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 is a county in New York with a population of 159,603. It ranks #22 among counties in New York by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Schenectady County is $76,989, near the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $223,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,159. The homeownership rate of 63.8% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Schenectady County reflects 35.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
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+
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Part of New York
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.