Ulster County, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
182,601
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,271/yr
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
86,503
0.4% year-over-year change

Ulster County population

How many people live in Ulster County

Ulster County is home to 182,601 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Ulster County locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
182,601
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
90,817
Female
50.3%
91,784
Value Percent YoY change
Male 90,817 49.7% 0.1%
Female 91,784 50.3% 0.4%
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 Ulster County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 27.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
27.7%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 25,191 13.8% -1.5%
15 to 24 22,431 12.3% 1.0%
25 to 44 45,633 25% 1.1%
45 to 64 50,503 27.7% -1.7%
Over 65 38,843 21.3% 2.7%
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 Ulster County, 90.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.6% of locals are Caucasian, 6.2% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 164,610 90.2% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12,090 6.6% 1.0%
Non-citizens 5,901 3.2% -0.2%
Racial breakdown
White
74.6%
Black or African American
6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.8%
Other
4.8%
Value Percent
White 136,255 74.6%
Black or African American 11,342 6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 751 0.4%
Asian 3,913 2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 40 0%
Two or more races 21,612 11.8%
Other 8,688 4.8%

Households in Ulster County

A peek inside Ulster County households

Ulster County has 74,278 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
74,278
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
31,514
Family households
42,764
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 31,514 42.4% 2.9%
Family households 42,764 57.6% 0.7%
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 Ulster County

The housing landscape of Ulster County

Ulster County's housing consists of 86,503 units, with 67.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% 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 5.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
86,503
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 58,608 67.8%
1 unit, attached 2,741 3.2%
2 units 6,448 7.4%
3 or 4 units 4,978 5.8%
5 to 9 units 3,501 4%
10 to 19 units 2,279 2.6%
20 to 49 units 1,372 1.6%
50 or more units 1,495 1.7%
Mobile home 5,057 5.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 24 0%
Homes built since 2020
779
76.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ulster County

In Ulster County, the median construction year is 1966. About 26.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% 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 22,965 26.6% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,116 5.9% 0.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,408 12% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8,008 9.3% -5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,907 12.6% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,656 12.3% 5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,921 6.8% -11.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,690 8.9% -1.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,053 4.7% 2.3%
Built in 2020 or later 779 0.9% 76.6%
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.

Ulster County occupancy rates

Out of the 74,278 occupied housing units in Ulster County, 69.9% are owner-occupied, while 30.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
74,278
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
22,354
Owner occupied
51,924
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 22,354 30.1% 1.9%
Owner occupied 51,924 69.9% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.1%
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.

Ulster County housing costs

Housing costs in Ulster County come to a median of $1,551 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,425.

Median housing costs per month
$1,551/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 Ulster County
$1,425/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 Ulster County

Ulster County education at a glance

About 33.2% of the population in Ulster County went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 19.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,345 2.2% -7.5%
High school diploma 50,310 33.2% -0.7%
College diploma 30,511 20.2% 2.2%
Associate degree 13,773 9.1% -4.8%
Bachelor's degree 29,620 19.6% 2.4%
Graduate degree 23,828 15.7% 4.0%
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 Ulster County

How much people earn in Ulster County

The average annual household income in Ulster County was $117,353 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,271, reflecting a +5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ulster County
$117,353/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ulster County
$86,271/year
5.5% year-over-year change

Ulster County income by age

In Ulster County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $105,633. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,627 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,409, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,579 in earnings. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,409 9.2%
25 - 44 $105,633 4.1%
45 - 64 $105,627 9.9%
Over 65 $63,579 2.9%
Above poverty level
148,029
Below poverty level
25,443
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 148,029 85.3% -0.4%
Below poverty level 25,443 14.7% 2.5%

Employment in Ulster County

Workforce and job types in Ulster County

The job market in Ulster County is powered by 85,390 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15% run their own businesses, 55.6% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
85,390
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
69,092
Blue collar
16,298
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 69,092 80.9% -0.7%
Blue collar 16,298 19.1% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
15%
Private companies
55.6%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 12,791 15% 0.2%
Private companies 47,461 55.6% -0.3%
Governmental workers 15,367 18% -0.9%
Not for profit companies 9,771 11.4% -3.3%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
5.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ulster County stands at 5.4%, 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 Ulster County

How people get around in Ulster County

In Ulster County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 62,062 75.4% -4.1%
Taxicab 263 0.3% 11.9%
Bus or trolleybus 398 0.5% -37.8%
Subway or elevated 623 0.8% N/A
Railroad 548 0.7% 17.9%
Ferryboat 20 0% -25.9%
Motorcycle 104 0.1% 60.0%
Bicycle 428 0.5% 20.9%
Walk 2,712 3.3% 7.8%
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 Ulster County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12416 106 60 $0 $172,775
12417 828 359 $120,417 $128,805
12419 1,081 401 $121,776 $162,831
12401 35,136 15,351 $69,305 $96,148
12404 3,935 1,744 $77,214 $131,926
12406 644 317 $71,208 $128,758
12409 865 478 $116,280 $131,069
12410 343 234 $0 $44,706
12411 325 179 $97,880 $129,612
12412 475 212 $82,195 $101,882

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FAQs about Ulster County demographics 

What is the total population of Ulster County?

Ulster County has a total population of 182,601 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ulster County?

The gender ratio in Ulster County is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (90,817 residents)
  • 50.3% females (91,784 residents)

What is the median age in Ulster County?

The median age in Ulster County is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ulster County?

The age distribution in Ulster County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (25,191 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (22,431 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (45,633 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.7% (50,503 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.3% (38,843 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ulster County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ulster County is as follows:
  • White: 74.6% (136,255 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.2% (11,342 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (751 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (3,913 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (40 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.8% (21,612 residents)
  • Other: 4.8% (8,688 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.2% of the population in Ulster County.

How many housing units are there in Ulster County?

There are 86,503 housing units in Ulster County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ulster County has a total of 74,278 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ulster County?

Ulster County has a median household income of $86,271, representing a +5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ulster County?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Ulster County, with a workforce of 85,390 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.9% (69,092 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.1% (16,298 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15% (12,791 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.6% (47,461 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (15,367 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.4% (9,771 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