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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Columbia County: a median age of 49.5, older than the national median. Columbia County is a county in New York with a population of 61,245. It ranks #40 among counties in New York by population.
Median household income is $83,619, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.9%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $309,800, with typical rent around $1,199.
Columbia County is among the best-educated US counties: 38.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.7% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Columbia County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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+
Largest cities in New York
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.
Columbia County, NY Climate
Columbia County, NY has an average annual temperature of 8.2°C (47°F) and receives about 1072 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.2°C
Avg Temp
1072
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 76 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 68 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 84 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 90 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 103 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 100 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 97 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 92 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 83 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 92 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 85 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 Columbia County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Columbia County, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Columbia County
Visiting or relocating to Columbia County, NY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Columbia 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 Columbia County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Columbia 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.