Schenectady, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
68,847
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,399/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
31,417
0.2% year-over-year change

Schenectady population

How many people live in Schenectady

Schenectady is home to 68,847 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Schenectady locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
68,847
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
33,853
Female
50.8%
34,994
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,853 49.2% 0.3%
Female 34,994 50.8% 0.6%
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 Schenectady is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 16.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.6% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
16.6%
25 to 44
27.6%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,374 16.5% -2.4%
15 to 24 11,393 16.6% 0.3%
25 to 44 19,019 27.6% 2.0%
45 to 64 16,686 24.2% -1.1%
Over 65 10,375 15.1% 3.8%
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 Schenectady, 82.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.2% of locals are Caucasian, 19.8% are African American and 6.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.1%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 56,573 82.2% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,357 12.1% -2.8%
Non-citizens 3,917 5.7% -2.2%
Racial breakdown
White
49.2%
Black or African American
19.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
16.1%
Other
8.1%
Value Percent
White 33,859 49.2%
Black or African American 13,645 19.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 455 0.7%
Asian 4,178 6.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 39 0.1%
Two or more races 11,109 16.1%
Other 5,562 8.1%

Households in Schenectady

A peek inside Schenectady households

Schenectady has 29,184 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.1% are families, while the remaining 48.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
29,184
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
14,279
Family households
14,905
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 14,279 48.9% 5.4%
Family households 14,905 51.1% -2.0%
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 Schenectady

The housing landscape of Schenectady

Schenectady's housing consists of 31,417 units, with 39.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
31,417
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,287 39.1%
1 unit, attached 880 2.8%
2 units 8,655 27.6%
3 or 4 units 3,536 11.3%
5 to 9 units 1,618 5.2%
10 to 19 units 1,013 3.2%
20 to 49 units 1,089 3.5%
50 or more units 2,198 7%
Mobile home 139 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
161
29.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Schenectady

In Schenectady, the median construction year is 1941. About 48.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 15,288 48.7% -3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,830 9% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,840 12.2% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,094 9.8% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,778 5.7% 6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,098 3.5% 11.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 880 2.8% 13.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 735 2.3% 2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,713 5.4% 5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 161 0.5% 29.8%
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.

Schenectady occupancy rates

Out of the 29,184 occupied housing units in Schenectady, 45.6% are owner-occupied, while 54.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
29,184
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,865
Owner occupied
13,319
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,865 54.4% -0.1%
Owner occupied 13,319 45.6% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
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.

Schenectady housing costs

Housing costs in Schenectady come to a median of $1,176 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,145.

Median housing costs per month
$1,176/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 Schenectady
$1,145/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 Schenectady

Schenectady education at a glance

About 39.4% of the population in Schenectady went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,363 4.3% -11.4%
High school diploma 21,737 39.4% -1.7%
College diploma 12,718 23% 2.7%
Associate degree 5,928 10.7% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 7,653 13.9% 5.8%
Graduate degree 4,781 8.7% 12.9%
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 Schenectady

How much people earn in Schenectady

The average annual household income in Schenectady was $79,372 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,399, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Schenectady
$79,372/year
6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Schenectady
$58,399/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Schenectady income by age

In Schenectady, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,082. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,453 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,225, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,060 in earnings. Overall, 76.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,225 1.2%
25 - 44 $69,082 12.1%
45 - 64 $64,453 4.6%
Over 65 $47,060 -6.5%
Above poverty level
49,395
Below poverty level
15,326
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 49,395 76.3% -0.7%
Below poverty level 15,326 23.7% 2.5%

Average renter income in Schenectady

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Schenectady, their median household income was $36,187 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,187
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
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 Schenectady

Workforce and job types in Schenectady

The job market in Schenectady is powered by 31,294 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 60.2% are employed by private companies, and 17.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
31,294
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
25,299
Blue collar
5,995
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,299 80.8% 1.6%
Blue collar 5,995 19.2% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
60.2%
Governmental workers
17.1%
Not for profit companies
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,877 6% 25.4%
Private companies 18,831 60.2% -3.5%
Governmental workers 5,338 17.1% 9.7%
Not for profit companies 5,248 16.8% 5.7%
Unemployment rate
8.8%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Schenectady 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 Schenectady

How people get around in Schenectady

In Schenectady, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,510 77% 1.6%
Taxicab 165 0.5% 37.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1,955 6.4% -17.5%
Subway or elevated 24 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 8 0% -27.3%
Bicycle 22 0.1% -54.2%
Walk 1,424 4.7% -12.8%
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 Schenectady by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12303 29,360 11,910 $84,375 $103,461
12304 22,403 9,306 $69,235 $90,242
12305 7,356 3,636 $53,326 $78,561
12307 7,050 3,166 $24,758 $40,507
12308 15,511 6,253 $63,434 $92,193

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FAQs about Schenectady demographics 

What is the total population of Schenectady?

Schenectady has a total population of 68,847 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Schenectady?

The gender ratio in Schenectady is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (33,853 residents)
  • 50.8% females (34,994 residents)

What is the median age in Schenectady?

The median age in Schenectady is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Schenectady?

The age distribution in Schenectady is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (11,374 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.6% (11,393 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.6% (19,019 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (16,686 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (10,375 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Schenectady?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Schenectady is as follows:
  • White: 49.2% (33,859 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.8% (13,645 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (455 residents)
  • Asian: 6.1% (4,178 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (39 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.1% (11,109 residents)
  • Other: 8.1% (5,562 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.2% of the population in Schenectady.

How many housing units are there in Schenectady?

There are 31,417 housing units in Schenectady, 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 Schenectady and what is the average household size?

Schenectady has a total of 29,184 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Schenectady?

Schenectady has a median household income of $58,399, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.2% in Schenectady, with a workforce of 31,294 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.8% (25,299 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.2% (5,995 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (1,877 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.2% (18,831 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.1% (5,338 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.8% (5,248 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