Poughkeepsie, NY
Population 31,778 · New York
About Poughkeepsie, NY
Poughkeepsie is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 31,778 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,050 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Poughkeepsie features a median home value of $259,200, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Poughkeepsie in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,370, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,254 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (5,268 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (8,174 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 Poughkeepsie shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Poughkeepsie have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.5% of Poughkeepsie residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, and 8.1% Asian residents, with 21.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Poughkeepsie Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Poughkeepsie, NY
Compared to national averages, Poughkeepsie has a median household income of $60,050 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $259,200, which is 6% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,370 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Poughkeepsie's income is 38% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 33% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Poughkeepsie, NY?
Poughkeepsie offers short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,050) that falls below the national average. However, Poughkeepsie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Poughkeepsie has a population of 31,778 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Poughkeepsie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Poughkeepsie
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca | 31,792 | $48,617 | $330,100 | Compare |
| Rome | 31,795 | $58,857 | $137,200 | Compare |
| Oceanside | 31,907 | $145,282 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Centereach | 31,501 | $127,106 | $471,300 | Compare |
| Bay Shore | 31,275 | $101,695 | $467,800 | Compare |
| Port Chester | 31,162 | $99,916 | $563,900 | Compare |
| Spring Valley | 32,995 | $56,151 | $351,500 | Compare |
| Franklin Square | 30,559 | $140,051 | $640,300 | 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 Poughkeepsie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Poughkeepsie
What is the population of Poughkeepsie, NY?
The population of Poughkeepsie, NY is 31,778 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Poughkeepsie?
The median household income in Poughkeepsie, NY is $60,050 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Poughkeepsie?
The median home value in Poughkeepsie, NY is $259,200, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Poughkeepsie?
The median monthly rent in Poughkeepsie, NY is $1,370, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Poughkeepsie?
The unemployment rate in Poughkeepsie, NY is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Poughkeepsie, NY a good place to live?
Poughkeepsie offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,778 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Poughkeepsie, NY?
31.5% of residents in Poughkeepsie aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Poughkeepsie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Poughkeepsie, NY: median home value is $259,200 (6% above national), median rent is $1,370/month, and median household income is $60,050. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Poughkeepsie?
The poverty rate in Poughkeepsie, NY is 18.0%, 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 Poughkeepsie, NY?
Poughkeepsie's population is 10.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 8.1% Asian, and 31.3% two or more races. 21.5% of residents are foreign-born.