Orleans County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in New York
The population of Orleans County, New York is 39,686 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in New York. The median household income is $63,838, the median home value is $126,200, and the median age is 43.6.
The population of Orleans County has declined 7.4% since 2010 (42,850 → 39,686), a -0.55% annualized rate.
39,686
Population
-0.55%
Annual growth
101
People / sq mi
$63,838
Median Income
$126,200
Median Home Value
Orleans County covers 391 sq mi of land at 101.4 people per square mile.
About Orleans County, NY
Orleans County is a county in New York with a population of 39,686. It ranks #55 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 43.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Orleans County is $63,838, below the US median of $74,580. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $126,200, with monthly rent averaging $877. The homeownership rate of 77.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Orleans County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.5 minutes each way.
Orleans County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Orleans County had a population of 42,850 in 2010 and 39,686 in 2024, a -7.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 42,850 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.55%.
39,686
Population (2024)
42,850
Population (2010)
42,850
Peak (2010)
-0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,850 |
| 2011 | 42,653 |
| 2012 | 42,396 |
| 2013 | 42,233 |
| 2014 | 41,864 |
| 2015 | 41,482 |
| 2016 | 41,270 |
| 2017 | 40,815 |
| 2018 | 40,708 |
| 2019 | 40,351 |
| 2020 | 40,069 |
| 2021 | 39,566 |
| 2022 | 39,329 |
| 2023 | 39,390 |
| 2024 | 39,686 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.6
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
19.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,838$-20,740 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,918 |
| Per-capita income | $34,352 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%-0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Orleans County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
75.7%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,200$-276,800 vs state
Median home value
$877
Median rent
77.4%
Homeownership rate
18,275
Total housing units
88.7%
Occupied
11.3%
Vacant
22.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
90.5%
With broadband internet
11.5%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.6%
With a disability
93.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.7%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Orleans County, New York has a population of 39,686 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in New York. Population density is 101 people per square mile.
The population of Orleans County has declined 7.4% since 2010 (42,850 → 39,686), a -0.55% annualized rate.
The median household income in Orleans County, New York is $63,838, with mean (average) household income of $82,918 and per-capita income of $34,352. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Orleans County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.5%), Black or African American (4.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Orleans County, New York is 43.6 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Orleans County is $126,200 and median monthly rent is $877. 77.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,275 total housing units, 11.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Orleans County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Orleans County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
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Statewide data for New York
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.