Rensselaer, NY
Population 9,247 · New York
About Rensselaer, NY
Rensselaer is a small town located in New York with a population of 9,247 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,046 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rensselaer features a median home value of $202,600, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rensselaer in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,180, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,943 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (1,985 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (2,440 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 Rensselaer shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rensselaer have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.5% of Rensselaer 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 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rensselaer, NY
Compared to national averages, Rensselaer has a median household income of $66,046 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,600, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,180 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Rensselaer's income is 32% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 48% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Rensselaer, NY?
Rensselaer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,600, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,046) that falls below the national average. However, Rensselaer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rensselaer has a population of 9,247 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Rensselaer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Rensselaer
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohemia | 9,306 | $120,094 | $506,000 | Compare |
| Mahopac | 9,171 | $114,867 | $448,600 | Compare |
| Glens Falls North | 9,148 | $82,835 | $265,100 | Compare |
| Stony Brook University | 9,138 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Newark | 9,040 | $58,096 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Monroe | 9,466 | $110,806 | $404,200 | Compare |
| Springs | 9,489 | $147,277 | $890,000 | Compare |
| Hillcrest | 8,989 | $142,260 | $551,200 | 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 Rensselaer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rensselaer
What is the population of Rensselaer, NY?
The population of Rensselaer, NY is 9,247 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 Rensselaer?
The median household income in Rensselaer, NY is $66,046 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rensselaer?
The median home value in Rensselaer, NY is $202,600, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rensselaer?
The median monthly rent in Rensselaer, NY is $1,180, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rensselaer?
The unemployment rate in Rensselaer, NY is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rensselaer, NY a good place to live?
Rensselaer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,247 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rensselaer, NY?
26.5% of residents in Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rensselaer, NY: median home value is $202,600 (17% below national), median rent is $1,180/month, and median household income is $66,046. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rensselaer?
The poverty rate in Rensselaer, NY is 19.6%, 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 Rensselaer, NY?
Rensselaer's population is 0.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 7.2% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.