New Paltz, NY
Population 8,028 · New York
About New Paltz, NY
New Paltz is a small town located in New York with a population of 8,028 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.6 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 New Paltz features a median home value of $397,800, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. This places New Paltz in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,630, 40% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,519 total housing units, 28% are owner-occupied (659 units) and 72% are renter-occupied (1,689 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 New Paltz shows an unemployment rate of 10.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 36.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in New Paltz have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.8% of New Paltz 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 1.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 9.0% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in New Paltz, NY
Compared to national averages, New Paltz has a median household income of $59,375 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $397,800, which is 62% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,630 is 40% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, New Paltz's income is 39% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 3% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in New Paltz, NY?
New Paltz offers a well-educated community where 69.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,375) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $397,800. However, New Paltz’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Paltz has a population of 8,028 with a median age of 21.6 years. Compare New Paltz with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near New Paltz
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Jefferson | 8,029 | $143,125 | $628,500 | Compare |
| Lake Carmel | 8,090 | $121,402 | $357,500 | Compare |
| Congers | 7,923 | $141,413 | $575,700 | Compare |
| Mount Ivy | 7,913 | $85,226 | $275,200 | Compare |
| Johnstown | 8,153 | $62,333 | $147,000 | Compare |
| Center Moriches | 8,155 | $152,500 | $554,500 | Compare |
| Hornell | 8,173 | $46,321 | $86,600 | Compare |
| Garden City Park | 8,176 | $135,208 | $796,600 | 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 New Paltz With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Paltz
What is the population of New Paltz, NY?
The population of New Paltz, NY is 8,028 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in New Paltz?
The median household income in New Paltz, NY is $59,375 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Paltz?
The median home value in New Paltz, NY is $397,800, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in New Paltz?
The median monthly rent in New Paltz, NY is $1,630, which is 40% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Paltz?
The unemployment rate in New Paltz, NY is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Paltz, NY a good place to live?
New Paltz offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,028 and a median age of 21.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is New Paltz, NY?
69.8% of residents in New Paltz 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 New Paltz?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Paltz, NY: median home value is $397,800 (62% above national), median rent is $1,630/month, and median household income is $59,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in New Paltz?
The poverty rate in New Paltz, NY is 36.4%, 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 New Paltz, NY?
New Paltz's population is 1.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 9.0% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.