Poughkeepsie, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
31,958
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,741/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,290
0.2% year-over-year change

Poughkeepsie population

How many people live in Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie is home to 31,958 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Poughkeepsie locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
31,958
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
15,146
Female
52.6%
16,812
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,146 47.4% -1.9%
Female 16,812 52.6% 3.0%
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 Poughkeepsie is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.6% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
33.6%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,848 15.2% -2.3%
15 to 24 4,158 13% -0.9%
25 to 44 10,754 33.6% 4.6%
45 to 64 6,957 21.8% 1.6%
Over 65 5,241 16.4% -4.6%
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 Poughkeepsie, 75.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36.2% of locals are Caucasian, 32.6% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. Another 1.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 9.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.8%
Non-citizens
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,048 75.2% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,784 11.8% -5.3%
Non-citizens 4,126 12.9% 7.4%
Racial breakdown
White
36.2%
Black or African American
32.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.9%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
18.2%
Other
9.4%
Value Percent
White 11,581 36.2%
Black or African American 10,413 32.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 616 1.9%
Asian 527 1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 20 0.1%
Two or more races 5,802 18.2%
Other 2,999 9.4%

Households in Poughkeepsie

A peek inside Poughkeepsie households

Poughkeepsie has 13,650 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.3% are families, while the remaining 48.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,650
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,645
Family households
7,005
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,645 48.7% 1.4%
Family households 7,005 51.3% 1.7%
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 Poughkeepsie

The housing landscape of Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie's housing consists of 14,290 units, with 27% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
14,290
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,858 27%
1 unit, attached 836 5.8%
2 units 2,110 14.8%
3 or 4 units 3,000 21%
5 to 9 units 1,225 8.6%
10 to 19 units 704 4.9%
20 to 49 units 1,009 7.1%
50 or more units 1,545 10.8%
Mobile home 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
131
81.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Poughkeepsie

In Poughkeepsie, the median construction year is 1952. About 40.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% 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 5,839 40.9% 4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,096 7.7% -14.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,358 9.5% -4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,317 9.2% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,170 15.2% 4.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 866 6.1% -12.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 385 2.7% -20.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 463 3.2% 107.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 665 4.6% -15.8%
Built in 2020 or later 131 0.9% 81.9%
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.

Poughkeepsie occupancy rates

Out of the 13,650 occupied housing units in Poughkeepsie, 38.8% are owner-occupied, while 61.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,650
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,359
Owner occupied
5,291
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,359 61.2% 2.3%
Owner occupied 5,291 38.8% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Poughkeepsie housing costs

Housing costs in Poughkeepsie come to a median of $1,500 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,400.

Median housing costs per month
$1,500/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 Poughkeepsie
$1,400/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 Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie education at a glance

About 37.7% of the population in Poughkeepsie went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,464 5.6% 5.6%
High school diploma 9,820 37.7% -2.2%
College diploma 5,026 19.3% 5.2%
Associate degree 1,924 7.4% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 4,121 15.8% 0.2%
Graduate degree 3,683 14.1% 7.3%
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 Poughkeepsie

How much people earn in Poughkeepsie

The average annual household income in Poughkeepsie was $98,549 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,741, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Poughkeepsie
$98,549/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Poughkeepsie
$60,741/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Poughkeepsie income by age

In Poughkeepsie, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $63,694. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,538 overall. Overall, 82.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $63,694 2.6%
45 - 64 $66,538 1.7%
Over 65 $49,207 -0.9%
Above poverty level
25,404
Below poverty level
5,463
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,404 82.3% 1.0%
Below poverty level 5,463 17.7% -1.7%

Average renter income in Poughkeepsie

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Poughkeepsie, their median household income was $36,706 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,706
Rent-to-income ratio
45.8%
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 Poughkeepsie

Workforce and job types in Poughkeepsie

The job market in Poughkeepsie is powered by 15,725 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 61.3% are employed by private companies, and 16.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,725
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
13,317
Blue collar
2,408
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,317 84.7% 2.1%
Blue collar 2,408 15.3% 3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
61.3%
Governmental workers
16.7%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,191 7.6% 34.1%
Private companies 9,640 61.3% -5.2%
Governmental workers 2,632 16.7% 13.6%
Not for profit companies 2,262 14.4% 12.9%
Unemployment rate
8.8%
16.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Poughkeepsie stands at 8.8%, 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 Poughkeepsie

How people get around in Poughkeepsie

In Poughkeepsie, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,508 75.8% 2.1%
Taxicab 453 3% 9.2%
Bus or trolleybus 541 3.6% -18.0%
Subway or elevated 31 0.2% N/A
Railroad 334 2.2% 15.2%
Bicycle 16 0.1% -80.2%
Walk 881 5.8% -1.8%
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 Poughkeepsie by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12601 44,164 17,329 $63,652 $101,101
12603 42,304 16,919 $103,538 $130,177

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FAQs about Poughkeepsie demographics 

What is the total population of Poughkeepsie?

Poughkeepsie has a total population of 31,958 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 Poughkeepsie?

The gender ratio in Poughkeepsie is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (15,146 residents)
  • 52.6% females (16,812 residents)

What is the median age in Poughkeepsie?

The median age in Poughkeepsie is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Poughkeepsie?

The age distribution in Poughkeepsie is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (4,848 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (4,158 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.6% (10,754 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (6,957 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (5,241 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Poughkeepsie?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Poughkeepsie is as follows:
  • White: 36.2% (11,581 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.6% (10,413 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.9% (616 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (527 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (20 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.2% (5,802 residents)
  • Other: 9.4% (2,999 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.2% of the population in Poughkeepsie.

How many housing units are there in Poughkeepsie?

There are 14,290 housing units in Poughkeepsie, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Poughkeepsie has a total of 13,650 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Poughkeepsie?

Poughkeepsie has a median household income of $60,741, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.2% in Poughkeepsie, with a workforce of 15,725 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.7% (13,317 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.3% (2,408 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (1,191 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.3% (9,640 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.7% (2,632 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (2,262 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