New York, in the Finger Lakes region. Yates County has a total area of approximately 376 square miles of which 90% is land and 10% water. As of the census of 2000, there were 24,621 people, 9,029 households, and 6,284 families residing in Yates County, New York. The population density was 73 per square mile. Out of New York's 58 counties, it ranks as third least populous county. The name is in honor of Joseph C. Yates, who as Governor of New York, signed the act establishing the county.