Columbia County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in New York
The population of Columbia County, New York is 61,245 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $83,619, the median home value is $309,800, and the median age is 49.5.
The population of Columbia County has declined 4.3% since 2010 (63,035 → 60,299), a -0.32% annualized rate.
61,245
Population
-0.32%
Annual growth
97
People / sq mi
$83,619
Median Income
$309,800
Median Home Value
Columbia County covers 635 sq mi of land at 96.5 people per square mile.
About Columbia County, NY
Columbia County is a county in New York with a population of 61,245. It ranks #40 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 49.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Columbia County is $83,619, above the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $309,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,199. The homeownership rate of 75.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Columbia County reflects 38.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.4 minutes each way.
Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbia County had a population of 63,035 in 2010 and 60,299 in 2024, a -4.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 63,035 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.31%.
60,299
Population (2024)
63,035
Population (2010)
63,035
Peak (2010)
-0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 63,035 |
| 2011 | 62,532 |
| 2012 | 62,450 |
| 2013 | 62,153 |
| 2014 | 61,956 |
| 2015 | 61,451 |
| 2016 | 60,801 |
| 2017 | 60,312 |
| 2018 | 59,852 |
| 2019 | 59,582 |
| 2020 | 61,419 |
| 2021 | 61,977 |
| 2022 | 61,187 |
| 2023 | 60,616 |
| 2024 | 60,299 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.8% |
| Black or African American | 3.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.5
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
25.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.6% · Seniors (65+): 25.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,619$-959 vs state |
| Mean household income | $122,423 |
| Per-capita income | $53,325 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
2.9%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
67.6%
Public transit
15.7%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$309,800$-93,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,199
Median rent
75.4%
Homeownership rate
33,331
Total housing units
78.3%
Occupied
21.7%
Vacant
24.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
22.1%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
91.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
38.1%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in New York
Part of New York
Metro areas in New York
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County, New York has a population of 61,245 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in New York. Population density is 97 people per square mile.
The population of Columbia County has declined 4.3% since 2010 (63,035 → 60,299), a -0.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbia County, New York is $83,619, with mean (average) household income of $122,423 and per-capita income of $53,325. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.8%), Black or African American (3.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbia County, New York is 49.5 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Columbia County is $309,800 and median monthly rent is $1,199. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 33,331 total housing units, 21.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbia County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
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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.