Cohoes, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,159
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,145/yr
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,744
8.0% year-over-year change

Cohoes population

How many people live in Cohoes

Cohoes is home to 18,159 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Cohoes locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
18,159
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
8,397
Female
53.8%
9,762
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,397 46.2% 3.7%
Female 9,762 53.8% -1.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cohoes is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 16.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
16.9%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,840 15.6% -16.5%
15 to 24 3,073 16.9% 11.5%
25 to 44 4,843 26.7% 2.5%
45 to 64 4,170 23% 7.6%
Over 65 3,233 17.8% -1.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cohoes, 87.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.9% of locals are Caucasian, 11.7% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,966 87.9% -3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,189 6.6% 23.6%
Non-citizens 1,004 5.5% 97.6%
Racial breakdown
White
74.9%
Black or African American
11.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 13,604 74.9%
Black or African American 2,128 11.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.1%
Asian 445 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0.1%
Two or more races 1,586 8.7%
Other 375 2.1%

Households in Cohoes

A peek inside Cohoes households

Cohoes has 8,403 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.1% are families, while the remaining 49.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,403
6.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,194
Family households
4,209
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,194 49.9% 11.4%
Family households 4,209 50.1% 2.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cohoes

The housing landscape of Cohoes

Cohoes's housing consists of 9,744 units, with 28.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
9,744
8.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,738 28.1%
1 unit, attached 690 7.1%
2 units 2,471 25.4%
3 or 4 units 1,237 12.7%
5 to 9 units 1,034 10.6%
10 to 19 units 303 3.1%
20 to 49 units 381 3.9%
50 or more units 890 9.1%
Homes built since 2020
84
21.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cohoes

In Cohoes, the median construction year is 1954. About 40.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,922 40.2% 3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 601 6.2% 21.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 845 8.7% 2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 381 3.9% 20.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 897 9.2% 1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 624 6.4% 53.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 489 5% -5.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 913 9.4% 36.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 988 10.1% -4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 84 0.9% 21.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cohoes occupancy rates

Out of the 8,403 occupied housing units in Cohoes, 39.5% are owner-occupied, while 60.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,403
6.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,084
Owner occupied
3,319
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,084 60.5% 9.7%
Owner occupied 3,319 39.5% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cohoes housing costs

Housing costs in Cohoes come to a median of $1,247 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,251.

Median housing costs per month
$1,247/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cohoes
$1,251/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cohoes

Cohoes education at a glance

About 36.1% of the population in Cohoes went to high school, while 18.5% pursued college studies. Another 15.6% earned an associate degree and 17.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 381 2.6% 23.7%
High school diploma 5,254 36.1% -1.0%
College diploma 2,694 18.5% 9.9%
Associate degree 2,273 15.6% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,496 17.2% 2.3%
Graduate degree 1,439 9.9% 27.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cohoes

How much people earn in Cohoes

The average annual household income in Cohoes was $76,056 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,145, reflecting a -1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cohoes
$76,056/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cohoes
$61,145/year
-1.6% year-over-year change

Cohoes income by age

In Cohoes, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,184. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,389 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,306, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,334 in earnings. Overall, 75% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,306 -1.7%
25 - 44 $61,184 -3.3%
45 - 64 $66,389 2.6%
Over 65 $47,334 -2.3%
Above poverty level
12,864
Below poverty level
4,296
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,864 75% 0.8%
Below poverty level 4,296 25% -0.3%

Average renter income in Cohoes

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cohoes, their median household income was $56,713 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,713
Rent-to-income ratio
26.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cohoes

Workforce and job types in Cohoes

The job market in Cohoes is powered by 8,430 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 64.3% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,430
4.6% year-over-year change
White collar
7,019
Blue collar
1,411
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,019 83.3% 2.2%
Blue collar 1,411 16.7% 18.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
64.3%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 743 8.8% 65.5%
Private companies 5,424 64.3% 4.3%
Governmental workers 1,418 16.8% -1.7%
Not for profit companies 845 10% -12.9%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
3.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cohoes stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cohoes

How people get around in Cohoes

Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,758 82.4% 1.4%
Taxicab 45 0.6% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 115 1.4% 12.8%
Ferryboat 128 1.6% 220.0%
Bicycle 37 0.4% -24.5%
Walk 120 1.5% -16.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cohoes by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12047 23,532 10,323 $66,071 $95,196

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FAQs about Cohoes demographics 

What is the total population of Cohoes?

Cohoes has a total population of 18,159 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cohoes?

The gender ratio in Cohoes is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (8,397 residents)
  • 53.8% females (9,762 residents)

What is the median age in Cohoes?

The median age in Cohoes is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cohoes?

The age distribution in Cohoes is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (2,840 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.9% (3,073 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (4,843 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (4,170 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (3,233 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cohoes?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cohoes is as follows:
  • White: 74.9% (13,604 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.7% (2,128 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (445 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (1,586 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (375 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cohoes are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.9% of the population in Cohoes.

How many housing units are there in Cohoes?

There are 9,744 housing units in Cohoes, reflecting a +8.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cohoes and what is the average household size?

Cohoes has a total of 8,403 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cohoes?

Cohoes has a median household income of $61,145, representing a -1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cohoes?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Cohoes, with a workforce of 8,430 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.3% (7,019 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.7% (1,411 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (743 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.3% (5,424 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (1,418 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (845 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025