Albany city, New York Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Albany city, New York has a total population of 100,081, the 6th largest city in New York, with a median household income of $59,485, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 8.3% is notably above the national average.
Albany city Quick Facts
How Albany city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Albany city Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Albany County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohoes city | 18,043 | $62,111 | 25.3% | $209,400 |
| Watervliet city | 10,285 | $55,897 | 19.9% | $176,200 |
Cities Similar to Albany city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheektowaga CDP | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | 28.2% | 9.6% |
| Schenectady city | 68,521 | $56,398 | $152,000 | 23.6% | 23.2% |
| Mount Vernon city | 72,528 | $77,171 | $449,600 | 35.0% | 13.6% |
| New Rochelle city | 81,591 | $103,813 | $667,300 | 49.1% | 10.6% |
| Syracuse city | 146,211 | $45,845 | $125,100 | 30.5% | 29.6% |
Population Overview
Albany city is a major urban center located in New York, within Albany County. The total population is 100,081. It ranks as the 6th most populous out of 1,287 cities and towns in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in Albany city is 31.9 years. This is 19% lower than the state median of 39.6 years. Only 14.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Albany city is $59,485. This is 30% lower than the state median of $84,578. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.4%. This is 70% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.7%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.3%. This is 33% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $223,000. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $403,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 37.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 54.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Albany city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 50.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 24.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (24.8% vs 13.6%).
Education
44.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% higher than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.6%. Notably, 20.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Albany city, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,287 Census-designated places in New York. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all New York city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Albany city, New York?
Albany city, New York has a population of 100,081 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Albany city, NY?
The median household income in Albany city is $59,485, which is 24% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Albany city, NY?
The poverty rate in Albany city is 23.4%. This means approximately 21,137 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Albany city, New York?
Albany city's population is 50.5% White, 24.8% Black, 10.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Albany city, NY?
The median home value in Albany city is $223,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Albany city, New York?
44.9% of adults (25+) in Albany city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.