Schenectady, NY
Population 68,521 · New York
About Schenectady, NY
Schenectady is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 68,521 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,398 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 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 Schenectady features a median home value of $152,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Schenectady in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,109, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 31,342 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (12,880 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (15,889 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 Schenectady shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Schenectady have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.6% of Schenectady 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 2.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 15.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Schenectady Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Schenectady, NY
Compared to national averages, Schenectady has a median household income of $56,398 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,000, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,109 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Schenectady's income is 42% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 61% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Schenectady, NY?
Schenectady offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,109/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,398) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Schenectady provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Schenectady has a population of 68,521 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Schenectady with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Schenectady
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon | 72,528 | $77,171 | $449,600 | Compare |
| Utica | 64,440 | $51,513 | $133,400 | Compare |
| Cheektowaga | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | 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 |
| New Rochelle | 81,591 | $103,813 | $667,300 | Compare |
| Levittown | 51,557 | $139,696 | $564,000 | 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 Schenectady With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Schenectady
What is the population of Schenectady, NY?
The population of Schenectady, NY is 68,521 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 Schenectady?
The median household income in Schenectady, NY is $56,398 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Schenectady?
The median home value in Schenectady, NY is $152,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Schenectady?
The median monthly rent in Schenectady, NY is $1,109, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Schenectady?
The unemployment rate in Schenectady, NY is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Schenectady, NY a good place to live?
Schenectady offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 68,521 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Schenectady, NY?
23.6% of residents in Schenectady 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 Schenectady?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Schenectady, NY: median home value is $152,000 (38% below national), median rent is $1,109/month, and median household income is $56,398. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Schenectady?
The poverty rate in Schenectady, NY is 23.1%, 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 Schenectady, NY?
Schenectady's population is 2.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 19.4% two or more races. 15.4% of residents are foreign-born.