Schenectady, NY Census Data
The 10th largest city in New York by population · 17 cities ranked
Schenectady is the 10th largest city in New York by population and ranks 13th of 17 for median household income. With 68,521 residents, its poverty rate of 23.1% ranks among the higher rates in New York. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
68,521
49.2% male · 50.8% female
Median Age
35.8
2.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$56,398
$22,140 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
23.6%
11.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 85.5%
Poverty Rate
23.1%
10.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.8%
Broadband Access
93.1%
3.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$152,000
Median rent: $1,109 · 45% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
8.9%
Labor force participation: 55.0%
Per Capita Income
$36,031
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.4%
Disability rate: 16.5%
How Schenectady Compares to Other New York Cities
Rankings among all 17 New York cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 10th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 13th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 11th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 15th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 14th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Schenectady, NY Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Schenectady, NY?
The population of Schenectady, NY is 68,521 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.8 years.
What is the median household income in Schenectady?
The median household income in Schenectady, NY is $56,398, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,031.
What is the poverty rate in Schenectady?
The poverty rate in Schenectady, NY is 23.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Schenectady residents have a college degree?
23.6% of adults (25+) in Schenectady hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 85.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Schenectady?
The median home value in Schenectady, NY is $152,000. Median rent is $1,109 per month, with 45% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Schenectady?
Schenectady's population is 49.8% White, 20.8% Black, 13.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Schenectady rank among New York cities?
Schenectady is the 10th largest city in New York by population, the 13th highest for median household income, the 11th lowest for poverty rate, the 15th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked New York cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Schenectady?
The unemployment rate in Schenectady, NY is 8.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 55.0%. Per capita income is $36,031.
Cities Similar to Schenectady
Other New York cities with comparable population and income levels.