Waterville, NY
Population 1,682 · New York
About Waterville, NY
Waterville is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,682 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,125 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waterville features a median home value of $158,300, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waterville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $852, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 755 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (401 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (318 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterville shows an unemployment rate of 0.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waterville have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Waterville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waterville Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Waterville, NY
Compared to national averages, Waterville has a median household income of $76,125 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,300, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $852 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Waterville's income is 22% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 59% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Waterville, NY?
Waterville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,125, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $158,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $852/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.5%, and a low poverty rate of 7.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Waterville has a population of 1,682 with a median age of 45.6 years. Compare Waterville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Waterville
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clintondale | 1,682 | $58,627 | $315,800 | Compare |
| Oakfield | 1,683 | $65,833 | $131,200 | Compare |
| Houghton | 1,685 | $87,188 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Morrisonville | 1,688 | $83,750 | $209,900 | Compare |
| Painted Post | 1,691 | $68,009 | $145,600 | Compare |
| Milton CDP (Ulster County), New York | 1,692 | $95,909 | $338,700 | Compare |
| Clayton | 1,669 | $57,125 | $192,900 | Compare |
| Walker Valley | 1,695 | $96,429 | $355,100 | 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 Waterville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterville
What is the population of Waterville, NY?
The population of Waterville, NY is 1,682 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 Waterville?
The median household income in Waterville, NY is $76,125 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville, NY is $158,300, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waterville?
The median monthly rent in Waterville, NY is $852, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterville?
The unemployment rate in Waterville, NY is 0.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waterville, NY a good place to live?
Waterville offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,682 and a median age of 45.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waterville, NY?
18.6% of residents in Waterville 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 Waterville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waterville, NY: median home value is $158,300 (35% below national), median rent is $852/month, and median household income is $76,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waterville?
The poverty rate in Waterville, NY is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waterville, NY?
Waterville's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.