Defending US Open champion Novak Djokovic, who has had a wrist injury, is the top seed at Flushing Meadows.
American Serena Williams is seeded one for the women's singles.
Konta, 25, is ranked 14th in the world.
Last year's champion, Flavia Pennetta of Italy, retired after beating compatriot Roberta Vinci, who is seeded seventh, in the 2015 final.
The tournament starts on 29 August, although qualifying began on Tuesday, with Britain's James Ward beaten 6-3 6-4 by Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina.
Fellow Britons Tara Moore and Laura Robson begin their qualifying campaigns in New York on Wednesday.
Last year's champion, Flavia Pennetta of Italy, retired after beating compatriot Roberta Vinci, who is seeded seventh, in the 2015 final.
The tournament starts on 29 August, although qualifying began on Tuesday, with Britain's James Ward beaten 6-3 6-4 by Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina.
Fellow Britons Tara Moore and Laura Robson begin their qualifying campaigns in New York on Wednesday.
