West Sand Lake, New York Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Sand Lake, New York had a total population of 3,479, the 459th largest community in New York, with a median household income of $121,250, which is 41% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 41% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New York.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.0% — among the lowest in New York.
West Sand Lake Quick Facts
How West Sand Lake 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 | 3,453 | 3,479 | +0.8% |
| Median household income | $126,595 | $121,250 | -4.2% |
| Median home value | $322,300 | $315,800 | -2.0% |
How West Sand Lake 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
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Sand Lake Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Rensselaer County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 51,033 | $58,477 | 23.4% | $206,500 |
| Rensselaer | 9,287 | $70,080 | 17.9% | $208,900 |
| East Greenbush | 6,581 | $118,393 | 4.2% | $303,400 |
| Hampton Manor | 5,334 | $98,364 | 6.7% | $239,400 |
| Wynantskill | 3,487 | $108,558 | 6.5% | $293,400 |
| Hoosick Falls | 3,177 | $48,214 | 16.1% | $154,600 |
| Averill Park | 1,615 | $117,946 | 0.0% | $273,300 |
| Castleton-on-Hudson | 1,591 | $52,056 | 14.1% | $222,600 |
| Nassau | 1,058 | $84,781 | 4.6% | $239,200 |
| Nassau Lake | 830 | N/A | 16.9% | $282,800 |
Cities Similar to West Sand Lake
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vassar College | 3,529 | $121,469 | $415,600 | 87.0% | 32.4% |
| SUNY Oswego | 3,564 | N/A | N/A | 100.0% | 42.5% |
| Balmville | 3,399 | $120,694 | $392,200 | 33.9% | 3.2% |
| Beaver Dam Lake | 3,627 | $120,755 | $425,200 | 41.8% | 1.3% |
| Islandia | 3,600 | $116,313 | $477,400 | 32.5% | 7.7% |
Population Overview
West Sand Lake is a small community located in New York, within Rensselaer County. The total population is 3,479. It ranks as the 459th most populous out of 1,289 Census-designated places in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Sand Lake is 42.4 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 39.8 years. With 28.6% of the population under 18, West Sand Lake has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Sand Lake is $121,250. This is 41% higher than the state median of $85,974. It is also 50% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%. This is 72% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.7%. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $315,800. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $423,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, West Sand Lake is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 87.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 62% higher than the state average of 54.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
West Sand Lake has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 97.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (97.2% vs 52.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 19.8%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 9.0%.
Education
38.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 4% 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 91.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Sand Lake, 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 West Sand Lake, New York?
West Sand Lake, New York has a population of 3,479 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Sand Lake, NY?
The median household income in West Sand Lake is $121,250, which is 50% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Sand Lake, NY?
The poverty rate in West Sand Lake is 4.0%. This means approximately 138 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Sand Lake, New York?
West Sand Lake's population is 97.2% White, 0.0% Black, 2.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Sand Lake, NY?
The median home value in West Sand Lake is $315,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is West Sand Lake, New York?
38.6% of adults (25+) in West Sand Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.