Albany County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 14th-largest in New York
The population of Albany County, New York is 315,374 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 14th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $83,149, the median home value is $277,400, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Albany County has grown 5.2% since 2010 (304,085 → 319,964), a +0.36% annualized rate.
315,374
Population
+0.36%
Annual growth
603
People / sq mi
$83,149
Median Income
$277,400
Median Home Value
Albany County covers 523 sq mi of land at 603.1 people per square mile.
About Albany County, NY
Homeownership is the standout figure in Albany County: 56.7% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 315,374 residents, Albany County is a county in New York. It ranks #14 among counties in New York by population.
Households take in a median $83,149, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $277,400, with typical rent around $1,252.
Albany County is among the best-educated US counties: 45.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 13.6% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Albany County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Albany County had a population of 304,085 in 2010 and 319,964 in 2024, a 5.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 319,964 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.
319,964
Population (2024)
304,085
Population (2010)
319,964
Peak (2024)
0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 304,085 |
| 2011 | 304,627 |
| 2012 | 305,776 |
| 2013 | 306,661 |
| 2014 | 307,246 |
| 2015 | 307,521 |
| 2016 | 307,810 |
| 2017 | 307,919 |
| 2018 | 306,691 |
| 2019 | 304,752 |
| 2020 | 314,024 |
| 2021 | 316,817 |
| 2022 | 316,287 |
| 2023 | 318,000 |
| 2024 | 319,964 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.8% |
| Black or African American | 12.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,149$-1,429 vs state |
| Mean household income | $107,762 |
| Per-capita income | $46,231 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Albany County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.5% of workers.
How residents commute
4.3%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
67.6%
Public transit
13.6%
Work from home
21.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$277,400$-125,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,252
Median rent
56.7%
Homeownership rate
146,959
Total housing units
90.3%
Occupied
9.7%
Vacant
43.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.0%
With health insurance
94.5%
With broadband internet
14.6%
Foreign-born
5.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.5%
With a disability
85.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
45.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in New York
Other counties in New York
Part of New York
Metro areas in New York
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Albany County, New York has a population of 315,374 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 14th-largest county in New York. Population density is 603 people per square mile.
The population of Albany County has grown 5.2% since 2010 (304,085 → 319,964), a +0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Albany County, New York is $83,149, with mean (average) household income of $107,762 and per-capita income of $46,231. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Albany County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.8%), Black or African American (12.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Albany County, New York is 38.3 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Albany County is $277,400 and median monthly rent is $1,252. 56.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 146,959 total housing units, 9.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Albany County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Albany County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
Albany County, NY Climate
Albany County, NY has an average annual temperature of 8.1°C (47°F) and receives about 993 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.1°C
Avg Temp
993
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 66 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 59 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 78 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 85 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 97 mm |
| June | 19° / 65° | 96 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 94 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 92 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 86 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 78 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 87 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 75 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Albany County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Albany County, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Albany County
Visiting or relocating to Albany County, NY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Albany County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Albany County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Albany County, NY by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from New York
Population 2,646,306
Population 2,330,124
Population 1,627,788
Population 1,525,680
Full rankings of New York counties
Statewide data for New York
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New York
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.