Schenectady County, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in New York
The population of Schenectady County, New York is 159,603 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in New York. The median household income is $76,989, the median home value is $223,100, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Schenectady County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (154,867 → 162,261), a +0.33% annualized rate.
159,603
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
780
People / sq mi
$76,989
Median Income
$223,100
Median Home Value
Schenectady County covers 205 sq mi of land at 779.8 people per square mile.
About Schenectady County, NY
Schenectady County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 780 people per square mile. With 159,603 residents, Schenectady County is a county in New York. It ranks #22 among counties in New York by population.
Households take in a median $76,989, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.0%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $223,100, with typical rent around $1,159.
College attainment is above the local norm at 35.1%, near the national 35.0%. A solid 12.3% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Schenectady County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Schenectady County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Schenectady County had a population of 154,867 in 2010 and 162,261 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 162,261 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.34%.
162,261
Population (2024)
154,867
Population (2010)
162,261
Peak (2024)
0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 154,867 |
| 2011 | 154,882 |
| 2012 | 155,044 |
| 2013 | 154,978 |
| 2014 | 155,050 |
| 2015 | 154,773 |
| 2016 | 154,473 |
| 2017 | 154,716 |
| 2018 | 155,334 |
| 2019 | 155,548 |
| 2020 | 159,294 |
| 2021 | 160,066 |
| 2022 | 159,846 |
| 2023 | 160,378 |
| 2024 | 162,261 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.2% |
| Black or African American | 10.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,989$-7,589 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,121 |
| Per-capita income | $41,529 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Schenectady County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.7% of workers.
How residents commute
3.5%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
72.2%
Public transit
12.3%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$223,100$-179,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,159
Median rent
63.8%
Homeownership rate
71,051
Total housing units
93.3%
Occupied
6.7%
Vacant
36.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
94.4%
With broadband internet
13.9%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
91.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
35.1%
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
Schenectady County, New York has a population of 159,603 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in New York. Population density is 780 people per square mile.
The population of Schenectady County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (154,867 → 162,261), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Schenectady County, New York is $76,989, with mean (average) household income of $99,121 and per-capita income of $41,529. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Schenectady County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.2%), Black or African American (10.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Schenectady County, New York is 39.6 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Schenectady County is $223,100 and median monthly rent is $1,159. 63.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 71,051 total housing units, 6.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Schenectady County, New York is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
New York is among the largest cities associated with Schenectady County, New York, with a population of 8,516,202.
Schenectady County, NY Climate
Schenectady County, NY has an average annual temperature of 7.9°C (46°F) and receives about 1017 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.9°C
Avg Temp
1017
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 20° | 70 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 60 mm |
| March | 0° / 33° | 81 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 86 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 97 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 97 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 94 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 95 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 90 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 81 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 89 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 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 Schenectady County, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Schenectady 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). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Schenectady County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.