Albany, NY
Population 100,081 · New York
About Albany, NY
Albany is a major city located in New York with a population of 100,081 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,485 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Albany features a median home value of $223,000, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Albany in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,178, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 50,709 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (16,585 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (27,160 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Albany shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Albany have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.8% of Albany residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 15.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Albany Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Albany, NY
Compared to national averages, Albany has a median household income of $59,485 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $223,000, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,178 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Albany's income is 39% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 42% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Albany, NY?
Albany offers affordable housing with a median home value of $223,000, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 44.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,485) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Albany provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Albany has a population of 100,081 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Albany with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Albany
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Rochelle | 81,591 | $103,813 | $667,300 | Compare |
| Cheektowaga | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 72,528 | $77,171 | $449,600 | Compare |
| Schenectady | 68,521 | $56,398 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Utica | 64,440 | $51,513 | $133,400 | Compare |
| White Plains | 59,818 | $115,586 | $624,100 | Compare |
| Hempstead | 58,569 | $82,454 | $442,100 | Compare |
| Tonawanda Town | 56,973 | $76,644 | $199,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Albany With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Albany
What is the population of Albany, NY?
The population of Albany, NY is 100,081 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New York.
What is the median household income in Albany?
The median household income in Albany, NY is $59,485 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Albany?
The median home value in Albany, NY is $223,000, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Albany?
The median monthly rent in Albany, NY is $1,178, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Albany?
The unemployment rate in Albany, NY is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Albany, NY a good place to live?
Albany offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 100,081 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Albany, NY?
44.8% of residents in Albany aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Albany, NY: median home value is $223,000 (9% below national), median rent is $1,178/month, and median household income is $59,485. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Albany?
The poverty rate in Albany, NY is 23.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Albany, NY?
Albany's population is 0.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 24.8% two or more races. 15.0% of residents are foreign-born.