Watervliet, NY
Population 10,285 · New York
About Watervliet, NY
Watervliet is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 10,285 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,897 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watervliet features a median home value of $176,200, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Watervliet in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,076, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,980 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (1,830 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (3,435 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 Watervliet shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Watervliet have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Watervliet 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 3.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watervliet, NY
Compared to national averages, Watervliet has a median household income of $55,897 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $176,200, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,076 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Watervliet's income is 42% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 54% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Watervliet, NY?
Watervliet offers affordable housing with a median home value of $176,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,076/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,897) that falls below the national average. However, Watervliet’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watervliet has a population of 10,285 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Watervliet with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Watervliet
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loudonville | 10,274 | $131,806 | $370,200 | Compare |
| Oneida | 10,240 | $60,380 | $146,300 | Compare |
| Massena | 10,234 | $48,810 | $99,200 | Compare |
| New Hyde Park | 10,208 | $146,571 | $700,400 | Compare |
| Fort Salonga | 10,203 | $182,165 | $843,000 | Compare |
| East Setauket | 10,385 | $149,820 | $613,300 | Compare |
| South Huntington | 10,150 | $151,078 | $614,200 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 10,127 | $63,902 | $186,300 | 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 Watervliet With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watervliet
What is the population of Watervliet, NY?
The population of Watervliet, NY is 10,285 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 Watervliet?
The median household income in Watervliet, NY is $55,897 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watervliet?
The median home value in Watervliet, NY is $176,200, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watervliet?
The median monthly rent in Watervliet, NY is $1,076, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watervliet?
The unemployment rate in Watervliet, 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 Watervliet, NY a good place to live?
Watervliet offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,285 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watervliet, NY?
18.8% of residents in Watervliet 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 Watervliet?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watervliet, NY: median home value is $176,200 (28% below national), median rent is $1,076/month, and median household income is $55,897. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watervliet?
The poverty rate in Watervliet, NY is 19.9%, 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 Watervliet, NY?
Watervliet's population is 3.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 8.7% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.