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
Rensselaer County is a county in New York with a population of 160,341. It ranks #21 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Rensselaer County is $86,663, above the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $244,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,182. The homeownership rate of 64.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rensselaer County reflects 37.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.5% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.9 minutes each way.
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+
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Part of New York
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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.
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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.