Schenectady, New York Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Schenectady, New York had a total population of 68,847, the 10th largest city in New York, with a median household income of $58,399, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New York (diversity index: 71/100).
- Unemployment rate of 8.8% is notably above the national average.
Schenectady Quick Facts
How Schenectady Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,521 | 68,847 | +0.5% |
| Median household income | $56,398 | $58,399 | +3.5% |
| Median home value | $152,000 | $168,800 | +11.1% |
How Schenectady Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Schenectady Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Schenectady County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | 22,695 | $85,887 | 6.8% | $214,400 |
| Niskayuna | 21,227 | $134,052 | 4.0% | $357,900 |
| East Glenville | 11,914 | $96,588 | 4.9% | $296,200 |
| Scotia | 7,264 | $76,525 | 4.9% | $189,900 |
| Mariaville Lake | 1,085 | $83,168 | 13.1% | $248,200 |
| Delanson | 263 | $113,750 | 3.5% | $264,500 |
| Duane Lake | 236 | $142,150 | 11.0% | $404,300 |
| Duanesburg | 63 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Schenectady
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utica | 64,217 | $52,484 | $151,300 | 22.4% | 27.5% |
| Cheektowaga | 76,056 | $68,613 | $185,500 | 29.6% | 10.7% |
| Mount Vernon | 72,427 | $78,779 | $484,000 | 35.9% | 14.8% |
| Troy | 51,033 | $58,477 | $206,500 | 37.3% | 23.4% |
| Tonawanda Town | 56,806 | $77,679 | $215,200 | 39.4% | 10.0% |
Population Overview
Schenectady is a mid-sized community located in New York, within Schenectady County. The total population is 68,847. It ranks as the 10th most populous out of 1,289 Census-designated places in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in Schenectady is 36.1 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 39.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Schenectady is $58,399. This is 32% lower than the state median of $85,974. It is also 28% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%. This is 70% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.0%. 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 8.8%. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $168,800. Housing costs are 60% lower than the state median of $423,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Schenectady is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 45.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% lower than the state average of 54.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Schenectady is White (non-Hispanic), making up 47.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 18.7%.
Education
25.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% lower than the state rate of 40.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Schenectady, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,289 Census-designated places in New York. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Schenectady, New York?
Schenectady, New York has a population of 68,847 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Schenectady, NY?
The median household income in Schenectady is $58,399, which is 28% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Schenectady, NY?
The poverty rate in Schenectady is 23.8%. This means approximately 15,570 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Schenectady, New York?
Schenectady's population is 47.5% White, 18.7% Black, 12.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Schenectady, NY?
The median home value in Schenectady is $168,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Schenectady, New York?
25.4% of adults (25+) in Schenectady hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.