Rensselaer County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in New York
The population of Rensselaer County, New York is 160,341 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in New York. The median household income is $86,663, the median home value is $244,300, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Rensselaer County has grown 0.9% since 2010 (159,342 → 160,749), a +0.06% annualized rate.
160,341
Population
+0.06%
Annual growth
246
People / sq mi
$86,663
Median Income
$244,300
Median Home Value
Rensselaer County covers 652 sq mi of land at 245.7 people per square mile.
About Rensselaer County, NY
What sets Rensselaer County apart is money: median household income runs $86,663, above the US median of $78,538. With 160,341 residents, Rensselaer County is a county in New York. It ranks #21 among counties in New York by population.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $86,663, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $244,300, with typical rent around $1,182.
College attainment is above the local norm at 37.3%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 12.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Rensselaer County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Rensselaer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rensselaer County had a population of 159,342 in 2010 and 160,749 in 2024, a 0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 160,888 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
160,749
Population (2024)
159,342
Population (2010)
160,888
Peak (2020)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 159,342 |
| 2011 | 159,606 |
| 2012 | 159,466 |
| 2013 | 159,590 |
| 2014 | 159,719 |
| 2015 | 159,413 |
| 2016 | 159,311 |
| 2017 | 159,214 |
| 2018 | 159,452 |
| 2019 | 158,981 |
| 2020 | 160,888 |
| 2021 | 160,645 |
| 2022 | 159,530 |
| 2023 | 159,846 |
| 2024 | 160,749 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.4% |
| Black or African American | 6.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,663+$2,085 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,010 |
| Per-capita income | $45,113 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rensselaer County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.0% of workers.
How residents commute
2.4%
Drive alone
3.7%
Carpool
72.6%
Public transit
12.5%
Work from home
23.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$244,300$-158,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,182
Median rent
64.1%
Homeownership rate
74,388
Total housing units
89.0%
Occupied
11.0%
Vacant
35.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.7%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
16.3%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
92.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.7%
High School+
37.3%
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
Rensselaer County, New York has a population of 160,341 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in New York. Population density is 246 people per square mile.
The population of Rensselaer County has grown 0.9% since 2010 (159,342 → 160,749), a +0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rensselaer County, New York is $86,663, with mean (average) household income of $106,010 and per-capita income of $45,113. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rensselaer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.4%), Black or African American (6.8%), 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 Rensselaer County, New York is 40.2 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Rensselaer County is $244,300 and median monthly rent is $1,182. 64.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 74,388 total housing units, 11.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rensselaer County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Rensselaer County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
Rensselaer County, NY Climate
Rensselaer County, NY has an average annual temperature of 7.6°C (46°F) and receives about 1029 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.6°C
Avg Temp
1029
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 69 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 61 mm |
| March | 0° / 33° | 76 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 86 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 99 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 101 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 97 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 101 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 88 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 84 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 90 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 77 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 Rensselaer County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Rensselaer 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 -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rensselaer County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.