Watervliet, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,287
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,919/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,654
-5.5% year-over-year change

Watervliet population

How many people live in Watervliet

Watervliet is home to 10,287 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Watervliet locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
10,287
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
4,894
Female
52.4%
5,393
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,894 47.6% -1.3%
Female 5,393 52.4% 1.2%
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 Watervliet is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,721 16.7% 10.2%
15 to 24 1,483 14.4% 0.6%
25 to 44 2,514 24.4% -10.6%
45 to 64 2,566 24.9% 0.1%
Over 65 2,003 19.5% 6.8%
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 Watervliet, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.5% of locals are Caucasian, 10.3% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,871 96% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 319 3.1% -13.3%
Non-citizens 97 0.9% -57.3%
Racial breakdown
White
76.5%
Black or African American
10.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 7,867 76.5%
Black or African American 1,061 10.3%
Asian 190 1.8%
Two or more races 718 7%
Other 451 4.4%

Households in Watervliet

A peek inside Watervliet households

Watervliet has 5,090 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.4% are families, while the remaining 54.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,090
-3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,779
Family households
2,311
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,779 54.6% -4.2%
Family households 2,311 45.4% -2.2%
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 Watervliet

The housing landscape of Watervliet

Watervliet's housing consists of 5,654 units, with 25.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,654
-5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,462 25.9%
1 unit, attached 84 1.5%
2 units 2,136 37.8%
3 or 4 units 966 17.1%
5 to 9 units 243 4.3%
10 to 19 units 411 7.3%
20 to 49 units 52 0.9%
50 or more units 300 5.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watervliet

In Watervliet, the median construction year is 1938. About 59.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,382 59.8% -5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 344 6.1% -12.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 422 7.5% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 368 6.5% 31.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 714 12.6% 6.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 127 2.2% -60.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 124 2.2% -2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 54 1% 5.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 119 2.1% -17.9%
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.

Watervliet occupancy rates

Out of the 5,090 occupied housing units in Watervliet, 34.7% are owner-occupied, while 65.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,090
-3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,323
Owner occupied
1,767
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,323 65.3% -3.3%
Owner occupied 1,767 34.7% -3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
10.0%
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.

Watervliet housing costs

Housing costs in Watervliet come to a median of $1,109 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,083.

Median housing costs per month
$1,109/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 Watervliet
$1,083/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 Watervliet

Watervliet education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Watervliet went to high school, while 27.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 328 3.9% 32.3%
High school diploma 3,546 42.5% 8.8%
College diploma 2,264 27.1% -13.0%
Associate degree 903 10.8% -9.2%
Bachelor's degree 968 11.6% -11.1%
Graduate degree 338 4% -0.3%
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 Watervliet

How much people earn in Watervliet

The average annual household income in Watervliet was $68,910 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,919, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watervliet
$68,910/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watervliet
$57,919/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Watervliet income by age

In Watervliet, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,163. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,868 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,910, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,870 in earnings. Overall, 81.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,910 N/A
25 - 44 $65,163 6.3%
45 - 64 $52,868 -3.5%
Over 65 $40,870 -1.3%
Above poverty level
8,393
Below poverty level
1,862
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,393 81.8% 1.9%
Below poverty level 1,862 18.2% -7.0%

Average renter income in Watervliet

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watervliet, their median household income was $38,694 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,694
Rent-to-income ratio
33.6%
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 Watervliet

Workforce and job types in Watervliet

The job market in Watervliet is powered by 5,127 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 59.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,127
-4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
3,849
Blue collar
1,278
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,849 75.1% -2.5%
Blue collar 1,278 24.9% -9.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
59.6%
Governmental workers
21.3%
Not for profit companies
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 302 5.9% 7.1%
Private companies 3,057 59.6% -9.4%
Governmental workers 1,093 21.3% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 675 13.2% 7.0%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-11.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watervliet stands at 4.4%, 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 Watervliet

How people get around in Watervliet

Commuting methods vary: 77.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.5% 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 3,855 77.1% -8.6%
Bus or trolleybus 254 5.1% -5.6%
Bicycle 44 0.9% N/A
Walk 276 5.5% 11.7%
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 Watervliet by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12189 18,656 8,731 $65,276 $90,379

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FAQs about Watervliet demographics 

What is the total population of Watervliet?

Watervliet has a total population of 10,287 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 +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watervliet?

The gender ratio in Watervliet is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (4,894 residents)
  • 52.4% females (5,393 residents)

What is the median age in Watervliet?

The median age in Watervliet is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watervliet?

The age distribution in Watervliet is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (1,721 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (1,483 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (2,514 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (2,566 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (2,003 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watervliet?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watervliet is as follows:
  • White: 76.5% (7,867 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.3% (1,061 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (190 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (718 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (451 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Watervliet.

How many housing units are there in Watervliet?

There are 5,654 housing units in Watervliet, reflecting a -5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watervliet has a total of 5,090 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watervliet?

Watervliet has a median household income of $57,919, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Watervliet, with a workforce of 5,127 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.1% (3,849 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.9% (1,278 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (302 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.6% (3,057 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.3% (1,093 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.2% (675 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